Bacterial profiles and consumer preference of some indigenous orally consumed herbal medications in Nigeria

Although consumer preference for indigenous herbal medications in Nigeria is on the increase, associated microbial hazards have not been documented. This study determined bacterial contents and consumer preferences of such medications. The isolated bacterial species from the indigenous herbal medications assayed from 1998 to 2004 were significant with 24 species identified. Bacteria survival rates in herbal concoctions ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months. Consumer preference for herbal medications in this study showed that 81.2 % of respondents had consumed herbal medicines and 77.5 % affirmed the potency of herbal medications. This study is clinically significant because most indigenous Nigerians are consuming herbal medications that are highly contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacterial flora due to poor quality control and preparation standards.