Nutrition & Wellness – Biology 50

New Study Finds Toxins in Some Herbal Medicines

August 28, 2008

A new study published this August in JAMA found that one-fifth of both US-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines purchased via the Internet contain detectable lead, mercury, or arsenic.

The purpose of the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) study was to “determine the prevalence of Ayurvedic medicines available via the Internet containing detectable lead, mercury or arsenic.” The study was also designed to compare the prevalence of toxic metals in US- vs Indian-manufactured medicines and between rasa shastra and non–rasa shastra medicines.

Lead, mercury, and arsenic have been detected in a substantial proportion of Indian-manufactured traditional Ayurvedic medicines. These metals may be present due to the practice of rasa shastra which is to combine herbs with metals, minerals, and gems.

More about Arsenic, Lead and Mercury
According to the study research more than 80 people have developed lead poisoning worldwide from Ayurvedic medicines since 1978. Lead and mercury can damage the kidneys and brain, especially in children. Arsenic can cause cancer.

Ayurvedic medications are largely used by adults to treat problems ranging from indigestion to infertility. About 4% of the 193 products that author Robert Saper of the Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center tested were labeled for use in children. Among the metal-containing products, 95% were sold by US Web sites and 75% claimed Good Manufacturing Practices.

The bottom line, since 20% of both US-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines purchased via the Internet contained detectable lead, mercury, or arsenic one should be extremely cautious when using these products.

More Information:

Saper RB. et. al. Lead, Mercury, and Arsenic in US- and Indian-Manufactured Ayurvedic Medicines Sold via the Internet. JAMA. 2008;300(8):915-923.

Szabo L. August 26, 2008. Study finds toxins in some herbal medicines. USA Today.

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Entry Filed under: Articles, Nutrition News, Wellness. Tags: Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Herbal supplements, Lead Poisoning, Online Supplement.