South Australian health authorities have issued an urgent warning after a patient was hospitalized for severe lead poisoning caused by a complementary medicine known as Multani Kaminividravana Rasa, or Kamini. This product, promoted as a natural health aid, was found to contain alarmingly high levels of lead and mercury, posing serious risks to public health. The patient in Adelaide had purchased the Kamini at a Southeast Asian supermarket, with authorities suspecting it was illegally imported.

Kamini, marketed as a “powerful stimulant” meant to boost strength and energy, appears in small dark pellets but has been linked to various health concerns due to its toxic components. The presence of heavy metals like lead, along with potentially addictive opioids, has raised alarms about the product’s dangerous side effects, particularly as it lacks proper regulatory oversight. Chris Lease, South Australia's Health Director of Protection and Regulation, highlighted the risks posed by unregulated substances like Kamini, emphasizing that “the presence of heavy metals and the potential inclusion of opioids can create a high risk of dependence and serious health consequences.”

The product has a long history of safety alerts, and multiple analyses have confirmed it contains harmful substances. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) previously warned about Kamini, underscoring its illegal distribution in Australia and the absence of any quality or safety tests, as required by national standards. This regulatory gap has allowed the dangerous stimulant to enter the country and reach unsuspecting consumers through grocery stores and online sales channels.

The TGA continues to investigate Kamini’s exact ingredients, suspecting the presence of addictive opioids like morphine and codeine. These concerns are well-founded, as past reports have shown that Kamini users in Australia have struggled with dependency and withdrawal, seeking medical treatment for opioid addiction as a result.

Lead poisoning, a prominent risk associated with Kamini, can have devastating effects on health. Early symptoms include abdominal discomfort, nausea, headaches, and irritability, but it can progress to neurological damage, hospitalization, or even death in severe cases. South Australian health officials have advised emergency departments and doctors to be on high alert for signs of lead poisoning, particularly in patients who might have consumed Kamini. The public is also advised against consuming this product under any circumstances and urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience related symptoms.

Kamini’s continued distribution has drawn scrutiny, as authorities aim to curtail its entry into Australia. The TGA is collaborating with the Australian Border Force to intercept shipments and limit its availability. However, illegal supply chains, fueled by the product’s purported health benefits, have made complete enforcement challenging. Australian health authorities are hopeful that a combination of public awareness campaigns, vigilant medical response, and robust regulatory measures will help minimize the product’s impact on public health.

Health professionals across the country have been briefed on the symptoms of lead poisoning and opioid dependence associated with Kamini. Public health agencies are calling for consumers to be wary of unregulated medicines and are stressing the importance of choosing treatments that have undergone proper regulatory evaluations. For those currently using Kamini, health officials urge cessation and recommend consulting with healthcare providers for safe alternatives.

As Kamini has repeatedly shown, products labeled as “natural” or “complementary” are not automatically safe and may carry serious health risks, especially when they contain unlisted, toxic substances. South Australian authorities are now calling for stricter controls on illegal imports of medicinal products, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)