Boas práticas na produção de fitoterápicos artesanais: estudo de caso no grupo erva vida de Marapanim, estado do Pará-br.

Abstract

In a multicultural country like Brazil, with an extensive and diverse flora, different specific human groups still prepare artisanal herbal medicines based on predominantly empirical knowledge such groups are considered to possess the necessary wisdom for this purpose. These communities apply this wisdom as an effective and accessible alternative to treat their illnesses, associating it with medicinal plants. Despite being ancient, phytotherapy is still actively expanding in modern society, considering the significant need for more accessible therapeutic options. However, to guarantee the quality and safety of these herbal medicines produced by hand, procedures that reflect Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are necessary. Thus, the general objective of this work was to understand the regulation of herbal medicine production to propose adequate and appropriate operational procedures for the qualified production of artisanal herbal medicines by community organizations. To this end, a case study was carried out with the Erva Vida group in Marapanim/PA to understand the knowledge involved in the artisanal production of herbal medicines. Bibliographical research was performed to understand, analyze, and interpret the official regulations and to evaluate the elements contained in the regulatory instruments for good production practices that can be introduced in the manufacture of herbal medicines by the community adapting it without distorting the artisanal nature of the process. After these steps and, based on the results obtained, two technological products were developed and proposed as guidance instruments: the “Roadmap for evaluating the hygienic-sanitary conditions of good manufacturing practices in the artisanal production of herbal medicines” more technical, and the “Printbook for the application of Good Manufacturing Practices in artisanal production establishments of artisanal herbal medicines” with more didactic characteristics. The first product was applied to the Erva Vida group, and the results were quantified and subsequently analyzed qualitatively to construct the second product. Finally, implementing elements of good manufacturing practices is proposed to contribute to the continuity and traditionality of this production, incorporating elements that can make its products safer and more effective without eroding the cultural characteristics of the artisanal production group.