Herbal medicines in Iran advertised as opioid withdrawal drugs - analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract

IntroductionHerbal medicines are used to address some of the problems experienced by individuals addicted to drugs, but there are also many reports about the adulteration of products sold as medicinal herbs for addiction treatment or opioid withdrawal. The aim of the present study was to explore the products sold as herbal medicines by herbal remedy shops in Iran. MethodFifty samples of medicinal herbs were collected from herb shops located in different parts of Iran. Samples were coded according to their brand name and included: Dragon tablets, Deta capsules, compound capsules and Vincamin DF. Samples were transferred to the toxicology laboratory of the Medical Jurisprudence Organization of Mashhad and the samples were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. ResultsOut of the samples, 74% contained illegal or chemical drugs. In most of the counterfeit samples, we found a high dose of tramadol, methadone, and diphenoxylate. In some samples, small amounts of nicotine, barbiturate, acetaminophen, diclofenac, lysergic acid diethylamide, diphenhydramine, codeine were detected. An investigation of the physical properties (smell) indicated the presence of fragrant compounds in some samples such as ginger, Peganum harmala, and pepper. ConclusionsNearly all of the handmade and illegally distributed herbal medicines for the treatment of drug withdrawal contained at least one opioid or illegal drug, indicating that there was evidence of adulteration and highlighting the dangers to users. It is important to raise awareness of people, particularly warning them against the use of such products sold by herbal shops for the treatment of addiction.