Some herbal medicines contain potentially toxic quantities of heavy metals

The analysis of a sample of Ayurvedic herbal medicine products found that 20 percent of metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic in concentrations that can be toxic if the contents as indicated by a study published in the edition of JAMA December 15 . According to information in the article, about 80 percent in Indias one billion population uses Ayurveda, a medical system that originated in India over 2000 years ago and relies heavily on herbal medicines ( phytotherapy). Ayurveda grew in popularity in Western countries.
are regulated by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which does not require proof of safety or efficacy before marketing. Herbs, minerals and metals are used in Ayurvedic HMPS. Recent reports of severe poisoning associated with takingAyurvedic HMPS were the impetus for the current study. Robert B. Namely, MD, MPH
examine the content of heavy metals. From April to October 2003, researchers bought 70 different ayurvedic HMPS in stores within 20 miles of Boston City Hall. Concentrations of lead, mercury and arsenic were measured in the samples. The potential amount of daily metal ingestion, estimated by using the doses recommended by the manufacturer, compared to U.S. Pharmacopeia and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulatory standards.
recommended by the manufacturer, could lead to each of these heavy metal intake above published regulatory standards. Lead was found in 13 Phytotherapeutika, mercury and arsenic in six HMPS in six traditional medicines. Half of herbal medicine with potentiallytoxic heavy metals is recommended for children. The 14 HMPS containing heavy metals were mentioned by 11 different companies produced. Of the 30 establishments visited, 24 sold at least one heavy metal-containing HMP.
Consequences for health, clinical, and policy makers in the United States and abroad. Although the prevalence of heavy metal-containing Ayurvedic HMP use is unknown, the number of individuals at potential

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