Evaluation of the microbial quality of commercial liquid herbal preparations on the Ghanaian market

Conventionally, the microorganisms in liquid herbal mixtures are curtailed due to the fresh preparation before the administration to patients. Prolonged storage of liquid herbal preparations (due to commercialization) coupled with primeval routine production processes may increase the potential of microbial contamination in liquid herbal preparations. This study aims to analyze the microbial quality of 15 selected commercial liquid herbal preparations on the Ghanaian market. The samples were obtained from accredited pharmacies and herbal outlets in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, specifically Central Accra, between November 2019 and January 2020. The selected samples were coded HM1 to HM15. The effectiveness of the primary package of all samples was determined using the seal integrity test. The presence of microorganisms in the sampled brands was determined using nutrient agar. Isolated microorganisms from the sampled herbal mixtures were then identified using various selective media. All 15 samples (100%) passed the seal integrity test. Ten (67%) out of the 15 samples were contaminated with various microorganisms, whereas the remaining 5 samples (33%) were devoid of microorganisms. Eight (53%) out of the 15 samples were contaminated with fungi, with 3 (20%) being above the pharmacopeial limit. Six (40%) out of the 15 samples showed the presence of Escherichia coli. Out of the 15 sampled products, only HM11 contained Staphylococcus aureus. Similarly, only one sampled product (HM15) contained Salmonella typhi. None of the sampled products was contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ultimately, this study revealed that commercialized liquid herbal preparations in Ghana are likely to be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms. Good manufacturing practices must therefore be strictly adhered to bring out the best in local herbal manufacturing industries.