10 weight-loss herbal products off shelves

Ten weight-loss herbal products found to have harmful ingredients that could lead to heart faliure will be taken of shelves following a Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) recommendation.

A HAAD survey conducted between late last year and April 2011 included 82 herbal products from 18 shops in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Of which, 10 products were discovered to have yohambine, a chemical substance banned in the UAE for its cardiovascular side effects such as dysrhythmia (irregular heart rate), heart failure and death, reported 'Khaleej Times'.

Some were also found to contain yohambine in combination with ephedra, I-trytophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Ephedra was banned in the US for its serious side effects including psychiatric symptoms, palpitation, stomach upset and death, while the use of l-tryptophan has been associated with eosinophilic myalgia syndrome (EMS), a potentially fatal muscle disorder responsible for at least 38 deaths worldwide.

Dr Yasser Sharif, Head of Medication and Medical Products Safety, HAAD, urged people taking medication for cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety and seizure to talk to their doctors first before taking any kind of herbal products for weight reduction, or any medication, as this could potentially exacerbate their condition.

He added that green tea and caffeine, which are found to be in the top ten ingredients of weight-loss supplements, can increase heart rate and blood pressure.

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