Clipping Board » Medical Affairs and Administration ─ Medical system, pharmaceuticals, and medical community-related reports
Release Date: 2007.03.02
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) requires consultation with a TCM practitioner, followed by the preparation and consumption of the prescribed herbal formula to achieve therapeutic effects. However, due to the busy lifestyles of modern people, scientific TCM (or concentrated TCM preparations) has emerged. The efficacy of TCM takes a longer time to manifest, which has led some unscrupulous businesses to illegally add Western medicines to achieve faster results. These businesses overlook the potential interactions between certain Western medicines and TCM, and the lack of detailed information on the composition and dosage of the added Western medicines puts consumers at risk. Therefore, the Department of Health has prohibited the addition of Western medicines to TCM, and there are also restrictions on the heavy metal content in TCM.
To protect consumer health, the Consumers' Foundation conducts three annual sessions where consumers can submit TCM products for testing to detect the presence of added Western medicines and heavy metals, thereby raising awareness about medication safety.
Submission Details:
In 2006, the Consumers' Foundation opened three sessions in February, June, and October for consumers to submit TCM products for testing for added Western medicines and heavy metals. A total of 251 TCM samples were submitted, with 220 tested for the presence of Western medicines, 88 for lead content, and 86 and 53 for mercury and cadmium content, respectively (some samples were tested for multiple items).
Test Results (see Tables 1, 2, and 3):
1. Detection of Added Western Medicines:
Out of the 220 TCM samples tested for Western medicines, 38 were found to contain Western medicines, accounting for 17.3% of the samples. This is a slight decrease compared to the 19.1% detection rate in 2005.
Analyzing the sources of the samples that tested positive for Western medicines (see Table 1), the highest detection rates were found in samples from "martial arts schools," "mail-order," and "purchased through others," with over 30% of these samples containing Western medicines. This was followed by samples from "gifts from relatives and friends," "Mainland China," and "TCM and herbal medicine stores." Only one sample each from "TCM clinics (hospitals)" and "TCM manufacturers" tested positive for Western medicines, indicating that a small number of unscrupulous businesses still exist.
Analyzing the intended effects of the medicines as reported by the submitters (see Table 2), over 50% of samples intended for "diuretic," "stimulant," "pain relief," and "trauma and injury" purposes tested positive for Western medicines, the highest proportion. This was followed by samples intended for "weight loss" and "cardiotonic" purposes, with over 30% testing positive for Western medicines.
A total of 21 Western medicine ingredients were detected (see Table 3). In addition to commonly detected ingredients such as "Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic)," "Caffeine (central nervous system stimulant)," and "Thiamine Disulfide (vitamin)," others like "Indomethacin (pain reliever)," "Piroxicam (pain reliever)," and "Chlorpheniramine Maleate (antihistamine)" were also frequently detected.
Furthermore, erectile dysfunction drugs such as "Tadalafil" and "Sildenafil Citrate" were also detected multiple times. Two samples, one from a "herbal medicine store" and the other from "mail-order," both labeled as "kidney-tonifying and nourishing," were found to contain both types of erectile dysfunction drugs. Consumers who experience significant effects from kidney-tonifying and nourishing products that claim suggestive or equivalent therapeutic effects should be cautious about the possible addition of erectile dysfunction drugs.Other appetite suppressants such as "Clobenzorex" were also detected in two samples claiming to be "weight loss products" this time. After ingestion, this drug metabolizes into amphetamine in the body. Although it can suppress appetite and achieve weight loss, long-term use not only easily leads to addiction but also harms the body. The Department of Health had already banned it in 1980, and in 2006, Clobenzorex was listed as a fourth-level controlled drug. Consumers should be cautious.
If consumers experience heightened spirits or insomnia after taking Chinese medicine claiming to have weight loss effects, it may contain illegal appetite suppressants. It is best to stop using it immediately to avoid addiction.
The addition of Western drugs to Chinese medicine violates Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, which prohibits "unauthorized manufacturing" and is considered a "counterfeit drug." Sellers of counterfeit drugs can be punished according to Article 83 of the same law, which states, "Anyone who knowingly sells, supplies, dispenses, transports, stores, brokers, transfers, or displays for the purpose of selling counterfeit or prohibited drugs shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than seven years and may also be fined not more than five million New Taiwan Dollars."
