The Drugs Control Department has directed ayurvedic drug manufacturers in the state not to use cassia, believed to cause liver problems and cancer, in ayurvedic formulations as an alternative to the costly cinnamon. In a reply given to Leonard John, a campaigner against the import and sale of cheap cassia, a look-alike of cinnamon, the public information officer stated that the licensing authority had issued a notice against the use of cassia in medicines. If they continue to use it, the department will be forced to take action. Drug inspectors had been asked to investigate and submit a report on the use of cassia in ayurvedic drugs.
But, John, who had been fighting against cassia import for years, is skeptical about the implementation of these instructions.
“There are no facilities in Kerala to find out whether a drug contains cassia. In reply to an RTI petition, the Regional Analytical Laboratory officials in Ernakulam admitted that they were helpless in finding out the cassia content as they had no sophisticated equipment to detect it,” Leonard John said.
“Many nations, including European countries, have banned cassia, and Australia, Canada and New Zealand have initiated measures to stop cassia import,” John said.
“The health crimes department of the CBI did an inquiry a few years ago and now an inquiry is being carried out by the Central Vigilance Commission on its usage,” he added.