STANDARDIZATION OF STERILIZATION METHOD FOR MEDICINAL PLANT POWDERS

Background: Sterilization is a method to eliminate or kill the growth of microorganisms. Sterilization can be accomplished by several methods. Plant-based products have been greatly in use due to their pharmacological activities and it is necessary to ensure the plant products are sterile and safe to consume. Objective: The objective of this study was to standardize the best sterilization method for plant-based medicinal products. Methods: Tinospora, Eclipta, Phyllanthus, and Rauwolfia plant powders were sterilized by several methods such as microwave pasteurization, keeping in a hot air oven at different temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet rays at different time intervals and autoclaving the plant powders. The unsterilized and sterilized plant powders were subjected to microbial screening by streaking onto nutrient agar and sabouraud dextrose agar. Results: The microwave pasteurization method was successful as no bacterial or fungal growth was observed on nutrient agar and sabouraud dextrose agar for all four types of plant powders. Conclusion: The contaminants present in medicinal plant powders can be eliminated through sterilization by the pasteurization method.