Other establishments, such as martial arts schools or herbal medicine shops, are not legally allowed to provide drugs to consumers. If they do, the operators are involved in illegal medical practices and can be punished according to Article 28 of the Medical Practitioners Act, which states, "Anyone who practices medical business without obtaining a legitimate medical qualification shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than six months and not more than five years and may also be fined not less than three hundred thousand and not more than one million five hundred thousand New Taiwan Dollars."
2. Heavy Metal Testing
Among the samples tested for heavy metals, six samples exceeded the Department of Health's standard that "the total heavy metal content in Chinese medicine should not exceed 100 ppm." Among them, three samples had lead content exceeding 100 ppm, and three samples had mercury content exceeding 100 ppm.
One of the samples with excessive heavy metals came from a "martial arts school" for treating "vascular sclerosis," with mercury content as high as 3.5% (35,000 ppm). Two samples from "ginseng shops" claiming to be for "pediatric convulsions" also exceeded the Department of Health's upper limit for mercury content. One of these "pediatric convulsions" samples not only had excessive mercury but also lead content exceeding 100 ppm.
These samples with excessive mercury content may be due to the use of cinnabar as a sedative. The Department of Health had already banned the use of cinnabar in oral preparations in 1991. Violators can be punished according to Article 82 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, with imprisonment for not more than ten years and a fine of not more than ten million New Taiwan Dollars.
One sample from "Mainland China" claimed to be a "detoxification" medicine, and another claimed to be "immune-boosting" Cordyceps powder. Both samples had lead content exceeding 100 ppm. Especially for the "immune-boosting" Cordyceps, the consumer-submitted sample was in powder form rather than the original herbal material, making it impossible to visually determine if it contained lead. Unaware consumers who ingest Cordyceps powder with excessive lead may not only fail to boost immunity but could also suffer from chronic lead poisoning over time.
Due to the accumulation of heavy metals, long-term ingestion of excessive mercury can lead to chronic poisoning, skin lesions, and nodules, and even affect the nervous and digestive systems. Additionally, excessive lead can hinder the synthesis of hemoglobin in the blood, causing anemia, abdominal pain, acute kidney failure, and neurological brain disorders. In growing children, it can affect behavior, intellectual development, cause learning disabilities, and even hearing loss.Advice for Consumers
1. "Strengthening the body without illness" is a misconception
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is not only a treasure of our country's heritage but also the culmination of research and development by sages throughout history. The efficacy of TCM is continually being validated through scientific experiments. However, consumers often mistakenly believe that TCM is mild and free of side effects. In reality, all medicines have two sides; they can cure diseases but also harm the body. Do not easily believe in the misconception of "strengthening the body without illness."
TCM practitioners emphasize "treatment based on syndrome differentiation" in diagnosis, which is not static in clinical practice. Only after a thorough consultation and understanding of the patient's condition can a prescription be made. Consumers should not casually believe in folk remedies, purchase TCM of unknown origin, or recommend medicines they believe to be effective to friends and family.
The Department of Health specifically requires that common TCM (herbal slices) should be labeled with "product name, weight, manufacturing date, expiration date, manufacturer's name, and address." Failure to comply with these labeling requirements can result in a fine ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 under Article 92, Paragraph 1, for violating Article 75, Paragraph 1 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. Importers who fail to label according to regulations should not be allowed to import. Some TCM can be used as food and must also comply with the Food Sanitation Management Act.
2. Purchase from licensed pharmacies
There are many types of TCM, and some are difficult to obtain or have similar appearances. Misuse and confusion of TCM due to old habits such as different names for the same item, the same name for different items, and traditional usage are quite common. This not only affects efficacy but also raises concerns about toxicity. For example, some people use "Fangji" for weight loss but mistakenly use "Guang Fangji," leading to kidney damage.
It is recommended that consumers consult a qualified TCM practitioner before purchasing or taking TCM and buy medicines from legal GMP-certified TCM manufacturers with verified registration and licenses for safety. Do not purchase TCM of unknown origin, especially those claiming rapid efficacy, to avoid harm to the body. If not all the purchased medicine is used, the remaining should be well-packaged and stored in the refrigerator.
Consumers in need can contact the Consumers' Foundation in Taipei from now until March 9 to request an inspection commission application form or download the form from the latest news section of the foundation's website. Information on inspection fees, dosage, etc., can be queried, and the application form along with sufficient medicine and inspection fees can be delivered in person or mailed to the Consumers' Foundation in Taipei for inspection.
For detailed application procedures and fees, please feel free to call or check online.
