Microbial Contamination in Musta (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) Sourced From Herbal Drug Markets in Kerala

The plant Musta (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) holds significant importance in Ayurveda, were the dried rhizome or tuber is widely utilised either singly or in combination with other herbs. Owing to its subterranean nature, there is a potential risk of microbial contamination in the raw drug and subsequent formulations prepared from it. This study is to assess the level of microbiological contamination in the dried tuber or rhizome of Musta that is sold in herbal raw medicine marketplaces in the state of Kerala. Nine samples from the commercial sector, representing urban, rural, and manufacturing unit sources, were collected from North Central and South zones in Kerala. The microbial proliferation in these samples was analysed with the standards specified in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Upon microbial assessment, predominant findings in the market samples included the presence of mixed colonies of Escherichia coli, Bacillus species, Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus, and the fungal species Aspergillus niger. These results points to the importance of monitoring and addressing microbial contamination of Musta to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.