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| EDITORIAL |
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| Year : 2013 | Volume
: 34
| Issue : 1 | Page : 2-3 |
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Proposed ban on mercury may hit Ayurveda adversely
MS Baghel
Director and Chief Editor - AYU IPGT and RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| Date of Web Publication | 23-Jul-2013 |
Correspondence Address:
M S Baghel
Director and Chief Editor - AYU IPGT and RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0974-8520.115431
How to cite this article:
Baghel M S. Proposed ban on mercury may hit Ayurveda adversely. AYU 2013;34:2-3 |
In recent times, public interest has shifted towards traditional medicines for various concerns. Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India use raw material of plant, animal and mineral origin which is well-documented in traditional literature for their healing properties. Being used for over a long period, these medicines are acknowledged as safe, which is the ultimate proof for their non-toxic beneficial effects. However, the use of metallic preparations has raised concerns and debate in scientific community in the recent years. [1] Such heavy metal controversies have tried to malign the reputation of Ayurveda at global levels. In addition to this, a few months back, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) released a report "Mercury-Time to Act", where imposing a ban on mercury for trade has been put forward. [2] As India has no sources to procure mercury, chiefly depend on other countries. If, a ban is imposed, it definitely affects the ancient system of medicine in one or the other way.
Metallic preparations occupied a significant place in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia and are routinely being practiced in different parts of Indian subcontinent since centuries. Parada (Mercury), one such metal is the inseparable part of Ayurveda and is used in the preparation of Rasaushadhies (Herbo-mineral preparations) such us Makaradhwaja, Rasa Sindhura, etc., Classical procedures such us Shodhana (purification), Marana (incineration), etc., make it safe (harmless) and render suitable for therapeutic use. Meticulous guidelines have been laid down in classical texts that one can refer while preparing Rasaushadhies (Herbo-mineral preparations), Bhasma (calcined metallic powders), etc. [3] Rasaushadhies will be prepared in combination with other prescribed material in a rigorous and specified manner. These preparations are to be administered orally in specified quantities with great caution along with requisite Anupana (vehicles). Great emphasis has been laid on Anupana such us ghee, milk, honey, etc., while administering Rasaushadhies. Anupana is anticipated to play a key role in safety aspects of Rasaushadhies. In the absence of Anupana, adverse reactions are likely. [4]
Absorption, distribution and excretion of mercurial compounds differ based on the chemical forms. The absorption of inorganic compounds of mercury in human body is poor on oral administration (10-15%), while organic mercurial compounds absorb >90% and hence are fatal. In addition, inorganic mercurial compounds do not cross the blood brain barrier or placental barrier. [5] Many studies on Ayurvedic mercurial preparations have proven the chemical nature of the finished products to be inorganic (mostly sulphides). [6] Studies on mercurial preparations like Makaradhwaja are reported to improve the quality-of-life and attributed with anti-stress activity. [7] Rasa Sindhura, another mercurial preparation is proven to increase life-span in Drosophila model. [8] Further, traditionally prepared mercurials are proven to be different from industrial mercurials and supported safety of such medicines. [9] Researches also proven that cinnabar is not converted into methyl-mercury by human intestinal bacteria. [10]
Further, as well-known, Ayurvedic medicines are effective not due to a single active ingredient but, are due to combination of different types of substances that are responsible for therapeutic effects. Studies also established that, Rasaushadhies do contain traces of other elements in them, which possibly enter into the end product from specific procedures. [11] Studies carried-out at Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurved University on Rasaushadhies established safety of the products even at higher therapeutic doses. Hence, metallic preparations are comparatively safe to be administered, when prepared by following classical guidelines.
In most of the western studies, metallic drugs were subjected to chemical examination using standards applied in modern medicine, focusing only on the metallic content. The chemical forms of the metallic preparations were never thought to be attempted. Works on clinical or pharmacological aspects were never attempted by them.
Ayurveda considers a number of factors while administering a drug. [12] Right drug at the Right dose by the Right route at the Right time for the Right person will always provide beneficial effects. [13] Increased morbidity, risk of unwanted effects etc., have been repeatedly been attributed with irrational drug use. [14] World Health Organization (WHO) also considers irrational use of medicines (overuse, underuse or misuse) as a major problem worldwide that results in widespread health hazards. [15] This aspect has been considered by the pioneers of Ayurveda in detail in addition to the other possible ways by which toxicity, untoward effects can occur and provided all the guidelines to avoid the occurrence of such incidences. Even, if in any eventuality, some untoward effects are noticed due to non-compliance of code of conduct of the treatment, the treatment procedures for such conditions have also been prescribed.
