Recent research conducted by Laffael Kevin Immanuel from the Department of Pharmacy at Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, Indonesia, has shed light on the potential contamination of traditional herbal medicines, specifically jamu pegal linu, with synthetic substances like paracetamol. This study, published in the Malaysian Journal of Science and Advanced Technology, utilized advanced analytical techniques to ensure the safety and authenticity of herbal products available in the market.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has strict regulations prohibiting the inclusion of synthetic chemicals in herbal medicines. However, the findings from Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) suggest that some manufacturers still violate these rules by adding medicinal chemicals. This raises significant concerns about the integrity of herbal medicine and the potential health risks for consumers.
In this study, Immanuel and his team optimized High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) conditions to analyze paracetamol levels in jamu pegal linu sold at Pasar Besar in Malang City. The researchers determined that the optimal conditions for HPLC analysis included a 34.4% methanol mobile phase in water, a flow rate of 1 mL/min, and a column temperature of 30°C. They validated their method against rigorous parameters, achieving impressive results in terms of selectivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision.
Despite the thorough analysis, the results from three samples of jamu pegal linu revealed no detectable levels of paracetamol, indicating compliance with health regulations. Immanuel stated, “The analysis showed that the samples fulfilled the regulation of the Indonesian Ministry of Health Regulation No.7 in 2012,” highlighting the importance of ensuring that traditional remedies remain free from harmful additives.
This research not only emphasizes the need for stringent quality control in herbal medicine but also opens up commercial opportunities for the energy sector. As consumers increasingly seek natural and holistic health solutions, there is a growing market for herbal products that are verified to be free from synthetic substances. Companies in the energy sector can explore partnerships with herbal medicine producers to promote sustainable practices and the use of renewable resources in the cultivation and production of herbal ingredients.
Furthermore, the application of sophisticated analytical techniques like HPLC can enhance product safety and efficacy, potentially leading to the development of new herbal formulations that align with consumer demand for clean and natural products. As the industry evolves, integrating energy-efficient processes and sustainable sourcing will be crucial for maintaining consumer trust and meeting regulatory standards.
The findings from this study underscore the importance of transparency and safety in herbal medicine, paving the way for a more responsible and sustainable approach in the sector.
