Browsing by Author "WALTER ORECH"

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    FUNGAL AND AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF HERBAL MEDICINES SOLD IN LIRA AND GULU CITIES, NORTHERN UGANDA
    (Gulu University, 2024) WALTER ORECH
    In middle- and low-income countries, the use of herbal medicinal products has significantly increased. Therefore, ensuring the safety of herbal products from fungal contamination is a public health concern. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess aflatoxin and fungal contamination in herbal medicines sold in Gulu and Lira cities, northern Uganda. A total of 52 herbal medicine samples were collected. Moisture content was determined by the oven-drying method, aflatoxin extraction was done using 70% methanol, and analysis was conducted using ELISA. Fungal identification was performed through DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Out of the 52 samples analyzed, aflatoxin and fungal incidences were 35% and 34.6%, respectively. While most aflatoxin contamination levels were below regulatory limits, 11.1% exceeded the European Pharmacopoeia permissible level of 5 µg/kg. The study also revealed a positive correlation between moisture content and aflatoxin contamination. To mitigate aflatoxin contamination and ensure the safety of herbal medicines, it is imperative to implement improved processing techniques, packaging, storage, and quality control measures. Common fungal species identified included Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Pichia kudriavze vii. Pichia kudriavzev ii was identified as the most prevalent fungi. The estimated daily intake and hazard index values indicated a low health risk for consumers. Although the short-term health risk appears low, long-term consumption may lead to adverse health effects. This study highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action to safeguard public health in relation to herbal medicine consumption in northern Uganda.