Microbial Contamination of the Traditional Medicine Used by the Pnar Tribe of Meghalaya, India

This study examined microbial contamination in herbal medicinal products in Jaintia Hills Districts, Meghalaya, India. Analysis of 40 samples revealed widespread bacterial and fungal growth, exceeding safety limits in 30% of samples. Also, Aerobic bacteria counts ranged from 64 × 10⁵ to 130 × 10⁶ CFU/g, surpassing WHO and Ayurveda Pharmacopeia of India guidelines. Similarly, 87. 5% of samples showed significant fungal growth, with 12. 5% exceeding safety limits. Bacterial analysis revealed E. coli (35%) which indicates fecal contamination and poor hygiene. S. aureus (53%) suggests poor handling and preparation practices. P. aeruginosa (20%) is another indicator of poor hygiene and potential contamination. The presence of these pathogens in herbal products is a serious concern globally, and it's crucial to address this issue to ensure consumer safety. The three pathogens E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa can cause a range of health problems, from mild to severe, including gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain), skin and wound infections, respiratory problems (pneumonia, bronchitis), life-threatening conditions (sepsis, meningitis, urinary tract infections).