Logo Medical Science Monitor

Call: +1.631.470.9640
Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 02:00 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor

01 July 2007

Hematopoietic toxicity from lead-containing Ayurvedic medications

Stefanos N Kales, Costas A Christophi, Robert B Saper

Med Sci Monit 2007; 13(7): CR295-298 :: ID: 487354

Abstract

Background:
Millions worldwide use Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicines. These medications are increasingly associated with lead poisoning, often accompanied by anemia. We compared the relative hematopoietic toxicity of Ayurvedic lead poisoning with a common form of occupational lead poisoning.
Material/Methods:
We retrospectively studied 66 adult lead intoxications: 43 published Ayurvedic cases identified in published reports by searching MEDLINE (1966 to November 2005); 4 Ayurvedic patients seen at a referral center; and 19 lead paint intoxications from the same center. We considered patients’ age, gender and blood lead at presentation, and then compared the groups with respect to hematopoietic parameters.
Results:
Ayurvedic lead poisoning was associated with higher blood lead (p<0.001), more basophilic stippling (p<0.001), lower hemoglobin (p<0.001) and higher protoporphyrin (p<0.001). Multiple regression adjusted for blood lead and gender found Ayurvedic lead poisoning associated with a 36.2 g/L (95% CI –48.8, –23.6 g/L) greater decrement in hemoglobin (p<0.001) as compared to paint-removal poisoning.
Conclusions: Ayurvedic poisoning produces greater hematopoietic toxicity than paint-removal poisoning. Ayurvedic ingestion should be considered in patients with anemia. Ayurveda users should be screened for lead exposure and strongly encouraged to discontinue metal–containing remedies.

Keywords: Anemia - etiology, Complementary Therapies, Diagnosis, Differential, Hematopoietic System - drug effects, Lead - toxicity, Lead Poisoning - etiology, Medicine, Ayurvedic, Protoporphyrins - metabolism

Add Comment 0 Comments

Editorial

01 November 2024 : Editorial  

Editorial: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Image Analysis, and the Future of Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis

Dinah V. Parums

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.947038

Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e947038

0:00

In Press

Review article  

Epigenetic and Immune Mechanisms Linking Breastfeeding to Lower Breast Cancer Rates

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.945451  

Clinical Research  

Comprehensive Analysis of Immune Infiltration and Key Genes in Peri-Implantitis Using Bioinformatics and Mo...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.941870  

Clinical Research  

High-Resolution Anorectal Manometry and Balloon Expulsion Test Outcomes in Functional Constipation: A Compa...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944599  

Clinical Research  

Plaque Removal and Gingival Bleeding Using Biodegradable Toothbrushes: Salvadora persica, Bamboo, and Nylo...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944469  

Most Viewed Current Articles

17 Jan 2024 : Review article   6,157,120

Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron Variant

DOI :10.12659/MSM.942799

Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799

0:00

14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research   1,908,619

Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase Levels

DOI :10.12659/MSM.937990

Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990

0:00

16 May 2023 : Clinical Research   695,167

Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387

Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387

0:00

07 Jan 2022 : Meta-Analysis   260,369

Efficacy and Safety of Light Therapy as a Home Treatment for Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson Dise...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.935074

Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935074

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750
Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750