Canada has advised people not to use Jambrulin, an ayurvedic medicinal product being used to activate the pancreas, saying it contains high levels of lead.
Jambrulin is manufactured by Unjha Pharmacy in India and comes in tablet form. Its packaging states that the product can be used to activate the pancreas.
Consumption of heavy metals such as lead can pose serious health risks because they may accumulate in the body's vital organs. Infants, children and pregnant women are most susceptible to the toxic effects of lead, spokesperson of the Health Canada said on Friday.
He said ingesting lead can affect nearly every organ and system in the human body and can cause abdominal pain, anemia, changes in blood pressure, negative reproductive effects, weakness, concentration problems, weight loss, insomnia, dizziness, kidney and brain damage and can lead to death.
Ayurvedic medicinal products are used in traditional Indian healing practice and are often imported from that country.
According to the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, heavy metals may be used in a detoxified state in these products because of their reputed therapeutic properties.
However, improper manufacturing processes may result in dangerously high levels of heavy metals in the final product.
Jambrulin is not authorised for sale in Canada. However, it is available for sale over the Internet. It may also have been brought into the country for personal use by travelers.
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