MICROBIAL ASSESSMENT OF SOME BRANDED HERBAL MEDICINE SOLD IN OWERRI, IMO STATE

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the microbial quality of some branded herbal medicinesavailable in Owerri, Imo State, focusing on bacterial and fungal contaminationlevels. A total of three herbal remedies: Goko Cleanser, Agnes Nwamma, and 7Keys to Power—were analyzed for Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC),Total Coliform Count (TCF), Total Salmonella/Shigella Count (TSS), and TotalFungal Count (TFC). The results revealed varying levels of microbialcontamination across the products. Goko Cleanser exhibited moderate bacterialcontamination (1.5 × 10⁴ CFU/ml), low coliform contamination (6 × 10³ CFU/ml),and moderate fungal contamination (6 × 10³ CFU/ml). Agnes Nwamma showedlower bacterial (7 × 10³ CFU/ml) and coliform counts (1 × 10¹ CFU/ml), with verylow fungal contamination (1 × 10¹ CFU/ml). 7 Keys to Power demonstrated thehighest bacterial contamination (1.4 × 10⁴ CFU/ml), moderate coliform count (6 ×10³ CFU/ml), and significant fungal contamination (9 × 10³ CFU/ml). The bacterialisolates identified included Escherichia coli,Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcusaureus, while fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Mucor spp. were isolated. Thepresence of these microorganisms, particularly pathogenic bacteria and fungi,raises concerns about the safety and hygienic quality of these products. The studyemphasizes the need for improved manufacturing practices, regular microbialtesting, better storage, conditions, and consumer awareness to ensure the safety of
herbal medicines.