Publication: Profiling of adulterated dietary supplements in Iraq using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Date
2023-09
Authors
Al-Sakini, Farah Faris Hayder
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In Iraq, the usage of weight-loss medications has grown in popularity as more people look
for an instant solution to their weight problems. Nevertheless, there are many adulterated slimming
pills on the market that put users' health in danger. These tablets often contain hazardous additives
like ephedrine, sibutramine, and phenolphthalein, which can have severe side effects like heart
palpitations, convulsions, and even death. In order to address this alarming issue, adulterated 30
slimming pills are being profiled in Iraq using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The TLC technique is a quick, simple, and
effective method for screening and analyzing mixture components. From the TLC spots which get
from different 30 samples a clear spot for sibutramine Rf of (0.56 ±0.02) and caffeine also give
clear spots in Rf of (0.71±0.02). The very sensitive analytical method known as GC-MS is capable
of finding and identifying minute amounts of various chemical compounds including caffeine,
sibutramine and phenolphthalein that were not listed as ingredients in the samples. in
combinations. The research aims to profile slimming pills in Iraq using GC-MS to identify illegal
drugs, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medication. The GC-MS was conducted for
phenolphthalein, sibutramine and caffeine in total ion current of sibutramine retention time(
12.7±0.8) , phenolphthalein retention time (23.7±0.6) and caffeine retention time (13.4±0.3).So,
The study aims to enhance regulatory policies for pills in Iraq, ensuring safety and efficacy. It will
identify contaminants and unsafe ingredients in weight loss supplements and dietary supplements.
Description
In Iraq, the usage of weight-loss medications has grown in popularity as more people look
for an instant solution to their weight problems. Nevertheless, there are many adulterated slimming
pills on the market that put users' health in danger. These tablets often contain hazardous additives
like ephedrine, sibutramine, and phenolphthalein, which can have severe side effects like heart
palpitations, convulsions, and even death. In order to address this alarming issue, adulterated 30
slimming pills are being profiled in Iraq using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The TLC technique is a quick, simple, and
effective method for screening and analyzing mixture components. From the TLC spots which get
from different 30 samples a clear spot for sibutramine Rf of (0.56 ±0.02) and caffeine also give
clear spots in Rf of (0.71±0.02). The very sensitive analytical method known as GC-MS is capable
of finding and identifying minute amounts of various chemical compounds including caffeine,
sibutramine and phenolphthalein that were not listed as ingredients in the samples. in
combinations. The research aims to profile slimming pills in Iraq using GC-MS to identify illegal
drugs, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medication. The GC-MS was conducted for
phenolphthalein, sibutramine and caffeine in total ion current of sibutramine retention time(
12.7±0.8) , phenolphthalein retention time (23.7±0.6) and caffeine retention time (13.4±0.3).So,
The study aims to enhance regulatory policies for pills in Iraq, ensuring safety and efficacy. It will
identify contaminants and unsafe ingredients in weight loss supplements and dietary supplements.