Introduction:
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine which may be beneficial for a wide variety of health conditions. Ayurvedic medicines, are mainly composed of herbs, minerals, metals, and/or animal products. Many Ayurvedic supplements have surfaced over the past decade which have incredible potential for treatment of a wide variety of health conditions.
Ayurvedic Supplement Concerns:
Saper and colleagues purchased 193 traditional Indian (ayurvedic) medicine products from the Internet. About 60 percent were from U.S. companies and 40 percent from Indian companies. They found that about 20.7% of ayurvedic medicine products purchased contained detectable levels of lead, mercury or arsenic. In high levels, these metals can be toxic. The researchers found that products manufactured in the United States were also likely to contain toxic metals. The rate in U.S. manufactured products was 21.7 percent, and in Indian products, it was 19.5 percent. Furthermore, 75 percent of the products containing lead, mercury or arsenic advertised that they were manufactured using “Good Manufacturing Practices,” which is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation meant to ensure quality; however, such claims were not associated with a lower prevalence of toxic metals. The investigators did note that products from members of the U.S.-based American Herbal Products Association had a lower prevalence of toxic metals. Ayurvedic medicines reviewed by the author of the study which contained some of the highest levels of heavy metals include: Prana-breath of life, Mahasudarshan, Shilaiit, Hingwastika, Trifala Guggulu, Jatamansi, Kanta Kari, Praval Pisti, Prostate Rejuv, Tagar, Yograj Guggulu, Neem Plus, Commiphora Mukui, Energize, Ekangvir Ras, Agnitundi, Arogyavardhini Bati, Ayu-Arthri-Tone, Ayu-Leuko-Tone, and Ayu-Nephro-Tone.
Conclusion: Ayurvedic Supplement Concerns
Most Ayurvedic medicines produced in the U.S and India are not currently regulated for toxic metal content, but should be required for testing by governmental or private organizations. A chart showing content of heavy metals in these supplements are provided in the source referenced.
References:
1.Saper RB, Kales SN, Paquin J, et al. Heavy metal content of Ayurvedic herbal medicine products. JAMA 2004;292:2868–73. http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=182460