Though a global ban on mercury is imposed by UNEP, it is proposed in another draft to exempt the ban for certain practices where there is no mercury free alternative, products used in religious or traditional practices etc. that will be discussed in Minamata Convention in October, 2013 at Minamata, Japan for finalization. [16] We hope that the word "Traditional Practice" will allow use of mercury as medicine in Ayurveda.
Considering all these rising concerns, the below are the few recommendations that are felt:
- Regulatory authorities and consumers are to be educated about the facts, so that one can differentiate the myth and reality.
- Authorities have to recognize and realize the usefulness of the science, chemical nature of the finished products being administered in therapeutics.
- Different committees and authorities involved with drug regulation may involve in formulating policies, and undertake guiding and monitoring activities related to rational drug use.
- There is a need to develop a strong networking between sophisticated laboratories, scientists of biotechnology and Ayurvedic physicians.
- The concepts and impact of different classical procedures are to be stressed at every possible training opportunity to the individuals of scientific profession. This will help in generating awareness.
- Awareness among physicians of modern medicine regarding the benefit of Ayurvedic drugs as a replacement or adjuvant therapy.
- Though, the quantity of mercury required by Ayurvedic industry may be very minimal in comparison to other industries, relaxation may be proposed on its use in Ayurvedic pharmaceutical sector.
 References | |  |
| 1. | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP). Lead poisoning in pregnant women who used Ayurvedic medications from India-New York City, 2011-2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2012;61:641-6. 
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| 2. | Unep.org [report on Internet]. Geneva: United Nations Environment Programme; c2013 [Last Accessed on 2013 May 01]. Available from: http://www.unep.org/PDF/PressReleases/Mercury_TimeToAct.pdf.
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| 3. | Rasa Vagbhata, Rasa Ratna Samuchaya, translated by Indradev Tripathi, reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Samsthan; 2009.
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| 4. | Kapoor RC. Some observations on the metal-based preparations in the Indian systems of medicine. Indian J Tradit Knowl 2010;9:562-75.
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| 5. | Klaassen CD. Heavy metals and heavy-metal antagonists in pharmacological basis of therapeutics. In: Brunton LL, editor. 11 th ed. New York: Mcgraw Hill Medical Publishing Division; 2006. p. 1760.
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| 6. | Singh SK, Chaudhary AK, Rai DK, Rai SB. Preparation and characterization of a mercury based Indian traditional drug - Rasa Sindoor. Indian J Tradit Knowl 2009;8:346-51.
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| 7. | Sinyorita S, Ghosh CK, Chakrabarti A, Auddy B, Ghosh R, Debnath PK. Effect of Ayurvedic mercury preparation Makaradhwaja on geriatric canine - A preliminary study. Indian J Exp Biol 2011;49:534-9.
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| 8. | Vibha D, Anandan EM, Rajesh SM, Muraleedharan TS, Valiathan MS, Mousumi M, et al. In Vivo effects of traditional ayurvedic formulations in Drosophila melanogaster model relate with therapeutic applications. PLoS One 2012;7:1-14.
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| 9. | Liu J, Shi JZ, Yu LM, Goyer RA, Waalkes MP. Mercury in traditional medicines: Is cinnabar toxicologically similar to common mercurials? Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2008;233:810-7.
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| 10. | Zhou X, Wang L, Sun X, Yang X, Chen C, Wang Q, et al. Cinnabar is not converted into methylmercury by human intestinal bacteria. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;135:110-5.
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| 11. | Bhagwat M. Preparation and physico-chemical characterization of the Bhasmas of zinc and calcium and the intermediates obtained during their synthesis. PhD Thesis. Pune: National Chemical Laboratory; 2004.
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| 12. | Agnivesha, Charaka, Dridhabala, Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Yonivyapat-Chikitsa Adhyaya, 30/293, edited by Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya, reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2011;646.
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| 13. | Mehta S, Gogtay NJ. From the pen to the patient: Minimising medication errors. J Postgrad Med 2005;51:3-4.
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| 14. | Srinivasan S. A network for the rational and ethical use of drugs. Indian J Med Ethics 2004;1:13-4.
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| 15. | World Health Organization. Rational use of medicines. [Accessed on 2013 May 10]. Available from: http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/rational_use/en/index.html.
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| 16. | Washington Times.com [article on Internet] Washington: The Washington Times, LLC; c2013 [updated 2013 Jan 19; accessed on 2013 May 13] Available from: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/19/treaty-on-mercury-would-not-affect-vaccines-with-t/.
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