Abstract

The stem bark of Stryphnodendron adstringens, popularly known in Brazil as "barbatimão", has many biological activities, including antifungal activity. Considering the increasing interest of using "barbatimão" extract in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, the aim of this study was to propose a pharmaceutical topical gel containing a proanthocyanidin polymers-rich fraction for use as a pharmacological agent in vaginal gels, as well as to evaluate the validation parameters for the determination of phenolic compounds. UV/Vis spectrophotometry was used as a quantitative method for quality control of topical gel and a proanthocyanidin polymers-rich fraction was used in this work. The proposed gel seems suitable for use in vaginal infections, and the analytical method was linear, specific, precise, accurate, reproducible and robust. This methodology complies with analytical application demands and it is easily performed in work routine.

Key words: Barbatimão, polyphenols, Stryphnodendron adstringens, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, vaginal gel, validation method.