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Toxic metal warning over herbal medicines

27/08/2008

Up to one fifth of a type of herbal medicine purchased over the internet could contain dangerously-high levels of toxic metals, a study has shown.

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Jama) says a significant proportion of Ayurvedic medicines contain lead, mercury or arsenic.

Ayurveda is a form of medicine that originated in India more than 2,000 years ago and relies heavily on herbal products.

A subdivision known as rasa shastra combines herbs with metals, minerals and gems, with experts in India believing medicines properly prepared with metals such as lead and mercury will be safe and therapeutic.

Researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine identified 25 websites featuring 673 Ayurvedic medicines. They randomly selected and purchased 193 products made by 37 different manufacturers for analysis.

Overall, 20.7 percent of Ayurvedic medicines contained detectable lead, mercury and/or arsenic.

Lead author Robert Saper said: "Our first priority must be the safety of the public. Herbs and supplements with high levels of lead, mercury, and arsenic should not be available for sale on the internet or elsewhere."

Co-author Venkatesh Thuppil, director of the National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India, added: "The medicines which are supposed to cure sickness should not promote another illness due to the presence of toxic materials such as lead."