Health authorities have issued an urgent warning following a severe case of lead poisoning in Adelaide, South Australia, linked to an illegally imported substance being sold as a complementary medicine.
The South Australian Health Department reported that a patient was hospitalised after consuming a product labelled Multani Kaminividravana Rasa, also known as Kamini, which contained dangerously high levels of mercury.
The product, believed to have been manufactured overseas, was purchased from a South-East Asian supermarket in Adelaide.
Initial testing has confirmed the presence of toxic metals, with further analysis underway to determine if the product also contains opioids such as codeine and morphine, as identified in similar products previously.
SA Health described the product, which is sold in the form of dark pellets, as marketed to boost “vigour and vitality.” However, authorities warn that the product poses a serious health risk.
Chris Lease, Director of Public Health at SA Health, told ABC that because the product is unregulated, it may contain a hazardous mix of ingredients.
“Heavy metals like mercury pose severe health risks, and the possible presence of opioids could lead to dependency and other serious harms.”
Symptoms of acute lead poisoning include unexplained abdominal pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, headache, fatigue, irritability, impaired concentration, seizures, coma, renal impairment, and anaemia.
While SA Health did not release personal details about the affected patient, they confirmed the individual has since been discharged and is recovering at home.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued multiple warnings regarding Kamini, which contains substances listed as dangerous poisons under Australian law.
In recent years, Kamini-related public health alerts have surfaced, including cases in South-East Queensland where people sought help for withdrawal symptoms after developing dependencies on the product.
Authorities emphasise that Kamini is illegal in Australia but is being “clandestinely imported” and sold in certain grocery stores and online.
SA Health has alerted hospitals and general practitioners to the risk, urging blood lead testing for any patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
The TGA, working alongside the Australian Border Force, is stepping up efforts to prevent further shipments from entering the country.
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