Microorganisms inhabiting medicinal plants belong to either saprophytic or pathogenic flora. Even those microorganisms which are characterized by low pathogenicity, under favorable conditions may infect people who have had contact with them. Compound tea bags contain increased levels of bacteria in view of pharmacopoeic norms. Single plant tea bags contain less bacteria and granulated teas have...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by sputum production, bacterial colonisation, neutrophilic bronchial airway inflammation and poor health status. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of sputum potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) on bronchial airway inflammation, health status and plasma fibrinogen levels in subjects with moderate-to-severe COPD...