Latest news with #USPharmacopoeia
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
High microbial contamination in herbal drugs, says ICMR-NIN study
Hyderabad: A microbiological risk assessment by the Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Nutrition found that a majority of herbal formulations sold in Hyderabad contain bacterial contamination exceeding US Pharmacopoeia's permissible limits. The study, led by Surekha Mullapudi Venkata from the Pathology and Microbiology Division of NIN, analysed 170 herbal products and found that 52.4% were non-compliant with the standards. The study revealed that solid herbal formulations recorded the highest contamination levels, with 63.6% of the 110 solid samples exceeding aerobic bacterial limits. The research was published on August 5 in Science Direct's Journal of Herbal Medicine under the title "Microbiological Risk Assessment and Safety Evaluation of Widely Used Herbal Pharmaceuticals". The study found pathogens including Escherichia coli, faecal coliforms, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, yeast, and moulds in herbal formulations. Risk assessment using the Risk Ranger tool assigned the highest ranking of 75 to solid drugs, followed by semi-solids and liquids at 72 and 70, respectively. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad Findings and Health Implications NIN researchers conducted market surveys across the five zones of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to identify frequently consumed herbal products. Samples were collected from retail outlets in GHMC area using random sampling and tested according to US-FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual methods. Among the 110 solid samples, 96.4% had total viable counts. Viable count is a method used in cell culture to determine the number of living cells in the culture. Staphylococcus, which causes multiple infections in humans, was detected in 62.7%, faecal coliforms in 32.7%, Pseudomonas in 31.8%, E coli in 5.5%, and yeast and moulds in 84.6% of samples. Semi-solid herbal formulations showed 63.3% total viable counts, with Staphylococcus in 30% and yeast and moulds in 23.3%. Liquid herbal drugs had 23.3% total viable counts, with yeast and moulds detected in 10%. Specific solid products with 100% non-compliance included Ashwagandha powder, Shatavari powder, Shatavari tablet, Brahmi powder, Trikatu powder, Dry ginger powder, and Yashtimadhu powder. Meanwhile, Tanikaya powder, Lodhra bark powder, Triphala powder, Ashwagandha tablet, Amla powder, Triphala tablet, and Karakaya powder showed non-compliance rates for US Pharmacopoeia standards ranging from 25% to 75%. The scientists warned that consumption of contaminated formulations could cause gastrointestinal illnesses and severe infections. The researchers recommended to the govt to bring in strict regulatory guidelines and quality monitoring in the manufacturing and storage of herbal drugs. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Ammon
17-05-2025
- Health
- Ammon
Jordanian Sboul: I worked as 20-years volunteer before becoming USP President
Ammon News - Dr. Hanan Sboul expressed her pride and happiness at being elected as President of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) for a five-year term, an achievement that is considered the first of its kind in the world, as she became the first Jordanian woman and the first non-American to hold this position since the constitution was established in 1820. In remarks to "Ammon News Agency", Sboul said that her election is the culmination of more than 20 years of volunteer work serving the pharmaceutical sector globally, with the goal of empowering the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry and enhancing Jordan's standing and presence in scientific and international forums. She emphasized that this position is a continuation of a long journey of effort and perseverance. She expressed her pride in being the first Jordanian woman to reach this leadership position, noting that she had been the only Arab woman on the Constitutional Council for two decades, during which she had worked to bring a number of Arab countries on board as members, thereby strengthening Arab presence within the institution. In an unparalleled global accomplishment, Sboul, the secretary-general of the Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, was chosen president of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for a five-year term. More than 400 members from 42 countries attended a meeting last week in the United States, where they represented regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical companies, medical and pharmacy schools, and associations of doctors and pharmacists. Since the USP's establishment in 1820, Sboul has been the first elected foreign president and the first woman to hold the office. This momentous occasion demonstrates her illustrious standing in the fields of medicine and public health and demonstrates the faith of the global scientific community in her scientific proficiency. It is important to note that the main source for creating drug standards and specifications is the US Pharmacopoeia. It is utilized in more than 150 countries and is widely acknowledged for guaranteeing the efficacy, safety, and quality of pharmaceuticals. This accomplishment highlights the innovative position of Jordanian capabilities on the Arab and global stages and is a source of pride for the pharmaceutical and medical communities.
