MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION AND PH ASSESSMENT OF COMMERCIAL ROSE WATER PRODUCTS MARKETED FOR OPHTHALMIC USE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the microbiological contamination, pH, and information provided on the labels of commercially available rose water products for ophthalmic use in Pakistan. The methodology consisted of collecting 13 samples of rose water through convenience sampling from three provinces of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Eye-related indications and dosage instructions were checked on the product labels. Microbial enumeration was carried out as per United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Bacterial Enumeration Test <61> on tryptic soy agar (TSA), violet red bile agar (VRBA), and Cetrimide agar. Colony characteristics and Gram-stained microscopy were used for preliminary microbial characterization. The pH of the samples was measured with a digital pH meter. The results showed that 9 out of 13 samples were tested for microbial contamination, which is 69.23%, and 4 out of 13 samples showed no microbial growth on the tested media, which is 30.77%. Contaminants consisted of Gram-positive organisms, Gram-negative organisms, and fungal growth. Contaminated samples ranged from 2 to 855 CFU/mL on TSA. Sample pH ranged from 3.22 to 7.51. Only five samples (38.46%) were within the acceptable ophthalmic pH range of 6.5–7.8, whereas eight (61.54%) were below this range. Importantly, none of the 13 products simultaneously met both criteria of absence of microbial contamination and acceptable ophthalmic pH. The results indicate serious safety issues for direct use of the commercial rose water products tested in the eyes. Before being promoted or used for ophthalmic purposes, stronger manufacturing controls, microbiological testing, proper labelling, and regulatory control are necessary.