Ayurvedic Remedies Tested for Heavy Metals

BOSTON—Approximately one-fifth of Ayurvedic remedies purchased over the Internet were found in a recent study to contain detectable lead, mercury or arsenic (JAMA. 2008;300(8):915-23). There was no difference in incidence rate between U.S.- and India-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines. However, rasa shastra medicines (the Ayurvedic practice of combining herbs with metals, minerals and gems) had a significantly greater prevalence of metals, lead and mercury than non-rasa shastra medicines.

The research team, coordinated out of the Boston Medical Center, identified 673 products from 25 Web sites, and randomly selected 230 for purchase between August and October 2005. A total of 193 products that were received and analyzed, with additional notes made of country of manufacturer/Web site supplier, rasa shastra status, and claims of GMPs (good manufacturing practices). Approximately 20 percent of the products contained detectable levels of lead, mercury or arsenic.

One positive finding was that products made by members of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) were significantly less likely—nearly four times less likely—to contain the toxic elements. “A company’s decision to become a member of AHPA represents an investment in quality and a sustained interest in improving standards at the company and industry level,” Michael McGuffin, AHPA president, said in a statement. “The area of trace elements in dietary supplements is one the association has dedicated time and attention to, and, through the work of our committees, we will continue to assist AHPA companies in reaching their quality standards.”