Study on the Compliance of Baby Herbal Tea Sold in Algeria

Introduction. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the demand for herbal teas in pharmacies. This growing popularity can be attributed to factors such as the claims on packaging, availability without a prescription, and affordable pricing. This study focuses on the use of herbal teas for infants, specifically for managing colic and sleep issues, whether for self-medication or following recommendations from pediatric specialists. Methods. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the compliance and relevance of a herbal tea formulated for infants using multiple evaluation methods. A macroscopic and microscopic examination of the powder was conducted, along with physicochemical and microbiological analyses to assess the herbal tea's quality and safety. Results and Discussion. The results of the study confirmed that the analyzed herbal tea met the microbiological quality criteria, the medicinal plant composition, and packaging standards, with a level of compliance deemed adequate for safe use. The botanical control validated the presence of the expected main components, fennel and licorice, in line with traditional indications for digestive disorders. However, the impurity level of 6.41% exceeds the allowed limit, raising concerns about the product's quality. The lack of a distinct odor may be linked to the fine grinding of the plants, which reduces the volatility of natural aromas. The moisture content of 7.5% is within the optimal range, while the homogeneous granulometry meets the standards, ensuring uniform infusion and dissolution. Finally, the microbiological analysis revealed the absence of pathogens, ensuring the microbiological safety of the herbal tea. Conclusion. The results suggest that although the herbal tea adheres to quality standards, it is crucial to maintain rigorous and ongoing quality control to guarantee the safety and efficacy of products intended for infants. Additionally, it is recommended to establish robust technical and regulatory frameworks to ensure these products meet safety, non-toxicity, and effectiveness standards.