Chemical goon in spoon of chyawanprash: Study

AHMEDABAD: Chyawanprash and shatavari powder have become the go-to products in the pandemic for those seeking overall well-being — but unwanted ingredients like caffeine or corn starch can lie hidden amid all the natural goodness.
Multiple studies carried out by the researchers of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) indicate the presence of chemicals and food ingredients — not all of which are harmful — in chyawanprash and shatavari. These undesirable elements are not mentioned on the labels.
The NFSU team had taken samples from six brands of chyawanprash and had subjected them to several tests. The results revealed the presence of caffeine along with alkaloids, amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, and Vitamin C. The researchers were led by Astha Pandey, associate professor and the head of the Centre of Excellence, International Centre for Forensic Narcotics, at the NFSU. The researchers advocate the standardization of manufacturing process and regulations to ensure the display of the ingredients on the labels.
The students in the project included Darshini Jethva, Shalvi Agrawal, Anirudh Dixit, and Chaitanya.
Use of corn or wheat flour likely
Some of the chemicals occur naturally due to the ingredients, but they could have side effects on a segment of the population,” said Prof Pandey. “Caffeine doesn’t occur naturally and is not mentioned on the labels. It could be considered an adulterant.” Prof Pandey said that the results will require bolstering from a wider study.
For shatavari, the team had taken multiple samples of several branded and unbranded powders. “As shatavari tubers are rich in starch, there is a high probability of adulteration with common starch like corn or wheat flour, which make the products cheaper,” said Prof Pandey. “I have not seen the NFSU research, but one has to determine whether alkaloids or phenols present in ayurvedic products are a result of plantbased preparations, as herbs too have alkaloids,” said Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration commissioner H G Koshia.