Study reveals controlled substances in natural remedies sold online

On Thursday night (27), TV Globo's Jornal Nacional program aired a detailed report on a study carried out by the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), which indicates the presence of controlled-use substances in medicines that promise to be natural, also known as herbal medicines. The sale of controlled-use medicines is only permitted with a medical prescription.

The products are sold online, with the label indicating that they are herbal remedies – that is, 100% natural, made from medicinal plants and that promise weight loss. However, based on the study carried out by researchers at Unicamp on the contents of the capsules, the existence of controlled substances mixed into the product was proven.

José Luis da Costa, coordinator of the Toxicological Information and Assistance Center at Unicamp, states: “Three substances were mainly detected: sibutramine, which is a compound that causes decreased appetite, and two antidepressants: bupropion and fluoxetine.”

Understand controlled substances

All the substances mentioned are synthetic compounds, produced in the laboratory, and have nothing natural about them. Bupropion is used as an antidepressant and helps treat smoking for people who want to quit smoking. Fluoxetine is exclusively used to treat depression. Sibutramine helps with weight loss, but it must be used in adequate doses and during specific treatment, in conjunction with physical activity and diet, in addition to the supervision of a doctor.

_{Phytotherapeutics have substances for controlled use (Photo: reproduction/disclosure/PratiEnsino)}

Some of the substances found in the products can cause addiction. The products mentioned are not classified as herbal medicines; they are products that are passed off as herbal medicines, but are in fact corrupted, modified and sold as such, says José Luis da Costa.

Medication alerts

The president of the Brazilian Phytotherapy Association, Maria Angélica Fiut, says that it is not possible to lose weight with the help of just one herbal medicine and warns: only health professionals can prescribe a medication, even if it is a natural product.

Any medication, whether controlled or herbal, is subject to Anvisa rules and inspections. In addition to products already ready and available for sale, there is the option of manipulated formulas, which enable made-to-order sales.

Another note: only licensed and authorized establishments can sell medicines virtually. The sale of herbal medicines through social networks and virtual shopping malls is prohibited.

Featured photo: herbal medicines have substances for controlled use (Reproduction/disclosure/Instituto LG)