A review of the clinical and toxicological aspects of 'traditional' (herbal) medicines adulterated with heavy metals.
The popularity of traditional remedies has greatly increased in westernised countries over recent years. Although many of these remedies are used safely, there have recently been an increasing number of case reports being published of heavy metal poisoning after the use of traditional remedies, in particular, Indian Ayurvedic remedies. This study reviews the data on published cases, along with the history of Ayurvedic medicine in an attempt to provide an insight into why heavy metals, in particular lead, mercury and arsenic are added in such large concentrations to these remedies.
Lynch
Emma
E
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Regional Laboratory for Toxicology, City Hospital, Birmingham, B18 7QH, UK.
Braithwaite
Robin
R
D000075322:Heavy Metal Poisoning; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic / Q000266:history; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000266:history / Q000506:poisoning*; D011634:Public Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012924:Social Conditions
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D028321:Plant Preparations