Microbial quality of five selected commercially herbal formulations sold in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The use of Herbal formulation has become a mainstay in developing countries in the last few decades with Nigeria embracing these practices due to the high cost and accessibility of modern medicine. This study aimed to assess five (5) commercially available herbal formulations sold in Anambra State for their microbial quality using the pour plate method. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, macroscopic, and biochemical characteristics. A total of five (5) herbal formulations were screened and various degrees of microorganisms were isolated ranging from Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Proteussp. For bacteria. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Mucorsp, Rhizopussp, Candidasp, and Trichophyton rubrumfor fungi isolates. The total bacteria count ranged from 1.6 × 103 to 5.0 × 103 CFU/mL and the total fungal count ranging 1.6 × 103 to 2.2 × 104CFU/mL respectively. However, it can be confirmed the microbial load is within the World Health Organization safety limit for good manufacturing practices of herbal formulation.