MICROBIAL ASSESSMENT OF HERBAL DRUGS AVAILABLE IN LOCAL MARKET OF LAHORE

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.