Bulletis of Natural and Applied Sciences
Vol. 1(2):186-195
Microbiological Assessment of Liquid Herbal Medicines Sold in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
1,3 A. Izuafa , 2 Bashir Abdulkadir , 3 Abubakar Sani and 4 Nefishat B. O. (1 Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, KebbiState, Nigeria; 2 Department of Microbiology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina State, N
ABSTRACT
The global use of herbal medicines has increased, emphasizing the need for quality assurance. A study in
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, analyzed herbal liquid samples using microbiological techniques. Twenty (20)
samples were collected from different locations. Bacterial counts in different areas ranged from 1.86x106
to 520x106
cfu/ml, while fungal counts ranged from 3.1x105 to 7.2x105
CFU/ml, the results showed no
statistically significant differences between the average scores of the five groups (p-value = 0.42).
Bacteriological and fungal analysis involved various agar media and culturing methods, resulting in the
identification of six bacterial species (Bacillus marinus, Bacillus insolitus, Staphylococcus aureus,
Serratiaspp, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii) and three fungal genera (Penicillium marneffei, Aspergillus
niger, and Phialophora parasiticum). Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp, and Lactobacillus
delbrueckii were the most frequently isolated bacteria. The majority of samples exceeded the
recommended range for bacterial and fungal counts, posing a risk according to Public Health Laboratory
Service guidelines for liquid herbal drugs. To prevent food-borne infections, continuous monitoring and
adherence to standard compliance measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of herbal
medicines along the streets.
