Abuse of opium-containing Indian herbal medicines: a case report

Das PP, Malhotra S, Chakrabarti S, Sharma S · Dept of Psychiatry & Dept of Biochemistry, PGIMER

World Journal of Biological Psychiatry, 2010;11(2 Pt 2):321–328 · PMID: 19462342 · doi:10.3109/15622970902960889

ABSTRACT

Case series reporting opioid dependence syndrome arising from opium-containing Ayurvedic herbal medicines, in male patients presenting to the Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, PGIMER. Highlights the abuse liability of traditional medicines not recognised as opioid-containing, and risk for migrant and ethnic populations continuing use of such preparations.

Case series · Ayurvedic medicine · Opioid dependence

KEY FINDINGS (VERIFIED)

• Documented opioid dependence syndrome from opium-containing Ayurvedic preparations — a clinically underrecognised risk

• Concern raised for migrant populations continuing traditional Indian herbal medicines post-emigrationz

• Highlights need for better regulation of traditional medicines with undisclosed psychoactive constituents