Pathogenic Microorganisms, Toxigenic Fungi, Heavy Metal accumulation, and Toxic Materials Contamination in Natural Products

Abstract

Huda S. Husni

Medicinal Plants still considered as an important part of traditional medicine. They have a long history filled with and use in treatment all through the world. In this way medicinal plants and herbal products must be safe for the patient. This review addresses biological contaminants (microbes and other organisms) and chemical contaminants (mycotoxins, toxic elements such as heavy metals and pesticide residues) regarded as major common contaminants of medicinal herbs and herbal products to prevent contamination and to ensure safety for the infection and to make certain protection and conformity to the quality standard. Herbal products need to be covered in the proper regulatory framework.