The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has warned against the use of a herbal preparation named “Ginseng Kianpi Pil” which is sold as an appetizer in the form of transparent capsules. An SFDA spokesman said: “A product analysis showed that it contained the antihistamine Cyproheptadine, which is used for treating allergies and increases appetites. It contains the cortisone Betamethsone, which may cause side effects like osteoporosis, hair loss and kidney failure. It also contains Asarone, which is a carcinogen and is banned internationally.” The SFDA said, as the product is not registered and contains substances that are harmful to man's health, its marketing violates the pharmaceutical establishments and preparations issued according to the royal decree No. M/31 dated 1/6/1425H. The SFDA has coordinated with authorities to prevent the product entering the country and withdraw stocks from the markets and implement measures against anyone selling or marketing Ginseng Kianpi Pil. The SFDA has advised consumers not to ingest Ginseng Kianpi Pil and not to believe the deceptive claims that are untrue and baseless.
