PJB-2012-184
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE MEDICINAL PLANTS IN PESHAWAR CITY, PAKISTAN
KHANZADI FATIMA KHATTAK
Abstract
Medicinal plants naturally harbor a variety of microorganisms. Besides, representing a direct health hazard to the consumer, these contaminated materials can cause the spoilage of pharmaceuticals and traditional preparations to which they are added. Assessment of microbiological loads of plants to assure safety and quality is therefore worth investigation. In the present study, 45 commercially available medicinal plants were evaluated for aerobic bacteria, fungi, coliforms, E. coli and Salmonella. All investigations were carried out in triplicate using standard methods. The results of the study revealed very high microbial loads and the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the plant samples. The aerobic bacterial count ranged from1.3 x 102 to 5.6 x 109 cfu/g. The highest load was detected in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. The coliform counts varied from 1.5 x 102 to 1.6 x 104 cfu/g. Among the selected herbs
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