Potential Health Implications of Liquid Herbal Medicine in Jimeta-Yola Region, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

No studies have been conducted, to examine the negative impacts of liquid forms of local herbal medicine sold in Yola and Jimeta in Adamawa state, Nigeria. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential negative health impacts of these medicines, by conducting lab experiments to investigate the presence of pathogenic bacteria in purchased herbal medicine samples. 17 samples were purchased from Yola market and Jimeta. Standard laboratory experiments were conducted, using Lysogeny Broth Agar to culture bacteria, numerous selective media to identify different bacterial species, and bacterial load of the herbal medicine samples were determined, using serial dilution. The result showed that all samples purchased were contaminated with bacteria. Out of the 17 samples analyzed, 15 were contaminated with Escherichia coli, 9 with Salmonella sp., and 4 with Staphylococcus aureus. Half of the samples from Jimeta had microbial load that exceeded the limit set by WHO and the European pharmacopoeia, and their microbial load ranged from 6.0x105 cfu/g to 3.4x105 cfu/g. The other half purchased from Jimeta, which did not exceed the limit, ranged from 1.9x103 cfu/g to 3.1x104 cfu/g. The results showed that, most locally vii prepared herbal medicine in Yola and Jimeta, are likely to be contaminated with pathogenic microbes. Herbal medicine users are therefore at risk of getting infections while trying to cure ailments. Regulations on the preparation of liquid herbal medicine should be implemented, to ensure safety and efficacy of herbal medicines, as this is a serious public health issue. The public should also be wary of buying from unlicensed practitioners.