Banned Chinese Medicine Circulating In The UK

More than 900 packs of a potentially dangerous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are currently on the UK market despite warnings issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The unlicensed herbal product Jingzhi Kesou Tan Chuan Wan was distributed to 20 TCM and herbal medicine outlets throughout the UK.

A recall was initiated by the distributor, Ekong International (UK) Ltd, in February 2010, however, more than three quarters of the stock brought in from China has still not been returned.

Concerns were raised after it was revealed that new labelling in English had been applied to packs to conceal the original label which contained the Chinese symbols for Aristolochia, a banned toxic and carcinogenic plant derivative.

Exposure to aristolochic acids can result in kidney failure and the development of cancer, particularly of the urinary tract.

MHRA Head of Herbal Policy Richard Woodfield said, "This is a clear example where natural does not necessarily mean safe. Aristolochia is a highly toxic plant that can cause serious injury and even death if taken.

"I would strongly advise anyone who has used this product to stop taking it and to immediately consult their doctor."

The MHRA has written to TCM trade and practitioner associations to ensure that none of their members are supplying the product.

About MHRA
The MHRA is the government agency responsible for ensuring that medicines and medical devices work, and are acceptably safe. No product is risk-free. Underpinning all our work lie robust and fact-based judgments to ensure that the benefits to patients and the public justify the risks. We keep watch over medicines and devices, and take any necessary action to protect the public promptly if there is a problem. We encourage everyone – the public and healthcare professionals as well as the industry – to tell us about any problems with a medicine or medical device, so that we can investigate and take any necessary action. For more information, visit: www.mhra.gov.uk.

SOURCE: MHRA