MYCOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF SHEA BUTTER (VITELLARIA PARADOXA) SOLD IN OSOGBO, OSUN STATE AND OFFA, KWARA STATE.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Vitellaria paradoxa commonly called Shea butter tree is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown and grows approximately 25cm in height. A large population of Nigerian natives use Shea butter to control various skin disorders. They believe this natural plant extract is almost magical in its healing effects on burns, skin rashes, ulcerated skin, stretch marks, wrinkles, acne, eczema and dryness. This study aimed at assessing the mycological contaminants present in Locally produced Shea Butter sold in Osogbo, Osun State and Offa, Kwara State. Streak plate method was used in this analysis. The mean fungal count ranged from 3.0 X 101 to 9.0 X 101 Sfu/ml. The fungal species identified include Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp, and Rhizopus sp. The fungi encountered in the present study are associated with human skin infections which include superficial and cutaneous mycosis. Most fungi may gain entry through wounds or cracked skin during application of the contaminated Shea butter. The results from this study show that locally produced Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea butter) in our local markets are contaminated with microbes. It is recommended that local producers maintain high hygienic standard during process of production.
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