Microbial and Heavy Metal Analysis in Herbal Formulation for the treatment of Fungal Infection

Abstract

The use of traditional herbal medicinal products has been increasing worldwide due to the readily available raw materials and low cost compared to the synthetic industrial preparations. Medicinal herbs have been reported to be contaminated with agents and microorganisms indigenous to the soil and plants where they are grown. Confounded with poor unhygienic and handling pactices, the microbial safety and quality of these products is a public health concern. The present investigation was study aimed at evaluating microbial and heavy metals analysis in herbal formulation [dusting powder] containing selected herbs viz., Neem, Bakuchi, Tulsi, Bhunimba, Bhasma, Ajwoin, Nimbu and Starch. Results of the study indicates that the total aerobic viable count, total yeast and mould, E. coli and Salmonella Species in herbal formulation were lower than the limit prescribed in The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Results showed that concentration of lead and cadmium in herbal formulation was found within the limit. The presence of heavy metal in herbal formulation was less than the limit prescribed in The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.