
Dangerous Traditional Medicine? Beware of Hidden Pharmaceutical Chemicals (BKO) in Your Products!
Traditional medicine has become an important part of daily life in Indonesia. The use of natural ingredients processed traditionally into remedies for maintaining health, treating diseases, and restoring stamina has been practiced for centuries. According to BPOM Regulation No. 29 of 2023 on the Requirements for the Safety and Quality of Natural Material Medicines, Article 1 (1), natural material medicines are defined as products derived from natural resources, such as plants, animals, microorganisms, minerals, or mixtures of these substances that have been used traditionally. These products are proven effective, safe, based on empirical and/or scientific experience, and are used for health maintenance, health improvement, disease prevention, treatment, and health recovery.
However, alongside the increasing popularity of traditional medicine, concerning practices have emerged. Some traditional medicine producers are known to add Pharmaceutical Chemicals (BKO) to their products with the aim of accelerating the medicinal effects in the body. This step is taken to enhance the therapeutic effects that consumers can feel more quickly. While it may seem advantageous from the perspective of rapid results, the addition of BKO actually harbors significant health risks.
The Dangers of Adding BKO to Traditional Medicines
Pharmaceutical Chemicals (BKO) added uncontrollably to traditional medicines can pose various dangers. One of the main risks is uncontrolled dosages, which can lead to toxic effects on the consumer's body. Because traditional medicines are often consumed without medical supervision, the presence of BKO with inappropriate dosages can have negative and dangerous impacts.

Moreover, chemical interactions between active ingredients in traditional medicines and BKO can potentially lead to unwanted effects. For instance, the addition of certain pharmaceutical chemicals could reduce the effectiveness of natural ingredients used or even trigger harmful side effects. More concerning is that some BKO used may have contraindications with specific health conditions, exacerbating the risk for consumers who are unaware of the chemical contents.
Examples of BKO Frequently Found in Traditional Medicines
According to findings by the Badan POM, several types of pharmaceutical chemicals frequently found in traditional medicines include:
- Paracetamol: Commonly found in traditional medicines claimed to relieve muscle aches, gout, and rheumatism.
- Glibenclamide: Used in traditional medicines claimed to treat diabetes and blood sugar issues.
- Theophylline: Found in traditional medicines claimed to help with shortness of breath and asthma.
- Sibutramine Hydrochloride: Often used in traditional medicines claimed to aid in weight loss.
The presence of these chemicals is not only illegal but can also endanger consumer health. For example, glibenclamide is a medication typically used for diabetes and can cause drastic drops in blood sugar levels when consumed by individuals without diabetes. Similarly, sibutramine hydrochloride found in weight-loss products can trigger heart disorders and high blood pressure.
Why Testing the Quality and Safety of Traditional Medicine Products is Crucial?
Amid these concerns, proper testing becomes a crucial step for traditional medicine producers to ensure their products are safe and comply with existing regulations. As a producer, your reputation heavily relies on your ability to deliver safe and quality products. Proper testing can safeguard your products from recalls or penalties and protect consumers from health risks.
To ensure your products are free from Pharmaceutical Chemicals (BKO) that are unwanted and meet the safety and quality standards set by BPOM, IML Testing and Research offers comprehensive testing services. These tests include:
- Toxicity Testing: To determine whether your products contain harmful substances that could poison the body.
- Active Ingredient Content Testing: To ensure the active ingredients in your traditional medicines align with the claimed therapeutic effects.
- Material Safety Testing: To verify that there are no harmful interactions between the natural ingredients and the chemicals present in your products.
Through these tests, you can ensure that your traditional medicine products are safe for consumption and free from BKO that could endanger consumers.
Adding BKO to traditional medicines may seem like a quick solution to enhance therapeutic effects, but the risks involved far outweigh the temporary benefits provided. As a producer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your products are safe and compliant with the standards set by relevant authorities.
IML Testing and Research is here to assist you in this process. We provide complete testing services to ensure your traditional medicine products are free from BKO and safe for consumer use. By conducting testing at IML Testing and Research, you not only protect consumers but also uphold your business's reputation and compliance with applicable regulations.
Don’t take risks with the safety of your traditional medicine products! Conduct testing at IML Testing and Research to ensure your products are safe, free from BKO, and meet the quality and safety standards set by BPOM. Contact us now to start testing your products and ensure they remain on a safe and legal path.
Reference :
Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Republik Indonesia (BPOM RI). 2023. Peraturan Kepala Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Republik Indonesia Nomor 29 Tahun 2023 tentang Persyaratan Keamanan dan Mutu Obat Bahan Alam. Jakarta: Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Republik Indonesia.
Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan Republik Indonesia (BPOM RI). 2006. Bahaya Bahan Kimia Obat (BKO) yang Dibubuhkan ke dalam Obat Tradisional (Jamu). Diakses pada tanggal 15 September 2024.