UAE | Health
Inspectors find product containing banned herb on sale in Abu Dhabi
Product used to treat Asthma and respiratory problems banned by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi.
- By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:04 July 4, 2009
Abu Dhabi: An unregistered product for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory problems was found by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi inspection team to be sold in various outlets across Abu Dhabi.
The product, known as Asthmina Syrup Natural, contains ephedra, also known as ma haung, an ancient Chinese herb traditionally used to treat asthma, colds, congestion and coughs.
The herb was originally used in teas, and is thought to be one of the world's oldest medicines. It is also used for weight loss and as an energy booster.
The use of this herb is controversial, however.
Dr Fatima Al Qahawi, Regulation Officer at the Quality and Safety Lab at the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD), explained to Gulf News that the herb is the main source of ephedrine alkaloids, which pose unreasonable risk of illness.
"Ephedra can be found in herbal preparations marketed for weight loss. The product is not registered with the Ministry of Health and is not auth-orised to be sold in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The FDA also prohibited the sale of all dietary supplements containing ephedrine in February 2004," said Fatima.
It is interesting to note that ephedra is also on the US Olympic Committee's list of banned substances.
If taken in large amounts, ephedra could lead to serious heart problems, stroke or even death in otherwise healthy people.
Ephedra's side-effects include insomnia as it is known to increase the heart rate, as well as irritability, nervousness and mood swings.
Some components of ephedra have also been shown to raise blood pressure and to increase blood sugar levels.
In order to warn the public against using such products, the HAAD has issued circular PHM/24/09 to health professionals.
The circular can be found on HAAD's website.
Latest news
- Dubai number plates auction raises Dh27m
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Smart e-Gate system launched
- Cyber infidelity creeping out of virtual domain
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
