Levels of Pathogens, Heavy Metals, Essential Ions and Organochlorides in Herbal Medicines and Plant Species Used for Hepatic Diseases in Ghana

Background and Objective: Herbal medicines are raw or processed plant parts used singly or in combination for management of diseases including hepatic or liver diseases. Herbal medicines have become the primary option for the treatment of liver illnesses because of their safety, availability and less side effects. Inappropriate sourcing of raw plant materials, non-adherence to good manufacturing practices and climate-induced endogenous toxins biosynthesis have resulted in the contamination of herbal products with pathogens and toxins. The objective of the study was to determine the levels of pathogenic bacteria, heavy metals, essential ions and organochlorides in common medicinal plants and their medicinal products. Materials and Methods: In all, 10 herbal drugs meant for liver diseases were purchased from herbal shops, clinics and practitioners in Tamale, Bolga, Wa, Kumasi and Ashaiman. Plant species and parts used in manufacturing the medicines were compiled. The plants were sourced from Gumbini, Forestry Commission Yard in Tamale and aqueous extraction was done. The pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, Endosulfan, microbial culture and sensitivity were determined. Results: There was no bacteria growth in the plant extracts. Klebsiella spp. were isolated from 4/10 (40%) of the products and were resistant to trimethoxyprinem/sulfohyoxozole. Only two product samples were above the WHO recommended level for lead and Aldrin. There was no significant difference between the plant extracts and their medicinal product levels of these markers except pH (p = 0.032). Conclusion: Raw materials should be tested and good manufacturing practices including shelving be adhered to avoid contamination.