Date:19/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/19/stories/2005081902220700.htm

Back UK warnings against Indian herbal products

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Aug 18

MANUFACTURERS of ayurvedic and unani medicine in India have started feeling the ripple effect. After Health Canada issued warnings against certain products, Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised consumers not to take any of them as they could contain high levels of heavy metals.

The drugs under scanner include Karela tablets, Yograj Guggul tablets, Sudarshan tablets, Safi Liquid and Maha Sudarshan Churna Powder. The companies hit are Zandu Pharmaceuticals, Dabur India Ltd, Himalaya Drug Company, and Hamdard Wakf (India and Pakistan).

The MHRA has said that many of the products may contain mercury, arsenic, and lead and cause severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The Indian industry, on its part, is putting on a brave front and has commissioned independent research. A Dabur India official said, "Our company is sensitive to the safety issues related to our products. We have got our Shilajit tested from an independent and internationally renowned testing laboratory that confirms that it does not contain heavy metals. Further, we have also conducted various toxicity studies on Shilajit and the results have shown that it is absolutely safe for human use."

A Himalaya Drug Company spokesperson said that the company would stick to what it had earlier claimed. "Tests by IIT Madras and Rigaku in Texas on Karela capsules have clearly indicated the absence of lead and other heavy metals," she added.

Meanwhile industry analysts said that the image of traditional Indian medicine as well as these companies might take a beating. Also, those planning to enhance their presence abroad might find the going tough.