Abstract

The present work was carried out considering the increased use of herbal products as alternative
medicines in Pakistan. It is necessary to set appropriate standards for microorganisms in herbal
drugs in order to reduce the risks for consumers' health. The presence of fecal coliform and
moulds represents a potential risk of contamination. The microbial contamination of herbal drugs
both branded (Qarshi ghutti, Khamira gaozban, Surficol, Sadooori, Carmina, Sauline and Toot
Siah syrup etc.) and unbranded was determined. Forty eight samples of herbal drugs were
purchased from local market and were analyzed for total viable count, spore former (aerobic and
anaerobic), mold, yeast and coliforms. Total viable count ranged from 1.1x 105- 9.3 x 105/g. The aerobic spore former varied from 1-59/g. Moisture content varied from 4-20%. Non fecal coliform were present in most of the samples but fecal coliforms were also present in few
samples. Aspergillus, Mucor and Penicillium species were predominant in most herbal drugs.