Saudi Gazette The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has warned consumers against the use of the herbal supplement called Ginseng Kianpi Pil. The small, clear, yellow capsules are consumed as an appetite supplement, and to boost energy and physical stamina. The herbal capsules has not been approved by the SFDA and its sale and distribution is strictly prohibited in the Kingdom; those found guilty of its possession will be penalized. The SFDA laboratories in the Kingdom revealed that the product contains a number of harmful chemicals, such as cyproheptadine, which is an anti-histamine used in medications for treating allergies and betamethsone, a member of the class of corticosteroids. Some side-effects of corticosteroids include hair loss, osteoporosis, and kidney failure. The carcinogen asarone which has been banned worldwide is also found in this so-called-herbal supplement. Measures have been taken to prevent its import along with withdrawing it from the market. Members of the society should read more and be cautious before blindly running behind different products that are advertised to lure customers such as weight loss aids, beauty enhancers or energy boosters. “All claims made by the promoters of Ginseng Kianpi Pil have no proven scientific evidence. These capsules are routinely used by athletes and sports players to help increase the appetite, strengthen the body's resilience, and build more muscle tissue. However, its use has been shown to cause irregular heartbeat, insomnia, hypertension, and kidney failure,” said Dr. Khalid Al-Madani, former vice-president of the SFDA. Other dangers associated with consuming these pills are that traces of toxic metals like lead and mercury also infiltrates into the product during its manufacturing. __
