ANALYSIS OF THE BIOACTIVE AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTENTS OF HERBAL MIXTURES SOLD IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Herbs mixtures form an inseparable part of traditional medicine in Anambra State of Nigeria and are used due to their therapeutic potential and flavonoids and alkaloids compounds properties. However, microbiological contamination caused by unregulated preparation and storage is of great health risk. This paper examines the bioactive and microbiological composition of the 50 herbal mixture products in the markets in Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi in order to determine their safety and therapeutic potentials. Applying High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) as a bioactive analysis medium as well as standard plate count methods to determine microbial loads, the study determines the significant compounds, quantimines the microbial loads and assesses the effects of preparation methods on contamination. Flavonoids and alkaloids were found in a high percentage of the samples (82%), but with respective varying concentrations (0.7-4.5 mg/g). Microbiologically, 58 percent of samples recorded unsafe levels and, Escherichia coli (48%) as well as Staphylococcus aureus 32) were recorded, which can be attributed to poor hygienic practices (r =0.71, p < 0.01). Recommendations comprise unified preparation directions and government controls to make them safer. The results provide information to the stakeholders in public health that favors the Nigerian traditional medicine system and consumer protection.