ESTIMATION OF MICROBIAL CONTENT OF HERBAL DRUGS AVAILABLE IN GWALIOR-CHAMBAL REGION

Herbal remedies are widely used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases and often contain highly active pharmacological compounds. These products have the potential of contamination with different microorganisms. This is due to raw materials contamination and unhygienic production conditions. The present work was carried out considering the increased use of herbal products as alternative medicines in Madhya Pradesh. 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 molds represents a potential risk of contamination. The microbial contamination of herbal drugs both branded and non-branded was determined. Fifteen different herbal solid dosage forms were purchased randomly from identified herbal shops and retail outlets indifferent parts of Gwalior-Chambal Division and were analyzed for percent moisture content, total viable count, spore former (aerobic and anaerobic), mold, yeast and coliforms. Total viable count was found in the samples that may be hazardous if used. The aerobic and anaerobic spore former varied from 1-47/g. Moisture content varied from 6-22%. Non fecal coliform were present in most of the samples but fecal coliforms were also present in few samples. Many aerobic and anaerobic species were predominant in most herbal drugs samples.