The aim of this study was to evaluate, through spectrophotometric methodology, the total flavonoid content in products containing "pata-de-vaca" (Bauhinia L.) sold in pharmacies in Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The methodology of complexation with aluminum chloride was used. The results were expressed as µg of rutin equivalents per milliliter (µg RE mL-1). Nine products (drug erasures, extracts and capsules) were purchased and evaluated. The concentrations of total flavonoids in the samples ranged from 1.663 ± 0.144 to 28.698 ± 0.187 µg RE mL-1. The results showed no uniformity as to the total flavonoid content, indicating a lack of standardization in herbal preparations and a possible inefficiency of the marketed products.
"pata-de-vaca"; standardization; spectrophotometry
