A cluster of lead poisoning among consumers of Ayurvedic medicine

Abstract

Background: Use of alternative medications and herbal remedies is widespread in the United States and across the globe. These traditional medications can be contaminated with toxic metals. Despite several case reports of poisoning from such contamination, the epidemiological data are still limited. Objectives: To report on a cluster of lead and mercury toxicity cases in 2011 among a community of adherents of traditional medical practice of Ayurveda. Methods: Adherents of Ayurveda were offered heavy metals screening following the identification of the index case. Results: Forty-six of 115 participants (40%) had elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) of 10 mg/dl or above, with 9.6% of BLLs at or above 50 mg/dl. Conclusions: This is the largest cluster of lead and mercury toxicity following use of Ayurvedic supplements described in the literature in the US. Contamination of herbal products is a public health issue of global significance. There are few regulations addressing contamination of ''natural'' products or supplements.

Lead poisoning outbreak among opium users in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2016–2017

“…Adulteration of opium samples by soil, minced liver, flour, burned oil, tea, cacao, Indian henna, decoction of jute leaves, artificial leather, dried animal blood, melted X-ray films and pharmaceutical opioids, particularly tramadol, has been reported to make the opium heavier and gain more profit from sales 27 , 28 . The additives used in the current outbreak are not known but the amount of lead in our analysis (3.55 mg in 1 g opium) is sufficient to poison an opium-dependent patient 12 , 29 . According to a report released by the Iranian Drug Control Headquarters, testing of opium samples found at the Afghanistan border suggests that illegal opium sold in the Islamic Republic of Iran is adulterated inside our country 26 .…”

Ájurvéda a modern orvostudományban

“…Egy friss kutatás szerint egyes Ájurvéda-készítmények toxikus fé-mekkel lehetnek szennyezettek. Egy Ájurvéda-közösség hívei között végzett felmérés szerint 115 résztvevőből 46-nak emelkedett volt a vérólomszintje (≥10 μg/dl), és 5 embernél 50 μg/dl vagy annál nagyobb ólomkoncent-rációt mértek [24].…”

Study of Heavy Metals in Abnormal Growth and Development using an Alternate Animal Model: Heterometrus fulvipes

“…There are many reported incidences of heavy metals poisoning due to potential contamination, for instance arsenic and lead, leading to lower cognitive scores in children [3][4][5]. Lead and mercury toxicity are linked with the use of nutritional contamination, ayurvedic supplements and skin creams [6][7]. Seafood is one potential source of mercury, and it has been recommended for limiting its use during the pregnancy [8].…”