Decontamination protocol in the production of herbal medicines: a short communication

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness and safety of natural products depend not only on the inherent properties of the plant, but also on careful preparation, which includes critical steps such as cleaning to remove impurities and washing to eliminate surface contaminants. Thus, the scientific literature emphasizes the significance of thorough cleaning in ensuring botanical purity, directly impacting the ultimate quality of the product. Methods: The study utilized the plant species Cordia verbenacea, Alternanthera brasiliana, and Lippia alba, cultivated in Tatuí - SP, subjected to a rigorous selection process, and processed through a washing and drying protocol. The washing involved a two-stage process, including immersion in clean water and a sodium hypochlorite solution. Microbiological analyses were conducted on washed and unwashed samples, including enumeration of viable colony-forming units (CFUs) and detection of pathogens. Moisture content was determined using the oven drying method, and ash content was assessed following the Brazilian Pharmacopeia guidelines. Results: Microbiological results indicate the absence of Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus aureus in all analyzed plant drugs, regardless of washing and stabilization conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed only in unwashed/stabilized Cordia verbenacea and Alternanthera brasiliana samples. Escherichia coli was identified in an unwashed/stabilized Lippia alba sample. The washing/stabilization process significantly reduced total bacterial and fungal counts, especially when exceeding the limit set by the Brazilian Pharmacopeia (103 CFU/g). Total ash content remained unchanged after the washing/stabilization process in the three plant species, staying within the Brazilian Pharmacopeia limits (14%). Moisture content did not differ statistically between washed/stabilized and unwashed/unstabilized plant species and met Brazilian Pharmacopeia specifications (8-14%). Conclusion: The washing/stabilization process effectively reduced microbial load in Lippia alba, Alternanthera brasilians, and Cordia verbenacea, with no significant changes in ash and moisture content. Preliminary analysis suggests that processing control ensures minimum quality conditions, enhancing overall safety for consumers.