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

ABSTRACT

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