Celebrity Fan Web – The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has identifies 10 herbal medicines that pose significant risks to kidney and heart health. These findings were revealed following a crackdown on illegal traditional medicine agents in Bandung and Cimahi by the BPOM Bandung branch. In collaboration with the West Java Regional Police and the West Java Attorney General’s Office.
Operation Targets Illegal Herbal Medicines
The operation targeted four locations involved in the procurement, storage, distribution, and sale of illegal herbal products in the Bandung and Cimahi areas.
“These illegal herbal medicine agents are suspect of distributing products that lack BPOM approval and do not meet the standards for safety, efficacy, and quality. They are also believed to contain pharmaceutical chemicals (BKO).” Said BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar during a press conference on Monday
The illegal products were distribut to herbal stores across various regions in West Java, including Bandung, Cimahi, Purwakarta, Depok, and Subang. A total of 218 illegal herbal products, amounting to 217,475 units worth approximately IDR 8.1 billion, were seiz during the raid.
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Herbal Medicines That Can Damage Kidneys and Heart
BPOM identifies several illegal herbal medicines containing harmful substances such as sildenafil citrate, phenylbutazone, metamizole, piroxicam, paracetamol, and dexamethasone. These chemicals, when consumed in herbal products. Can lead to severe health issues, including kidney failure, heart arrest, liver damage, and other potentially fatal conditions.
Here is a list of the herbal products seiz by BPOM that may harm the kidneys and heart:
- Cobra X
- Spider
- Africa Black Ant
- Cobra India
- Tawon Liar
- Wan Tong
- Kapsul Asam Urat TCU
- Antanan
- Tongkat Arab
- Xian Ling
Risks of Non-Compliant Herbal Products
Using non-standard traditional medicines and health supplements can be dangerous as they may cause various health complications, including digestive issues, liver and kidney dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and even death. BPOM is committ to taking strict action against those who produce or distribute non-compliant traditional medicines.
Expert Warning on the Use of Pharmaceutical Chemicals in Herbal Medicines
According to Professor Dr. Hayun, a pharmaceutical expert from the University of Indonesia. The danger of using pharmaceutical chemicals in traditional medicines arises when the dosage is incorrect. This can lead to severe interactions between the BKO and the active ingredients in herbal medicines, resulting in serious side effects.
“These BKOs are found in traditional medicines due to the lack of adherence to regulations by producers. Unhealthy competition in the market, and the public’s desire for quick results,” said Prof. Hayun.