Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

A. B. Ella ¹, F. A. Ella ², M. U. Effiong ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Benue State, NG
2 Department of Biology Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, NG
3 Department of Zoology, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NG

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the microbial qualities of some herbal products in Benue State, Nigeria. A total of twenty-one samples were randomly collected from herbal medicine sales outlets and retail pharmacy outlets and subjected to bacteriological examination using pour plate and modified pour plate method for isolation of bacteria and fungi colonies respectively. Gram reaction, Potassium Hydroxide string techniques and Biochemical analysis were used for identification of bacterial isolates. While fungi colonies were identified using simplified key to classes of fungi. Four microorganisms namely Escherichia coii, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Fungi namely Aspergillus sp., Mucorsp., Fusarium sp., and Rhizopus sp. were also found to be implicated in some of the samples examined. The total bacterial counts for Escherichia coii, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Fungi ranged from 1.50 × 10³-13.0×10³, 1.0×10³-4.0×10³, 1.0×10²-1.5×10² and 1.2×10⁴-6.0×10³cuf/ml respectively. The microbial load of the products varied considerably. Six (28.6%) of the samples were without microbial contamination while fifteen (71.4%) were contaminated by one or more of the microorganisms isolated. 7(33.3 %) of the samples were contaminated by E. coli, 1 (4.8 %), 5(23.8%) Staphylococcus aureus, 3(27.3%) Aspergillus sp., 4(36.4%) Mucorsp., 2(18.2%) Fusarium sp. and 2(18.2%) Rhizopus sp. respectively. This research indicated that herbal medicinal products in Benue region of Nigeria required an urgent attention in process improvement to provide better quality products for consumers.

Keywords

Microbial Quality, Contamination, Herbal Products, Quality Control.

Full Text

   

F. A. Ella ¹, A. B. Ella ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biology Education, Federal College of Education (Technical) P.M.B. 0189, Umunze, Anambra State, NG
2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Benue State Polytechnic, P.M.B. 01, Ugbokolo, Benue State, NG

Abstract

Background:The indiscriminate discharge of waste-water (effluent) as influenced by industrialization and development create significant pollution problems to normal flora and fauna of the ecosystem. Toxicity of brewery effluent remain unknown, particularly its implications on histopathology of fish under continous exposure. The study unravels the effects of brewery effluent on fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus under laboratory conditions.

Materials and Methods: Fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (of mixed sex) (5.20×0.42g) were exposed to various concentrations of brewery effluent in five treatment (in duplicate) 15, 20, 25, 30, 35% and 0.00% for control The Toxicity and histopathology of the gills and liver of fish exposed were observed under laboratory conditions.

Result: Acute concentrations had adverse effects on mortality and oxygen consumption. The 96-h LC₅₀ of brewery effluent was 23.99ml/l with upper and lower confidence limits of 29.478ml/l and 18.324ml/l respectively. Symptoms of toxicity include restlessness, air gulping, loss of equilibrium, exhaustion and death. Exposure of the Clarias gariepinus fingerlings to various lethal concentrations of the brewery effluent were implicated in the histopathological examinations of gills which showed mutilations of gill filament, Oedema, fusion of central venous sinus, swelling, necrosis of various degrees and total lamellar hyperplasia. The liver showed evidence of necrosis and vacuolation of liver cells whereas control group showed both normal gill and liver section.

Conclusion. The indiscriminate or deliberate discharge of industrial effluent (brewery effluent) directly into the aquatic environment without any form of treatment is a common sight in many industrial cities of Nigeria today; therefore, creating awareness for environmental protection through sustainable production processes is of utmost significant.

Keywords

Toxicity, Brewery Effluent, Fingerlings, Clarias gariepinus.

Full Text