'Kamini' tablets linked to severe lead poisoning case in Australia. What are they used for?

Health authorities in Australia have issued a public health warning after a patient suffered severe lead poisoning from consuming a complementary medicine marketed as Multani Kaminividravana Rasa, also known as Kamini tablets.

SA Health, responsible for delivering health and medical services for South Australia, said the Kamini tablets contained dangerously high levels of lead and mercury.

“Further testing is also underway to determine if it contains opioids such as codeine and morphine as they have been found in previous testing of these types of products,” it said.

The patient had bought the tablets, sold in dark pellet form, from a Southeast Asian supermarket. However, SA Health said the Kamini tablets were suspected to originate from overseas. The medicine is marketed as a "powerful stimulant" for boosting vitality, but authorities warn it poses a serious health risk due to its toxic heavy metal content.

Dr Chris Lease, Executive Director of Health Protection and Regulation at SA Health, cautioned against ingesting Kamini tablets.

“Kultani Kaminividravana Rasa tablets should never be ingested. As they are not regulated, they may contain a potpourri of harmful ingredients some of which may cause severe illness and even death,” Dr Lease said in a statement.

He highlighted the compounded risk when opioids are present, noting the potential for dependence and overdose.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had previously issued advisories on Kamini tablets, which are prohibited imports under Australian law. Despite restrictions, the tablets have been found in some grocery stores and online markets.

Dr Lease urged retailers to remove Kamini products from their shelves, as distribution is illegal under the Australian Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.

The potential effects of heavy metal exposure include damage to the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, along with renal impairment, seizures, and anaemia. Symptoms of lead poisoning may involve abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, and irritability, while mercury toxicity can result in nerve, lung, and skin damage.