Phone: (02) 2700-1234/206
Website: www.consumers.org.tw
Source: http://www. consumers. org. tw/ unit412. aspx? id=821
Some Chinese Medicines Still Test Positive for Western Drugs and Excessive Heavy Metals
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) requires consultation with a TCM practitioner, followed by the preparation and consumption of the prescribed herbal formula to achieve therapeutic effects. However, due to the busy lifestyles of modern people, scientific TCM (or concentrated TCM preparations) has emerged. The efficacy of TCM takes a longer time to manifest, which has led some unscrupulous businesses to illegally add Western medicines to achieve faster results. These businesses overlook the potential interactions between certain Western medicines and TCM, and the lack of detailed information on the composition and dosage of the added Western medicines puts consumers at risk. Therefore, the Department of Health has prohibited the addition of Western medicines to TCM, and there are also restrictions on the heavy metal content in TCM.
To protect consumer health, the Consumers' Foundation conducts three annual sessions where consumers can submit TCM products for testing to detect the presence of added Western medicines and heavy metals, thereby raising awareness about medication safety.
Submission Details:
In 2006, the Consumers' Foundation opened three sessions in February, June, and October for consumers to submit TCM products for testing for added Western medicines and heavy metals. A total of 251 TCM samples were submitted, with 220 tested for the presence of Western medicines, 88 for lead content, and 86 and 53 for mercury and cadmium content, respectively (some samples were tested for multiple items).
Test Results (see Tables 1, 2, and 3):
1. Detection of Added Western Medicines:
Out of the 220 TCM samples tested for Western medicines, 38 were found to contain Western medicines, accounting for 17.3% of the samples. This is a slight decrease compared to the 19.1% detection rate in 2005.
Analyzing the sources of the samples that tested positive for Western medicines (see Table 1), the highest detection rates were found in samples from "martial arts schools," "mail-order," and "purchased through others," with over 30% of these samples containing Western medicines. This was followed by samples from "gifts from relatives and friends," "Mainland China," and "TCM and herbal medicine stores." Only one sample each from "TCM clinics (hospitals)" and "TCM manufacturers" tested positive for Western medicines, indicating that a small number of unscrupulous businesses still exist.
Analyzing the intended effects of the medicines as reported by the submitters (see Table 2), over 50% of samples intended for "diuretic," "stimulant," "pain relief," and "trauma and injury" purposes tested positive for Western medicines, the highest proportion. This was followed by samples intended for "weight loss" and "cardiotonic" purposes, with over 30% testing positive for Western medicines.
A total of 21 Western medicine ingredients were detected (see Table 3). In addition to commonly detected ingredients such as "Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic)," "Caffeine (central nervous system stimulant)," and "Thiamine Disulfide (vitamin)," others like "Indomethacin (pain reliever)," "Piroxicam (pain reliever)," and "Chlorpheniramine Maleate (antihistamine)" were also frequently detected.
Furthermore, erectile dysfunction drugs such as "Tadalafil" and "Sildenafil Citrate" were also detected multiple times. Two samples, one from a "herbal medicine store" and the other from "mail-order," both labeled as "kidney-tonifying and nourishing," were found to contain both types of erectile dysfunction drugs. Consumers who experience significant effects from kidney-tonifying and nourishing products that claim suggestive or equivalent therapeutic effects should be cautious about the possible addition of erectile dysfunction drugs.Other appetite suppressants such as "Clobenzorex" were also detected in two samples claiming to be "weight loss products" this time. After ingestion, this drug metabolizes into amphetamine in the body. Although it can suppress appetite and achieve weight loss, long-term use not only easily leads to addiction but also harms the body. The Department of Health had already banned it in 1980, and in 2006, Clobenzorex was listed as a fourth-level controlled drug. Consumers should be cautious.
If consumers experience heightened spirits or insomnia after taking Chinese medicine claiming to have weight loss effects, it may contain illegal appetite suppressants. It is best to stop using it immediately to avoid addiction.
The addition of Western drugs to Chinese medicine violates Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, which prohibits "unauthorized manufacturing" and is considered a "counterfeit drug." Sellers of counterfeit drugs can be punished according to Article 83 of the same law, which states, "Anyone who knowingly sells, supplies, dispenses, transports, stores, brokers, transfers, or displays for the purpose of selling counterfeit or prohibited drugs shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than seven years and may also be fined not more than five million New Taiwan Dollars."
Other establishments, such as martial arts schools or herbal medicine shops, are not legally allowed to provide drugs to consumers. If they do, the operators are involved in illegal medical practices and can be punished according to Article 28 of the Medical Practitioners Act, which states, "Anyone who practices medical business without obtaining a legitimate medical qualification shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than six months and not more than five years and may also be fined not less than three hundred thousand and not more than one million five hundred thousand New Taiwan Dollars."
