JIST

Abstract

For long, indigenous systems of medicine of India such as Ayurveda and Unani have been credited with the development of naturally derived medicines that were presumed to be relatively free from adverse effects. Increasingly however, there is evidence to suggest that some of these medicines may not be entirely safe, particularly those originating from makeshift manufacturers. This paper presents the findings of a study involving some common Ayurvedic medicines, which revealed the presence of heavy metals and synthetic steroids that were in some cases responsible for significant morbidity among those who consumed them.