Probiotic assessment of herbal mixtures sold in Awka Metropolis

Herbal mixtures are among the important traditional healthcare medicines used in Awka metropolis, Nigeria, with some forms undergoing fermentation, showing the presence of microorganisms. This study aimed to assess the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from 10 (ten) herbal mixture samples sold in Awka. LAB were isolated, characterized, and identified, with molecular confirmation by 16S rRNA sequencing. Their probiotic attributes were also evaluated through in vitro assays, including tolerance to acidic pH, bile, and NaCl, assessment of cell surface hydrophobicity, auto- and co-aggregation abilities, cholesterol assimilation, and antimicrobial activity against common clinical pathogens( Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus).Results showed the presence of Lactobacillus guizhouensis (MRSAI3), Lactobacillus helveticus (MRSAI7) and  Lactobacillus terrae (MRSAI8 ).These strains demonstrated superior probiotic characteristics in the laboratory tests. They showed a high survival rate under challenging digestive conditions, such as low pH and high bile concentrations. The strains also had strong adhesion capabilities, including the ability to stick to surfaces and to other bacteria. They displayed antimicrobial activity, effectively inhibiting the growth of pathogens like E. coli (inhibition zones up to 18.06 mm). The strains were also able to assimilate cholesterol (up to 22.18%). The study confirmed that herbal mixtures are a promising source of beneficial indigenous bacteria with therapeutic potential for humans.