Investigation of Microbiological Aspects of Herbal Products Used in Ayurvedic Medicines and Estimation of Measurement Uncertainty

Ayurveda is a traditional medicine used worldwide, consisting principally of herbs and regulated under various legislation in each country. The Ayurvedic products are perceived as safe by consumer because of natural ingredients, but their use is not free from risks. This study aimed to assess the microbiological contamination of some herbal products commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, produced in India. About 20 Ayurvedic drugs bought from different Indian shops in the form of powder, tablets, capsules, syrup, cream were analysed for total aerobic bacterial count as well as total fungi in the form of yeast and mould..Some pathogens like E. coli has also been estimated. The Ayurvedic products tested are of some concern for consumer, especially those sold in herbalist's shops and street markets. The risk seem to be not related to the original plant, but probably to contamination of the products by bacteria and fungi and possibly by chemical substances derived from the production process. Products of industrial origin seem to be substantially safe, suggesting that complying with standard controls procedures during production and distribution process leads to better product quality and safety. In this study attempt is also made to in estimating measurement uncertainty for microbiological analysis of drug samples. Customers are increasingly demanding from microbiological labs to provide MU results along with routine analysis of their products .This could serve for al those engaged in similar analysis work. Microbiological results suggest that the products of industrial origin, bought from city drugstores, were less contaminated than those from local production available in street markets.