| Abstract
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Herbal supplement use in the United States continues to rise. Microbiological evaluation is necessary to ensure safety to consumers. Scientific research concerning whether supplements possess properties which inhibit or stimulate microbial growth is lacking. The purpose of this study was to identify inhibitory properties of dietary supplements containing the aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea. An irradiation process was employed to eliminate any background microorganisms. E. purpurea samples were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Asperigillus niger, and Salmonella choleraesuis. Results demonstrated that growth altering properties were present; the growth of E. coli was stimulated and the growth of C. albicans was inhibited. These findings indicate that further research should include consideration of microbial growth altering properties in order to achieve accurate results.
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