The state Department of Public Health on Tuesday cautioned market owners and consumers about possible health effects associated with the use of Jambrulin and some other ayurvedic medicinal products sold in Indian or Asian markets.
Jambrulin’s packaging states that the product can be used to activate the pancreas. Ayurvedic medicinal products are used in traditional Indian healing practices and are often imported from India, the health department said in a news release. Heavy metals may be introduced into ayurvedic products either intentionally as part of the formulation intended to be therapeutic, or accidentally as part of the manufacturing process, the release said.
The health department’s Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance Program and Public Health Laboratory have investigated several cases of lead poisoning from the use of Jambrulin. this product was found to contain approximately 3.5 percent lead, the department said. this finding is consistent with tests of many other supplements and ayurvedic medicinal products sold in Indian and Asian markets nationwide, according to the health department.
Infants, children and pregnant women are the most susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals. Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can include abdominal pain, anemia, changes in blood pressure, negative reproductive effects, weakness, concentration problems, weight loss, insomnia, dizziness, kidney and brain damage or possibly death. The department advised anyone experiencing health effects that may be the result of the use of Jambrulin or other ayurvedic products to seek the help of a doctor.
a list of ayurvedics, herbal remedies and other medicinal supplements known to contain dangerous levels of contaminants including heavy metals has been developed by the new York City Department of Health and can be accessed on the Connecticut health department website at: ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/environmental_health/lead/pdf/lead-herbalmed_NY.pdf