Contamination of Medicinal Plant Sold at Local Market, Khartoum, Sudan

What is it about?

Medicinal plants are widely used in traditional medicine across many countries. However, these plant materials can sometimes carry microbial contaminants, such as fungi, which may pose health risks to consumers. In this study, fifteen commonly used medicinal plant species were tested to assess the presence and amount of fungal contamination. Researchers used the pour plate method to grow any fungi present in the samples, and then identified the types of fungi by examining their shape, color, and microscopic features using a staining technique. Three main types of fungi were found, with *Aspergillus niger* and *Aspergillus flavus* being the most common. These species are known to potentially produce toxins that can be harmful to humans. *Penicillium* species were also detected, but less frequently. The level of fungal contamination varied greatly among the plant samples. Some, such as *Cymbopogon schoenanthus*, *Trigonella foenum-graecum*, and *Nigella sativa*, showed no detectable fungal growth. Others, particularly *Cyperus rotundus*, had high levels of contamination. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and quality control for medicinal plants, especially those sold commercially, to ensure they are safe for use and free from harmful microbial contamination.

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Photo by "My Life Through A Lens" on Unsplash

Photo by "My Life Through A Lens" on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Moulds play a significant role in the deterioration of raw materials used in medicinal plants. Their presence can reduce the shelf life and market value of herbal products. Fungal contamination may also alter the chemical composition of these raw materials, ultimately decreasing the therapeutic effectiveness of the herbal drugs. Therefore, consistent quality control of crude herbal materials is essential to ensure safe and effective products for human use. This study aims to highlight the fungal contamination levels in some medicinal plants that are commonly used in Sudan.