title: Quality and labeling information ofMoringa oleiferaproducts marketed for HIV-infected people in Zimbabwe.
abstract: Labeling information and quality of marketedMoringa oleiferaproducts were assessed. Personnel in 60 pharmacies and 11 herbal shops were interviewed about the sources, dosages, indications and counseling information ofMoringa oleiferaproducts. Content analysis of written information provided onMoringa oleiferaproducts was also done. Three samples ofMoringafrom popular sources were acquired to determine heavy metal content and microbial contamination. The results were compared to specified limits in the European and Chinese pharmacopeia, World Health Organization guidelines and Bureau of Indian Standards.Moringawas available as capsules or powder in 73% of the premises.Moringawas recommended for seven different disease conditions. Four different dosage regimens were prescribed. The main references cited for the counseling information were unscientific literature (62%). The selectedMoringasamples were contaminated with bacteria and fungi above the European Pharmacopeia specified limits.Escherichia coliandSalmonella specieswere present in all three samples. All three samples contained arsenic, nickel and cadmium above the permissible limits.Moringa oleiferawith variable labeling information and poor microbial and heavy metal quality is widely available in Zimbabwe.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Tsitsi Grace
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Monera-Penduka
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Zvinji Tella
authors.initials: ZT
authors.lastname: Jani
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe; Pharmacy Practice, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Charles Chiedza
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Maponga
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Josephine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mudzengi
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Practice, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Gene D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Morse
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: Charles Fungai Brian
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Nhachi
keywords: Moringa oleifera; labelling information; safety