Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a critical safety warning regarding three unapproved Ayurvedic medicines found to contain “extremely high” levels of heavy metals. The medicines, identified as Brahmi Vati tablets, Kumar Kalyan Rasa tablets from Unjha Ayurvedic Pharmacy, and Manasamitra Vadakam tablets from SKM Siddha and Ayurvedha, were found to have unsafe levels of mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
The TGA is urging consumers to immediately cease using these products and dispose of any remaining tablets at their local pharmacy. This advisory follows the discovery of a prohibited herb in the Manasamitra Vadakam tablets, which is listed on the TGA’s poisons register.
Understanding the Risks
Despite the illegality of importing and supplying unapproved Ayurvedic medicines in Australia, individuals can legally purchase them from overseas for personal use under certain conditions. This loophole has led to several consumer warnings over the years, with the Victorian health department reporting cases of lead poisoning linked to imported Ayurvedic medicines earlier this year.
Lead poisoning can cause severe health issues, including organ damage and death, with pregnant women and children being particularly vulnerable.
Mercury exposure, even in small amounts, can also be toxic to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. The presence of these heavy metals in medicinal products poses significant health risks to consumers.
The Tradition and Growth of Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional system originating from ancient India, is gaining popularity worldwide. It aims to balance the mind, body, and spirit through various practices, including diet, yoga, and herbal medicine. According to Research and Markets, the Australian Ayurvedic herbal market is projected to grow by 11% annually over the next decade, increasing its value from $174 million to $529 million by 2034.
Naveen Shukla, president of the Australasian Association of Ayurveda, describes Ayurveda as a “time-tested, complete system of medicine” that integrates ancient and modern knowledge. However, he acknowledges that many Ayurvedic medicines have not undergone the rigorous clinical trials required in Western medicine.
Details on the Flagged Tablets
The Brahmi Vati tablets are often used to support memory, while Kumar Kalyan Rasa tablets claim to enhance immune function in children. Manasamitra Vadakam tablets are marketed for mental well-being. Dr. Shukla, a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, explains that most Ayurvedic medicines consist of herbs and minerals, but some include metallic compounds, which are banned in Australia.
“When it comes to our health, we should not compromise,” Dr. Shukla advises, emphasizing the importance of consulting qualified practitioners.
He notes that heavy metals may be used in the extraction process of some herbs, which is permissible in India but exceeds Australian safety limits.
Regulation and Consumer Safety
In Australia, all therapeutic goods, including complementary and traditional medicines, must be tested by the TGA unless exempt. Dr. Jennifer Hunter, an adjunct associate professor at the University of Sydney, highlights the complexity of regulating these products, as some herbs may also fall under food standards.
Dr. Hunter, who serves on the TGA’s Advisory Committee for Complementary Medicines, points out that traditional practitioners can compound and dispense raw herbs without meeting TGA standards if they are accredited. This regulatory gap allows some potent herbal products to be sold as “functional foods” in Asian supermarkets without therapeutic claims.
Consumers should look for an AUST R or L number on products, indicating they meet Australian standards and are safe to use.
Dr. Shukla warns against self-prescribing Ayurvedic medicines, even those with AUST numbers, stressing the need for professional guidance.
Looking Forward
The TGA’s recent warnings underscore the ongoing challenges in regulating imported traditional medicines and ensuring consumer safety. As the popularity of Ayurvedic products continues to rise, it is crucial for consumers to seek advice from qualified practitioners and remain vigilant about the origins and contents of their medicines.
Moving forward, increased awareness and stricter regulations may help mitigate the risks associated with unapproved Ayurvedic medicines, safeguarding public health while respecting cultural practices.
