Microbial quality of herbal preparations sold in some parts of Nigeria

Chika Christiana Nwankwo,Tope Olime

doi:10.30574/gscbps.2019.6.3.0031

Abstract

The practice of using herbal drugs has become widespread in recent times without prior knowledge of their microbiological safety. In this context, this research was focused on assessing the microbial quality of different popular herbal preparations registered by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) sold within South-West and South-South regions of Nigeria. The microbial diversity of some herbal drugs were examined by aerobic plate count method and microbial isolates were identified based on their morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics. A total of sixty (60) herbal samples from six (6) herbal products (Kj cleanser, Ok Cleanser, Sk cleanser, Gk cleanser, Y-Bitters and Sw-Bitters) were analyzed and all were found to be free from pathogenic bacteria and indicator organisms of fecal contamination. However, Bacillus spp. was isolated from twenty six (26) of the herbal samples. Altogether four different Bacillus spp. were identified and the most predominant was Bacillus subtilis. The total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) of the herbal syrups ranged from 3.10 x102 cfu/ml to 2.65x103 cfu/ml whereas in the herbal powder the THBC ranged from 9.0x101 cfu/g to 1.5x102 cfu/g. The fungal count of herbal syrups ranged from 2.0x101cfu/ml to 1.9x102 cfu/ml while that of the herbal powder ranged from 1.0x101 cfu/ml to 1.0x102 cfu/ml. However, the microbial load and organisms present in the herbal samples were within WHO standard, therefore, it is recommended that plants to be used in herbal preparations should be properly washed and heated as to reduce or eliminate the presence of Bacillus species.

Highlights

Since ancient times, herbal medicines have been used by many different counties throughout the world to treat illnesses and to assist bodily functions
The total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBC) of the liquid herbal preparation ranged from 3.1x102 cfu/ml to 2.65x103 cfu/ml whereas, the total fungal counts (TFC) of the liquid herbal preparations ranged from 1x101 cfu/ml to 1.9x102 cfu/ml
Data obtained showed that the Total heterotrophic bacterial count (THBC) of herbal samples ranged from 3.1x102 cfu/ml to 2.65x103 cfu/ml whereas in the herbal powder the THBC ranged from 9x101 cfu/g to 1.5x102 cfu/g

Summary

Introduction

Herbal medicines have been used by many different counties throughout the world to treat illnesses and to assist bodily functions. About 60 to 80 % of the population of every country of the developing world relies on herbal or indigenous forms of medicine. The use of herbal medicine has always been part of human culture, as some plants possess important therapeutic properties, which can be used to cure human and other animal diseases [4]. The use of these herbal remedies have increased significantly in the last two to three decades in Nigeria. This is because it is difficult to attest to the hygienic nature of the sanitary conditions from the point of collection of the herbs to processing and to the point of preparation [5]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion