Problems of Forensic Sciences 2006 Vol. 66 (LXVI) 199-211
ANALYSING THE COMPOSITION OF CHINESE „HERBAL” SLIMMING AIDS
Dariusz BŁACHUT1, Agnieszka SIWIŃSKA-ZIÓŁKOWSKA2, Agnieszka KOBYŁECKA2, Zbigniew CZARNOCKI3
1Department of Criminalistics and Special Chemistry, Internal Security Agency, Warsaw, Poland
2Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical Academy, Warsaw, Poland
3Department of Chemistry, Warsaw University, Warsaw, Poland
Streszczenie
In the paper, the results of analysis of the qualitative and quantitative composition of three unregistered, slimming aids (so-called "Chinese medicines") are presented. The preparations contain information on the packaging about the completely natural origin of the ingredients – claimed to be herbs - which was supposed to ensure safety of use and lack of side-effects. As a result of performed analyses, a complete inconsistency between the claimed and real composition of these preparations was ascertained, which in fact contained only synthetic amines that act on the central nervous system, inhibiting hunger (appetite). This raises justified fears that these substances, sold without required licences and taken without any sort of medical supervision, may constitute a threat to health, and maybe even to the life of persons who are convinced that using "100% natural, herbal" products is safe.
Słowa kluczowe
"Chinese herbs"; Slimming; Sibutramine; Phenfluramine.