Microbial contamination, infestation and heavy metal content is of grave concern these days in herbal medicines. I wish to know various practical ways to protect the product against contamination. Still, in case, the count is found above permissible limits in the end product... what are the ways to sterilize the same?
Dear Harleen
For Heavy Metal content, Standardized Extract should be used.
For Microbial Contamination- The most cleanest way is to powder herb first which is already cleaned and " Steam Sterilize" it ,so that microbial contamination reduces and then start next step. There is also concern of Pesticides and other chemicals which can be avoided by using Organic Herbs or Organic Extracts.
I suggest to read: Elisabetta Ceretti: Int. J. Pharm. Phytopharmacol. res. 2014;4(1):50-54 article. The essence: The industrial products have not contamination, products or same herbal from street or market have.
During production and extraction the herbal is decontaminated.
Well it is a very good question, You should specify the nature of herbal products, whether it is in liquid form, powder form, paste form or any other. Each category has their own treatment to prevent microbes / permissible count. If a herbal product is in liquid form, raise the temperature from 90 to 95 degree Delicious during cooking process. If a product is in powder form then you can dry in oven fluid bed driers or ovens @ 130 to 140 degree Delicious (temperature is depending upon the nature of the product/active constituent). If a product is a paste then raise temperature upto 80 degree celcious for 20 mints only, followed by cooling.
These are the basic techniques i am using to control microbial contamination since 10 years, manufacturing more than 250 products. I am glad to have strong professional relationships by scientific research collaborations.
Here is my email [email protected]
Whatsapp: +923343765409
UV radiation is the best way and permitted by Indian laws and regulations to prevent microbial contaminations in herbal powder and jam (lehya) preparations.
In the case of churn (powdered herbals), traditionally steam (water and milk equlal amount) boiling is followed to prevent microbial contaminations and increase the shelf life.
Thanks to all of you.
Qaiser Zaman mainly concerned about capsules.
Basically... prevention is the best remedy.
Cleanest possible methodology with best quality raw ingredients ---- followed by heat treatment as per dosage form.
Consult any good classical pharmacognosy book. For example, the book by Clause and Taylors
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