Detection and characterization of pathogenic Bacillus haynesii from Tribulus terrestris extract: ways to reduce its levels.

Plant parts such as roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits that hold ethnopharmacological significance are naturally prone to microbial contamination, influenced by environmental factors like moisture and humidity. This study focuses on assessing the microbial load in the raw material of Tribulus terrestris (TT). The primary bacterium isolated from the pulverized raw material was identified as Bacillus haynesii through 16S rRNA sequencing. Biochemical assays revealed the organism's ability to utilize lysine and ornithine, produce urease, and generate hydrogen sulfide. The bacterium exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics and caused 21.5% hemolysis in RBC lysis assays. To reduce microbial contamination, Glutaraldehyde (GA) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) were tested, with GA at 1% reducing the microbial load by 99% without affecting the yield (0.5%) or bioactive saponin content. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the absence of residual GA, ensuring an eco-friendly and safe process. This highlights the importance of quality control measures, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations, in maintaining the integrity of herbal extracts.