Control of natural microorganisms in chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.) by gamma ray and electron beam irradiation [pdf]

Abstract

Medicinal plant research is universally on the rise. Researchers, as well as the general public, recognize that natural products, predominantly those derived from plants, may exhibit health benefits (Petronilho et al., 2012). Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.) is one of the most widely used and well-documented medicinal plants in the world (Lohse et al., 2006). Chamomile is used both internally and externally to treat an extensive list of conditions and is also extensively consumed as a tea or tonic (Al-Bahtiti, 2012). Chamomile ingredients function mostly as fragrance ingredients and as skin conditioning agents in cosmetic products (Gottschalck and Breslawec, 2012). Chamomile is reportedly listed as an official drug in the Pharmacopoeias of 26 countries (Ross, 2008). Herbs including chamomile contain a high level of bacteria spores and fungi. These spores are mainly mesophilic aerobes, and sour thermophilic aerobes