Dubai: The next time you rub that turmeric powder onto your aching knees and back, think again.
The Drugs Control Laboratory in the Ministry of Health (MOH) has warned the public against some fake herbal products. Chemical substances that are harmful to human health also get into the packaging of these herbal products.
"The drugs control laboratory in the Ministry of Health checked a sample of turmeric powder, which is used by some individuals for the treatment of knee and back pain, brought from Asian countries and traded spontaneously," Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing at the Ministry of Health, said.
Some herbal products contain chemical additives that come from unknown sources and have no expiry dates, Al Amiri said.
Piroxicam, for example, is an anti-inflammatory and non-steroid substance which, when used, may lead to strokes and high blood pressure, Dr Al Amiri said.
Patients, who have high blood pressure as well as asthma or are allergic to aspirin are advised not to use these products.
