Is "Myrrh" Contaminated by Microbes and Heavy Metals? Analytical Study from Saudi Arabia

Nuha Alsaleh1*, Rana Hasanato2 , Nouf Omar AlAfaleq3 and Samia Towfeek Al-Shouli4

1 Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia 2 Department of Pathology, Collage of Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia 3 Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia 4 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

^*Correspondance to: Nuha Alsaleh 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3204

Abstract

Background: There is a strong belief in myrrh?s antibacterial and healing properties in Saudi culture. However, a number of negative outcomes such as surgical site infections have been recorded. The aim of this analysis was to determine the level of bacterial and heavy metal contamination in myrrh samples from Saudi markets. There is a strong belief in myrrh?s antibacterial and healing properties in Saudi culture. However, some negative outcomes such as surgical site infections have been recorded. This analysis aimed to determine the level of bacterial and heavy metal contamination in myrrh samples from Saudi markets. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at an academic centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We have collected seven samples of myrrh organic compound from native markets in numerous areas in Saudi Arabia (2 from Riyadh, 1 Hail, 1 Qassim, 1 Najran, 1 Dammam and 1 Jeddah). Bacterial counts were identified. All Samples were submitted and analyzed with ICP-MS (Agilent 7900). Results: Four out of seven samples tested positive for bacterial contamination. The presence of trace amounts of heavy metals was within reasonable limits. The difference was 14%, 95% CI = -31.3315% to 52.3161%, Chi-squared 0.255. Conclusion: The presence of viable bacteria noticed in many myrrh specimens represents a major health risk that could defeat the benefits of their usage. This raises the importance of reinforcement of proper environmental sanitation through appropriate legislation.

Keywords

Myrrh; Saudi Arabia; Herbal medicine; Commiphora; Bacterial contamination; Heavy metals

Cite the article

Alsaleh N, Hasanato R, AlAfaleq NO, Al-Shouli ST. Is "Myrrh" Contaminated by Microbes and Heavy Metals? Analytical Study from Saudi Arabia. Clin Surg. 2021; 6: 3204..