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Herbal drugs: sting in the tail?

Studies conducted in the UAE found that a number of herbal drugs contained active pharmaceutical ingredients and banned substances that can lead to health complications

Think twice if you consider herbal medicines as safer and cheaper alternatives, warn experts.

Though herbal medicines are generally considered safer alternatives to allopathic medicine, prolonged use may lead to complications, experts say.

Research has revealed that many may contain ingredients such as arsenic, lead and mercury that are harmful to health.

Studies carried out in the UAE have found that a number of herbal drugs contain active pharmaceutical ingredients and banned substances that can lead to neurological and psychological problems and sometimes death.

Though herbal drugs are used to treat a number of ailments including diabetes, cancer and arthritis, the drugs are especially popular for weight loss, erectile dysfunctions and as dietary supplements.

“A recent study done in the US revealed that 67 per cent of the herbal medicines imported from India contained toxic elements that were harmful to health,” said Dr Sulaiman El Sharif from the University ofSharjah during a recently organised seminar on herbal medicines. Similar studies are being conducted in the UAE as well after the ministry received reports on adverse drug reactions.

Dr Mohammed Kamil from Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine says, “Since the incidence of obesity is high in the UAE, it was critical for us to study the counterfeit herbal medicines for weight loss available in the market.” Analysis of the samples revealed astonishing facts including usage ofcontrolled pharmaceutical ingredients in medicines that should be completely derived from plants.

“The quality control laboratory analysis of a dozen of market samples found that they contained undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients such as sibutramine (a controlled substance),” explains Dr Kamil.

Other ingredients included rimonabant (a drug banned in the US) and some other synthetic drugs. According to Dr Kamil, the US Food and Drug Authority in 2007 voted not to recommend approval of the drug because of the increased risk of neurological and psychiatric side effects including seizures, depression, anxiety, insomnia, aggressiveness, and suicidal thoughtsamong patients.

He also says that in June 2008, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom linked rimonabant to five deaths and 720 adverse reactions over the past two years.

“On the other hand, sibutramine is a controlled substance and the active pharmaceutical ingredient in an approved prescription drug to treat obesity,” he says.

“Taking more than three times the recommended daily dosage of sibutramine may cause increased blood pressure, tachycardia, palpitations and seizure,” he adds.

Besides, herbal drugs for diabetes tested in the laboratory were found to contain a number of prescription-only anti-diabetic drugs.

Other adulterated medicines included those for erectile dysfunction and arthritis.

“We also found that herbal analgesics are adulterated with paracetamol, whereas the cholesterol lowering herbal drugs are admixed with statins,” he reveals. Dr Kamil further says that since the banned substances are not included in the list of ingredients, physicians or pharmacists are unable to advise patients on the associated risks.

The complex which is a division of the Public Health & Policy, Health Authority Abu Dhabi, is currently surveying herbal weight loss drugs and dietary supplements in the UAE with special reference to Abu Dhabi market.

“The findings will help consumers, health care practitioners, and the general public understand the complex’s action regarding weight loss products contaminated with various prescription drugs and chemicals,” he adds.

A senior official from the UAE Ministry of Health says that people should exercise caution while using any medicine.

“People have a misconception that herbal drugs are safe. This is not true,” said Dr Amin Al Amiri, Executive Director for Medical Practice and Licensing at the ministry.

“We have banned a number of drugs from the markets after receiving reports on the adverse reactions,” he added.

At the root of it

It is just that the word ‘herbal’ has such a gentle sound to it. Like Merlin the magician or Getafix from Asterix was happily plucking herbs in a forest and then making this magic potion that we all drink and cheerfully wave our ills away. In recent times, herbal meds had taken such a quantum leap forward that allopathic doctors were beginning to feel beleagured, as if their battle had become a lost cause.

While traditional herbal medicines based on the kitchen and grandmother’s home remedies do very little harm and have stood the test of time these days the deluge of exotic roots and fruits has made herbal treatment a little worrying. Just like with standard medicine we now have the snake oil merchants and no one knows what they are up to.

Here are 5 suggestions that you might like to keep in mind.

Herbal teas are largely diuretics so be careful you are not dehydrated

Do not purchase expensive liquids that promise a life changing experience

Check the ingredients of any mix, powder or piece that has medicinal properties before you have it.

Be wary before applying herbal cosmetics on your face and body.

Do not listen to the ‘miracle’ stories from friends, check all meds with your personal doctor.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com