The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) has slapped ban on ten herbal products meant for weight-loss. The move has been motivated due to several complaints of harmful ingredients in the products that may lead to several diseases including heart failure and even death of a person.

Yohambine, a chemical substance banned in the UAE for its cardiovascular side effects such as dysrhythmia, is already under banned category in the United Arab Emirates. HAAD surveyed 82 herbal products from 18 shops in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and found that many of them contain the banned product in addition to ephedra, I-trytophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).

The US government has already banned the use of Ephedra due to its fatal side effects on human body. Eosinophilic myalgia syndrome (EMS), a potentially fatal muscle disorder is responsible for at least 38 deaths worldwide. Similarly, the 5-HTP products are banned in the US and the UK markets.

Dr Yasser Sharif, Head of the Medication and Medical Products Safety at the HAAD told, “We have sent communication to the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain municipalities, as well as, the Department of Economic Development to take the necessary action and remove these products.”