Fed: Indian couple poisoned with arsenic, lead, mercury

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2007
Fed: Indian couple poisoned with arsenic, lead, mercury

SYDNEY, Feb 1 AAP - The federal drug reaction watchdog has called for cautious use
of Indian medicines bought overseas after a couple was hospitalised with lead and arsenic
poisoning.

The Indian pair were given a traditional ayurvedic potion while visiting their home
country early last year, the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC) has reported.

After taking the unidentified medicine for five months, the man was admitted to an
Australian hospital with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

He had high arsenic and mercury readings, and a lead level of 120 grams per deciliter
(g/dL), more than 12 times the acceptable blood concentration of 10g/dL.

His wife had no symptoms but registered lead levels of 40g/dL.

The incident has prompted ADRAC to warn about the toxic content heavy metals found
in some ayurvedic medicines.

"The possibility of contamination and adulteration should be considered for any herb
or herbal medicine purchased overseas, imported into Australia for personal use or obtained
over the internet," the committee states in its latest bulletin.

The problem is less likely to occur with Indian and Chinese medicines registered as
complementary therapies in Australia as they must meet set standards.

AAP tam/evt/nf

KEYWORD: AYURVEDIC

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