Evaluation of preservative capacity for some selected cosmetic products found in the market

Aim of the study: To determine the preservative capacity of different cosmetic preparations commonly found in the Egyptian markets

Methods: Microbiological evaluation of 74 cosmetic sample and preservative capacity test for cosmetic samples showing no microbial contamination using rejecting microorganisms by cup plate technique

Results: It was found that 29 samples were contaminated at levels >103 or >500 [for baby care products] or contaminated with rejecting microorganisms or both. The preservative capacity was variable between the different types and brands of the tested cosmetics against bacteria [P<0.05], while for Candida albicans all samples of the different cosmetic types were of nearly the same effect [p>0.05]

Conclusion: The detection of microbial counts greater than the microbial limits standards and isolation of rejecting microorganisms are clear evidences of non-adherence to good Manufacturing Practices. Variable preservative capacity in some cosmetics may indicate its ability to withstand microbial contamination which leads to spoilage of these cosmetics

Evaluation of the effect of some antibiotics, crystal violet dye and clove oil on bacterial organisms isolated from human teeth affected with caries disease

Twenty-six bacterial organisms were isolated from nine samples taken from human teeth affected with caries disease. These organisms were identified as Lactobacillus lactis [30.8%], Streptococcus mitis [19.2%], Streptococcus salivarius [15.4%], Staphylococcus aureus [11.5%], Staphylococcus epidermidis [11.5%] and Staphylococcus mutans [11.5%]. Sensitivity of the bacterial strains to the antibiotics cefuroxime [zinnat], ampicillin [ampicillin], amoxycillin [arnoxil], norfloxin [noroxin] and erythromycin [erythromycin] were conducted. Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be sensitive to all of the tested antibiotics, while Staphylococcus aureus shows sensitivity to amoxycillin and erythromycin only. The two strains were choosen for further studies, Crystal violet dye solution was found, to inhibit the growth of the two bacterial chosen strains at concentration ranged between 0.1 and 0.6 micro g/ml.While as the complete growth inhibition was attained at 0.6 micro g/ml, Sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis to the tested antibiotics in the presence of crystal violet solution at concentration ranged between 0.1 and 0.6 micro g/ml increased with ampicillin, amoxycillin and norfloxin, while the sensitivity decreased with cefuroxime and erythromycin. The minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC[s]] of clove oil against Staph. aureus and Staph, epidermidis were found to be 7% and 6% [v/v], respectively. While, the [MICV] of clove oil were observed in the presence of crystal violet dye to depend on the concentration of the dye in the agar medium

Fungal growth and mycotoxigenic production in certain medicinal herbs subjected to prolonged cold storage and possible control by gamma irradiation

Twenty-four samples representing four kinds of medicinal herbs; namely, caraway, khella, shih balady and wild chamomile, were exposed to increasing doses of gamma radiation [from 0 to 0.5 kGy]. The sublethal doses ranged from 0.5 to 3.0 kGy. Five fungal isolates from the irradiated herb samples could produced aflatoxins and one isolate could produce ochratoxin B. The isolated fungi were identified as Aspergillus species. The herb samples were stored for two years at 5 +/- 1C and then exposed to increasing dose levels of gamma radiation. One fungal isolate from the stored khella identified as Aspergillus flavus and was confirmed for aflatoxins B1 and B2 production. The D10-value of the tested Asp. flavus isolate was 0.5 kGy

Effect of storage on total moulds counts in certain locally marketed medicinal herbs and possible decontamination by gamma irradiation

Twenty-four samples representing Carum carvi fruits, Ammi visnaga fruits, Artemisia judica and Matricaria chamomilla were exposed to increasing doses of gamma-irradiation. No significant difference could be detected in the mould count of Carum carvi and Ammi visnaga samples before and after storage for a period of two years, while a significant decrease in the total mould count of Artemisia judica and Matricaria chamomilla samples was observed after storage. The effect of gamma-irradiation on the total mould count in the four medicinal herbs was evaluated before and after storage for two years. A gamma radiation dose of 3.0 kGy could decontaminate Carum carvi fruits and Matricaria chamomilla samples from fungi whereas, a higher dose level at 4.0 kGy was required to decontaminate Ammi visnaga fruits and Artemisia judica samples, on the other hand, a dose level up to 3.0 kGy was enough to decontaminate the samples stored for two years

Effect of gamma - irradiation on egg masses of biomphalaria Alexandria snails

Egg masses of sexually mature Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were submitted to high [1-5 kGy] and low [10-100 Gy] doses of gamma- irradiation. Electron microscopic examination of egg masses exposed to high doses revealed complete destruction. On the other hand, light microscopic examination of egg masses exposed to low doses showed partial destruction. Moreover, the hatchability of irradiated eggs and the growth rate of newly-hatched snails were affected with variable degrees depending on the different low doses of gamma- irradiation used

Factors controlling the biosynthesis of aflatoxins by aspergillus parasitica from liquorice

The effect of various factors on aflatoxins biosynthesis by a local strain of Aspergillus parasiticus from liquorice as well as a re-fernce strain of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 3145 were studied. The capability of the irradiated spore suspensions of the two strains to produce aflatoxins was investigated

Production of aflatoxins by fungi isolated from some medicinal plants used as drinks in Egypt

Thirty-one different plant samples of tea, anise, fenugreek and liquorice were purchased from different places in Egypt and tested for their total mold count on Sabouraud's agar mediumFrom the plant samples, 106 molds were isolated and screened for their ability to produce aflatoxinsOnly three fungal isolates were found to produce aflatoxins B1 and B2Two isolates were identified as Aspergillus parasiticus and one isolated as Aspergillus flavusThe spores of the aflatoxin producing fungal isolates were studied for their resistance to gamma radiation