FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   Connecticut Department of Public Health

December 21, 2010                                         Contact: William Gerrish

                                                                        (860) 509-7270

Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is cautioning market owners and consumers about possible health effects associated with the use of Jambrulin and some other Ayurvedic medicinal products sold in Indian or Asian markets. 

Ayurvedic medicinal products are used in traditional Indian healing practices and are often imported from India.  Heavy metals may be introduced into Ayurvedic products either intentionally as part of the formulation intended to be therapeutic, or accidentally as part of the manufacturing process. 

The DPH Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) Program and Public Health Laboratory have conducted an investigation, which revealed several cases of lead poisoning resulting from the use of a supplement called Jambrulin.  This product was found to contain approximately 3.5% lead.  This finding is consistent with laboratory testing of many other supplements and Ayurvedic medicinal products sold in Indian and Asian markets nationwide that have been found to contain unacceptable levels of lead and other heavy metals. 

Consumption of heavy metals can pose serious health risks.  Infants, children and pregnant women are the most susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals.  Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning may or may not include abdominal pain, anemia, changes in blood pressure, negative reproductive effects, weakness, concentration problems, weight loss, insomnia, dizziness, kidney and brain damage, or possibly death. 

DPH advises that anyone experiencing health effects that they feel may be the result of the use of Jambrulin or other Ayurvedic medicinal products seek the help of a medical professional.

A current list of ayurvedics, herbal remedies, and other medicinal supplements known to contain dangerous levels of contaminants, including heavy metals, has been developed by the New York City Department of Health and can be accessed on the DPH website at: http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/environmental_health/lead/pdf/lead-herbalmed_NY.pdf .

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.

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