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Metals and metalloids in traditional medicines (Ayurvedic medicines, nutraceuticals and traditional Chinese medicines)

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Abstract

Traditional medicine (TM) including Ayurvedic medicines, traditional Chinese medicines and nutraceuticals are popular across the globe as dietary supplements and traditional and alternative medicines. Health risks from these remedies continue to present serious concerns, with occurrences of poisoning by metals and metalloids present at concentrations above acceptable regulatory standards. This review overviews the prevalence of TM use, cases of metal and metalloid poisoning following TM consumption, and forms of TM contamination and adulteration. The review summarises regulations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other relevant bodies. Finally, the review recommends how to protect consumers.

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Funding

The author received financial support from Macquarie University through an International Macquarie Research Training Program Scholarship (iMQRTP) and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission for a study leave grant.

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  1. Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia

    Eva T. Gyamfi

  2. Nuclear Chemistry and Environmental Research Centre, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, National Nuclear Research Institute, P.O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana

    Eva T. Gyamfi

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Gyamfi, E.T. Metals and metalloids in traditional medicines (Ayurvedic medicines, nutraceuticals and traditional Chinese medicines). Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 15767–15778 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-05023-2

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