Toxic metals in Ayurvedic medicines

About one in five Ayurvedic herbal medicine products sold in the Boston area contain toxic levels of lead, mercury or arsenic.  Traditional Indian herbal medicine products are growing in popularity in Western countries. Since herbal medicines are classified as dietary supplements, they are regulated in the US by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which does not require proof of safety or effectiveness. Researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine, USA, visited stores within 20 miles of Boston City Hall that sold Ayurvedic herbal medicine products imported from south Asia, and purchased one package of each herbal medicine product available.  Samples were sent for analysis and it was found that fourteen of the 70 herbal medicine products contained lead, mercury and/or arsenic. If taken as recommended by the manufacturers, each of these 14 could result in heavy metal intakes above published regulatory standards. In many cases, the herbal medicines contained much higher levels than allowed by US Pharmacopeia standards - levels similar to those associated with toxic blood concentrations and symptomatic poisoning in previously reported cases. These levels could be especially dangerous to children. The researchers recommend that Ayurvedic herbal medicine users should undergo testing for heavy metal poisoning and that doctors should consider Ayurvedic herbal medicine use when they encounter cases of unexplained heavy metal toxicity.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Was this Article Helpful Yes or No

Web Stories

What Is Motion Sickness. Tips To Prevent It

Summer Foods For Strong Immunity

7 Blood Thinning Foods For Healthy Heart

How To Take Care Of Mental Health?

Benefits Of Aerial Yoga

Tips To Avoid Conjunctivitis

8 Yoga Poses For Kids To Help Increase Height

Must Try Tips To Build Stamina

Lemon: A Multipurpose Starter Pack

Yoga Asanas To Release Negative Thoughts