Aims: A large percentage of the Ghanaian population relies on herbal medicine solely to meet their basic healthcare needs. However, medicinal plant materials normally carry a large number of microbes and the presence of these microbial contaminants has the potential to cause disease in humans when consumed. This study evaluates the microbial load and characterizes pathogens in three of the most patronized herbal powders in the Kumasi metropolitan area.
Methods: The samples were labeled A, B and C. Microbial analysis was carried out and moisture contents of samples were determined.
Results: Sample A had microbial load of 2.6x10³ CFU/g which is below acceptable limit and its yeasts and Molds count was 8.0x10² CFU/g which is below acceptable limits. Absence of lactose and non-lactose fermenters but presence of Staphylococci which is a pathogenic microbe Sample B’s bacterial load was 5.30x10⁵ CFU/g which is above acceptable limit and yeasts and Molds count was 5.9x10⁴ CFU/g which is above acceptable limit. The presence of lactose fermenters and presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Sample C’s bacterial load was 1.03x10⁶ CFU/g which is above acceptable limit and yeasts Molds count was 5.8x10⁴ CFU/g which is above acceptable limit. The presence of lactose fermenters and non-lactose fermenters. Presence of Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusion: The results of this study have revealed that there are quite a number of microbial contaminants in herbal powders constituting a health risk.

We would like to acknowledge staff of the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST for their assistance in this project.