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Chronic arsenic toxicity from Ayurvedic medicines
Sujay Khandpur1, Amit K Malhotra, Vidhyut Bhatia
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
International Journal of Dermatology
|May 15, 2008
Summary
Certain Ayurvedic medicines contain toxic levels of arsenic, leading to serious health issues like skin problems and liver disease. Medical supervision is crucial when using these traditional remedies to prevent arsenic poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Integrative Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Ayurvedic medicines are traditional Indian remedies.
- Some Ayurvedic formulations may contain heavy metals like arsenic.
- Clinical cases of arsenic toxicity from Ayurvedic medicines are rare.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old girl developed arsenical keratosis and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.
- Symptoms appeared 6-18 months after consuming Ayurvedic medications for epilepsy.
- Arsenic levels in her consumed medications and serum were analyzed.
Findings:
- Arsenic concentrations in the Ayurvedic medicines ranged from 5 to 248 mg/L.
- The patient's serum arsenic level was significantly elevated at 202.20 microg/L (normal < 60 microg/L).
- Skin manifestations resolved after discontinuing the Ayurvedic medications.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe systemic toxicity from arsenic-contaminated Ayurvedic drugs.
- It underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and monitoring of herbal and traditional medicines.
- Strict medical guidance is essential for the safe use of Ayurvedic preparations to prevent adverse health outcomes.
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