The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore has banned two ayurvedic products manufactured in Kerala for high level of metal contents in the samples. Following the alert from HSA, the Health Canada, the federal department of Canada on health has also warned the two products, a batch of Yogaraja Gulgulu pills from Vijaya Ayurvedic Pharmacy and Pilsol capsule from Shankar Pharmacy later.

According to information, the Yogaraja Gulgulu pills of batch number GK039 found to have high level of arsenic/mercury content while Pilsol capsule reported to have high level of lead/mercury. The authorities informed that both the health products are of unknown indication and are distributed through Singapore based Century 10 Ayurvedic Therapy Ltd.

The authorities warn that consumption of excessive amounts of heavy metals, like arsenic, lead and mercury, poses serious health risks as they may accumulate in vital organs of the body.

The toxic effects of arsenic include skin and lung cancers, as well as heart and kidney diseases and liver damage while toxic effects of lead include abdominal pain, anaemia, blood pressure, reproductive effects, weakness, concentration problems, weight loss, insomnia, dizziness, kidney and brain damage. The toxic effects of mercury include irritability, tremors, memory loss, insomnia, concentration problems along with permanent damage on brain and kidneys.

However, the Shankar Pharmacy sources informed that the product is for treatment of piles and does not have any heavy metal content. The product under question is the first batch of samples sent to Singapore for primary tests. The company officials said that it has no information on the recall of the product by HSA or the alert by Health Canada.

The ayurveda experts also said that though Yogaraja Gulgulu is a 'Bhasma' preparation - the preparation which involves use of metals like mercury - the presence of arsenic is least expected. However Vijaya Ayurvedic Pharmacy was not available for response.