title: Assessment of the microbial load of some medicinal plants commonly used in Romania.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to assess the microbial load of some medicinal plants (Matricaria chamomilla, Achillea millefolium, Ocimum basilicum, Calendula officinalis, Tilia cordata, Hypericum perforatum) commonly used as medicinal teas.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 24 samples collected from the local market, as well as from the spontaneous flora of Galati County, were analyzed in terms of the total number of germs, the content of coliform bacteria, yeasts and molds, and the presence of specific pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, Salmonella spp.).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The values obtained for total number of germs, yeasts and molds were in accordance with the limits set by the European Pharmacopoeia for plant products to which hot water is added before use. In the case of specific pathogenic bacteria, the presence of E. coli was confirmed in 41.66% of the samples, the presence of Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in 16.66% of the samples, and the presence of Bacillus cereus in 33.33% of the samples. Salmonella spp. was absent in all samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study highlights a certain microbial load of medicinal plants analyzed, emphasizing the importance of quality control in all stages of production.
authors.forename: Elisabeta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Oprea
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tuchiluş
authors.forename: Ana Clara
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Aprotosoaie
authors.forename: Oana
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Cioancă
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trifan
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Grădinariu
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miron
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hăncianu
mesh_terms: D001409:Bacillus cereus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000382:microbiology*; D012383:Romania; D012475:Salmonella / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification