admin November 30th, 2007
The MHRA report on four Traditional Chinese Medicines that have been found to contain aristolochia acids (the active principle extracted from the herb Aristolochia). These acids are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, most clearly demostrated in Belgium when over 100 patients developed Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy following the use of a herbal slimming regime. An informative review of the dangers of aristolochic acid has been published in Drug Safety.1 The MHRA have already issued wanrings about the risks of aristolochic acid contamination in Drug Safety Update this month.
The four products are:
- Xiao Qin Long Wan
- Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan
- Bai Tou Weng Wan
- Xie Gan Wan
These products may be available in a variety of different packaging.
Bottom line: If you have been taking any of the above products stop taking them and immediately contact your doctor. There is no safe level of exposure to aristochic acid. Users of Traditional Chinese Medicines should be aware that the risk of contamination is a continuing issue in their safety.
1. Cosyns, JP. Aristolochic Acid and “Chinses Herbs Nephropahthy”: A review of the evidence to date. Drug Safety 2003; 26(1): 33-48
admin December 9th, 2005
The MHRA are warning of potentially serious adverse reaction due to two African herbal products.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) believes that certain African herbal remedies are on the UK market which could contain toxic herbal ingredients and lead to life threatening conditions.
Consumers are warned not to purchase or use two products, ‘M2′ and ‘Energy 2000′, believed to be available on the UK market which may contain the toxic herbal ingredients Strophanthus sarmentosus or Aristolochia species. Aristolochia species have been banned in unlicensed herbal remedies in the UK since 2001.
- Aristolochia species can cause kidney failure and cancer.
- Strophanthus species have a powerful action on the heart and could result in serious heart problems including abnormal heart rate and heart failure
admin November 11th, 2005
The MHRA reports on mercury contaminated Traditional Chinese Remedies.
In April 2005, an unannounced inspection of a traditional Chinese medicine wholesaler in London, conducted by Agency investigators, uncovered the supply of two traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) containing high levels of mercury.
Zhuifeng Tougu Wan was supplied in the form of ball bearing type red pills which were found to contain around 3% mercury. The pills were supplied in a white opaque plastic bottle with a screw top and a mustard yellow and gold label.
Fufang Luhui Jiaonang capsules were found to contain around 13% mercury, and were supplied in blister packs contained within a cream and blue carton.
Read more here.
admin December 22nd, 2004
The MHRA have seized a consignment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which reportedly contains the toxic herb Aristolochia. They repeat their advice that all products containing Aristolochia are banned in the UK because of the potential for kidney failure
MHRA notice
Picture of tablet packaging
