DRUG REACTIONS Herbal remedies illegally adulterated

Exported herbal remedies have been illegally adulterated with synthetic drugs to improve their activity, and probably their popularity, in Western countries, according to a report in the BM] [30 April].

The report focuses on a Chinese herbal arthritis cure, Chuifong Toukuwan, manufactured by Nan Lien in Hong Kong. Since 1974, the product has been found to illegally contain drugs including aminopyrine, phenylbutazone, indomethacin, hydrochlorothiazide, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and corticosteroids.

A recent analysis of Chuifong Toukuwan pills has also revealed adulteration with diclofenac and mefenamic acid, in addition to several of the previously detected drugs. A 75-year-old Belgian woman had developed cushingoid features, renal failure and weight gain after beginning treatment with these Chuifong Toukuwan pills for gonarthrosis. Vander Stricht BI, Parvais OE, Vanhaelen·Fastn! RJ, Vanhaelen M, et aI. Safer use

of trlIditionai remedies. Remedies may contain cocktail of active drugs. British

MedicalJoumal308: 1162,30 Apr 1994 """""

~ Editorial comment: This repon adds to the concerns expressed by Dr David Athenon, a leading proponent of Chinese herbal medicine in the UK. He suspects that some o/the so-called 'natural' topical preparations prescribed by Chinese practitioners may contain steroids. * * See Inphamw 926: 22,26 Feb 1994; 8IXJ253285

0156-270319410937'()()()211$01.orf' Adi. intamationai Limited 1994. Ail righta rewrved

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INPHARMA·14 May1994