Theme V: Drug analysis methods

The test for determination of microorganisms consists to a microbiological sowing according to the specified in the Pharmacopoeia.

Herbal medicinal products belong to category 4 of the British Pharmacopoeia consisting of one or more herbal drugs (whole, reduced or powdered).

There are two categories: A and B
A-herbs added to boiling water to be taken (infusion)
1 - total viable aerobic count. Limit no more than 107 aerobic bacteria and no more than 105 fungi per gram or per milliliter of solution.
2 - No more than 102 E. coli per gram or per milliliter.

B- Herbs which no boiling water is added to them before use.
1 - total viable aerobic count. Limit no more than 105 aerobic bacteria and fungi not more than 104 per gram or per milliliter.
2 - No more than 103 enterobacteria and other Gram-negative bacteria per gram or per milliliter.
3 - Absence of Escherichia coli per gram or per milliliter.
4 - Absence of Salmonella in 10 grams or 10 ml.

Visual examination and microscopic inspection of herbal drugs

Determination of foreign matter

Ash determination

Water determination

Determining extractable substances

Thin-layer chromatography

Determination of volatile oils

Determination of tannins in herbal drugs