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Published on September 1, 2007

Andrographis paniculata capsules are a herbal medicine, which the government has been promoting.

Sumalee Rit-udom, a co-researcher in the study, yesterday disclosed the findings at the Public Health Ministry's annual academic seminar.

More than 1,500 officials and people attended the event in Chiang Mai.

"With too many micro-organisms, the medicines become substandard in quality. It could also cause exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, severe stomach-ache and even shock among patients," Sumalee said.

The study covered 40 samples of the capsules in various doses.

They came from 30 manufacturers.

Of the samples, 21 contained excessively high level of the Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and Clostridium bacteria.

According to Sumalee, the contamination of the excessively high level of micro-organisms might have stemmed from poor storage methods or excessive humidity.

Sumalee urged manufacturers to ensure safe production standards and called on the authorities to check the quality of medicines before placing orders.

Puangchompoo Prasert

 The Nation