Ayurvedic Medicine Use and Lead Poisoning in a Child

Datta-Mitra, Ananya; Ahmed, Omar A.

doi:10.1177/0009922814553397

Cited by 13 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Sources for lead exposure include deteriorated lead based paints in older homes, drinking water, burning of fossil fuels, trades, hobbies (e.g., making stained-glass windows), ammunition, batteries involved in construction and mining, consumer products, and cultural home health remedies (e.g., azarcon, ayurvedic) [223,224]. …”

Section: Transposable Elements and Environmental Contaminantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Response of transposable elements to environmental stressors

Miousse

Chalbot

Lumen

et al. 2015

Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research

125

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Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a group of repetitive sequences that bring positive, negative, as well as neutral effects to the host organism. Earlier considered as “junk DNA,” TEs are now well-accepted driving forces of evolution and critical regulators the of expression of genetic information. Their activity is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, including methylation of DNA and histone modifications. The loss of epigenetic control over TEs, exhibited as loss of DNA methylation and decondensation of the chromatin structure, may result in TEs reactivation, initiation of their insertional mutagenesis (retrotransposition) and has been reported in numerous human diseases, including cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that these alterations are not the simple consequences of the disease, but often may drive the pathogenesis, as they can be detected early during disease development. Knowledge derived from the in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies, clearly demonstrates that exposure to ubiquitous environmental stressors, many of which are carcinogens or suspected carcinogens, are capable of causing alterations in methylation and expression of TEs and initiate retrotransposition events. Evidence summarized in this review suggests that TEs are the sensitive endpoints for detection of effects caused by such environmental stressors, as ionizing radiation (terrestrial, space, and UV-radiation), air pollution (including particulate matter [PM]-derived and gaseous), persistent organic pollutants, and metals. Furthermore, the significance of these effects is characterized by their early appearance, persistence and presence in both, target organs and peripheral blood. Altogether, these findings suggest that TEs may potentially be introduced into safety and risk assessment and serve as biomarkers of exposure to environmental stressors. Furthermore, TEs also show significant potential to become invaluable surrogate biomarkers in clinic and possible targets for therapeutic modalities for disease treatment and prevention.

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Section: Transposable Elements and Environmental Contaminantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Response of transposable elements to environmental stressors

Miousse

Chalbot

Lumen

et al. 2015

Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research

125

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“…Although many studies have revealed the high metal content of Ayurvedic medicine 14,15,17,18,19 and prevalence of high lead levels among Indian children, 1 to the best of our knowledge, none have attempted to gather BLL from children at Ayurvedic clinics and hospitals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Blood Lead Levels of Children Using Traditional Indian Medicine and Cosmetics: A Feasibility Study

Keosaian

Venkatesh²,

D’Amico

et al. 2019

Glob Adv Health Med

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Background Traditional Indian cosmetics and Ayurvedic medicines may contain lead. Previous studies have shown a relationship between eye cosmetic use (kohl) in children and elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) > 10 µg/dL. However, an association between Ayurvedic use and elevated BLLs in children is unknown and understudied. Methods We assessed the feasibility of collecting BLLs in children attending Ayurvedic outpatient settings in India. Our pilot study took place over 3 days in the summer of 2010 at a large public Ayurveda hospital and a small pediatric clinic in southern India. Using a trained interpreter, we administered a standardized questionnaire in Malayalam, assessing sociodemographics, Ayurvedic medicine use, kohl use, and other potential risk factors for lead exposure, to parents of pediatric outpatients. We also analyzed BLLs using a portable lead analyzer. Results The study enrolled 29 children (mean age, 3.8 years). The mean BLL was 6.7 µg/dL (SD = 3.5; range, 3.5–20.2). Seventy-two percent of the children used Ayurvedic medicine in the past 2 years and 55% reported kohl use. Mean BLL of Ayurvedic users and nonusers was 6.2 µg/dL and 8.5 µg/dL, respectively ( P = .08). Kohl users had a statistically significant higher BLL than nonusers (8.0 µg/dL vs 5.3 µg/dL, P = .03). Conclusions It is feasible to collect BLLs in pediatric Ayurvedic outpatient clinics in southern India. Collaborative relationships with community members and hospital staff were essential. Further research is needed to investigate Ayurveda and kohl use as risk factors for elevated lead burden among Indian children.

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“…The quality and validity of the product has become a challenge and world over the quality and safety is far from being sufficient. [26,27] The reasons are the lack of proper clinical study, validation of therapy and documentation.…”

Section: Quality Safety and Efficacy Of Cam Productsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Untitled

Imran

2017

IJGP

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Introduction: The study was conducted to evaluate the drug utilization pattern of Ayurveda, Unani medicines and folk medicine in comparison to the drug from the modern system (allopathy system) in rural areas of Mewat, Haryana. Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional questionnaire-based community survey. The 300 healthy adult male volunteers more than 18 years of age participated in the survey in city Nuh of the district Mewat after obtaining the oral consent. All the participants were literate. Main Outcome Measures: The participants were asked about the experiences with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) medications in four different categories. Firstly; their preferences for using Ayurvedic, Unani, herbal, dietary supplements, home remedies or any other external preparation for disease. Second, whether they took the medicine by their own initiative, AYUSH doctor, Pharmacist and on recommendation of any other friend and family members. Third, perceived experiences of the medication taken as effects, side effects and do not know. Fourth, the conditions for which the medication was taken. Results: There was widespread utilization of Ayurveda (62%), Unani (74%) and other traditional therapies (76%) alternatively or complementarily for the different afflictions. The CAM was preferred by 60% of the respondents and 71% consider it to be more effective over allopathy. The majority (83%) sought the CAM treatment on family and friend's recommndations. Conclusions: The CAM therapies have more acceptability in the general public because of their perceived high safety, lesser cost and accessible to the general public. However, the health-care infrastructure for providing acceptable CAM therapy is still lacking.

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Ayurvedic Medicine Use and Lead Poisoning in a Child

Cited by 13 publications

References 8 publications

Response of transposable elements to environmental stressors

Response of transposable elements to environmental stressors

Blood Lead Levels of Children Using Traditional Indian Medicine and Cosmetics: A Feasibility Study

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