Table 1.

General Characteristics of 230 Ayurvedic Medicines Randomly Selected for Purchase

Abbreviations: ADMA, India-based Ayurveda Drug Manufacturers’ Association; AHPA, US-based American Herbal Products Association; GMPs, Good Manufacturing Practices.

^aData are expressed as No. (%) unless otherwise indicated.

^bNot included in statistical comparison between products tested and products not received or excluded.

^cRasa shastra medicines are elaborately prepared compounds combining herbs with metals, minerals, and gems. An Indian-trained Ayurvedic physician (A.S.) classified medicines as rasa shastra if they contained metals, minerals, or gems traditionally used according to 2 classic rasa shastra texts.⁴,⁵

^dRasa shastra status could not be determined because of a product with a proprietary name and an incomplete or absent listing of ingredients on the label and Web site.

^eOne package would typically provide a 1-month supply of medicine if taken as directed.

^fAyurvedic medicines often had multiple indications.