2. Heavy Metal Testing
Among the samples tested for heavy metals, six samples exceeded the Department of Health's standard that "the total heavy metal content in Chinese medicine should not exceed 100 ppm." Among them, three samples had lead content exceeding 100 ppm, and three samples had mercury content exceeding 100 ppm.
One of the samples with excessive heavy metals came from a "martial arts school" for treating "vascular sclerosis," with mercury content as high as 3.5% (35,000 ppm). Two samples from "ginseng shops" claiming to be for "pediatric convulsions" also exceeded the Department of Health's upper limit for mercury content. One of these "pediatric convulsions" samples not only had excessive mercury but also lead content exceeding 100 ppm.
These samples with excessive mercury content may be due to the use of cinnabar as a sedative. The Department of Health had already banned the use of cinnabar in oral preparations in 1991. Violators can be punished according to Article 82 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, with imprisonment for not more than ten years and a fine of not more than ten million New Taiwan Dollars.
One sample from "Mainland China" claimed to be a "detoxification" medicine, and another claimed to be "immune-boosting" Cordyceps powder. Both samples had lead content exceeding 100 ppm. Especially for the "immune-boosting" Cordyceps, the consumer-submitted sample was in powder form rather than the original herbal material, making it impossible to visually determine if it contained lead. Unaware consumers who ingest Cordyceps powder with excessive lead may not only fail to boost immunity but could also suffer from chronic lead poisoning over time.
Due to the accumulation of heavy metals, long-term ingestion of excessive mercury can lead to chronic poisoning, skin lesions, and nodules, and even affect the nervous and digestive systems. Additionally, excessive lead can hinder the synthesis of hemoglobin in the blood, causing anemia, abdominal pain, acute kidney failure, and neurological brain disorders. In growing children, it can affect behavior, intellectual development, cause learning disabilities, and even hearing loss.Advice for Consumers
1. "Strengthening the body without illness" is a misconception
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is not only a treasure of our country's heritage but also the culmination of research and development by sages throughout history. The efficacy of TCM is continually being validated through scientific experiments. However, consumers often mistakenly believe that TCM is mild and free of side effects. In reality, all medicines have two sides; they can cure diseases but also harm the body. Do not easily believe in the misconception of "strengthening the body without illness."
TCM practitioners emphasize "treatment based on syndrome differentiation" in diagnosis, which is not static in clinical practice. Only after a thorough consultation and understanding of the patient's condition can a prescription be made. Consumers should not casually believe in folk remedies, purchase TCM of unknown origin, or recommend medicines they believe to be effective to friends and family.
The Department of Health specifically requires that common TCM (herbal slices) should be labeled with "product name, weight, manufacturing date, expiration date, manufacturer's name, and address." Failure to comply with these labeling requirements can result in a fine ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 under Article 92, Paragraph 1, for violating Article 75, Paragraph 1 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. Importers who fail to label according to regulations should not be allowed to import. Some TCM can be used as food and must also comply with the Food Sanitation Management Act.
2. Purchase from licensed pharmacies
There are many types of TCM, and some are difficult to obtain or have similar appearances. Misuse and confusion of TCM due to old habits such as different names for the same item, the same name for different items, and traditional usage are quite common. This not only affects efficacy but also raises concerns about toxicity. For example, some people use "Fangji" for weight loss but mistakenly use "Guang Fangji," leading to kidney damage.
It is recommended that consumers consult a qualified TCM practitioner before purchasing or taking TCM and buy medicines from legal GMP-certified TCM manufacturers with verified registration and licenses for safety. Do not purchase TCM of unknown origin, especially those claiming rapid efficacy, to avoid harm to the body. If not all the purchased medicine is used, the remaining should be well-packaged and stored in the refrigerator.
Consumers in need can contact the Consumers' Foundation in Taipei from now until March 9 to request an inspection commission application form or download the form from the latest news section of the foundation's website. Information on inspection fees, dosage, etc., can be queried, and the application form along with sufficient medicine and inspection fees can be delivered in person or mailed to the Consumers' Foundation in Taipei for inspection.
For detailed application procedures and fees, please feel free to call or check online.
Phone: (02) 2700-1234/206
Website: www.consumers.org.tw
Source: http://www. consumers. org. tw/ unit412. aspx? id=821
2007/12/27 10:26