Toxic metals found in herbal medicines sold online

Traditional Indian medicines bought on the Internet and used throughout the world contain dangerous levels of toxic metals, according to a Boston study that says an ancient practice of combining herbs with metals and gems is responsible.

Lead, mercury, and arsenic were detected in one-fifth of Ayurvedic medicines bought from Internet sites, whether the remedies were made in the United States or in India, Dr. Robert B. Saper of the Boston University School of Medicine reports in the Journal of the American Medical Association. His team randomly sampled 193 Ayurvedic medicines ordered from web sites and analyzed for their metal concentrations.

Nearly 21 percent contained potentially toxic metals, some with levels of lead or mercury that were 100 to 10,000 times acceptable limits.

Ayurvedic practitioners say the medicines that include metals are safe if prepared correctly. Three-quarters of the manufacturers whose products contained metals said they adhered to standards for good manufacturing practices or metal testing.

All the products that contained metal had amounts that exceed health standards, the study found. There have been more than 80 cases of lead poisoning linked to Ayurvedic medicine since 1978, the authors says, citing previous research.

The study's results build on a smaller survey Saper conducted in Boston in 2003. Looking at Ayurvedic medicines made in South Asia and sold in local stores, he found that one-fifth contained lead, mercury, or arsenic -- or all three.

The authors think the US Congress should press for better regulation of such medicines, considered dietary supplements.

"We suggest strictly enforced, government-mandated daily dose limits for toxic metals in all dietary supplements and requirements that all manufacturers demonstrate compliance through independent third-party testing," they write.