'Herbal remedies' containing heavy metals

The adulteration of ethnic medicines with heavy metals is a significant international problem. The Agency has found, or is investigating reports of the use of, mercury, lead and arsenic in unlicensed Ayurvedic or traditional Chinese medicines. The inclusion of these metals, or salts containing them, pose a serious risk to public health. Consumers are advised to be alert to possible effects and follow the general safety advice if any are experienced whilst taking a herbal remedy.

Mercury
Inorganic mercuric salts can cause severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, kidney damage and failure and potential nervous system effects.

Arsenic
Arsenic salts can cause severe nausea, vomiting, skin disorders, haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, cardiac arrhythmias, anaemia, jaundice, peripheral neuropathy, convulsions and paralysis.

Lead
Can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, kidney damage, peripheral neuropathy, incoordination, impairment of mental function, convulsions and coma.

Surveys carried out during 2004 in the United States have shown that twenty percent of all Ayurvedic medicines in the Boston area contained potentially harmful levels of lead, mercury and arsenic. Futther reports from the United States suggest that a number of patients suffered lead poisoning following the use of a range of unspecified Ayurvedic medicines.

The Agency also received reports from Hong Kong in December 2004 that a product called Tik Dak Win of the Ng Chung brand was found during testing to contain high levels of lead. The Hong Kong authorities have requested the recall of the product and are advising people who have bought the product to discontinue use and dispose of any remaining tablets.


Page last modified: 20 September 2006