MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SOME MEDICAL PLANTS

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the microbial contamination as well as antibiotic potency for aqueous water (coold, boiling) extracts of selected spices.

150 random samples (15 of each of Sweet Basil, Thyme, Liquorice, Eamomela, Cinnamon, Hibiscus, Peparmint, Fennel, Caraway and Anise) were collected from different areas in Cairo and Giza.

1. Microbiological Contamination:

1.1. Total colony count:

The total colony count I gm samples ranged from 1.5 x I 03 to

4.2 x 105 with a mean value 6.5 x 104 from Sweet Basil, 1.3 x 102 to ' ' 5.4 x 105 with a mean value 1.2 x 104 from Thyme, 1.2 x 104 to 7.1 x

I 05 with a mean value 1:1 x I 05 from Liquorice, 2.7 x 103 to 2.8 x 105 with a mean value 5.5 x 104 from Camomola, 1.8 x 103 to 5.4 x 104 with a mean value 1.7 x 104 from Cinnamon, 2.1 x 102 to 9.0 x 104 with a mean value 2.4 x 104 from Peparmint, 4.1 x 103 to 8.4 x 104 with a mean value 2.8 x 104 from Fennel, 1.7 x 102 to 6.5 x 10with a mean value 1.6 x 104 from Hibiscus and 5.0 x 102 to 6.0 x 105•with a mean value 1.3 x 105 from Anise.

The total colony count I gm sample was highest in the Liguorice, Anise and a mean value in the Sweet Basil, Theyme, Ca.nloinela, Linnamon, Peparmint, Fennel and Caraway, while the lowest count was in Hibiscus.