A survey on microbial quality of herbal distillates in Isfahan, central of Iran

Studies have shown that over than 80% of the people in the world use traditional drugs to treat their diseases. Regarding to high consumption and pharmaceutical use of herbal extracts, microbial qualities of eight herbal extracts including lavender, Fumaria parviflora, pussy, cumin, mint, camel's thorn, rose water and Melissa officinalis were investigated in this study. 64 samples of eight type herbal extracts retailed in Isfahan markets were purchased randomly and their total bacterial count, including contamination with coliforms, sulphite reducing Clostridium, Entrococci, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, molds and yeasts were evaluated according to Iranian national standard protocols. 37% of total samples were unacceptable and not consumable compared with the protocol of the national standard of Iran. Forty numbers of samples (63% of total samples) were acceptable and consumable. For improving the quality of herbal extracts, good observations based on hygienic conditions and applying good manufacturing practices, good harvesting practices, safe handling and storage during preparation and distribution are necessary