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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has revealed 15 illegal herbal products containing Chemical Drug Substances. The Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, stated that these illegal herbal products have the potential to endanger public health."These products disguise themselves as traditional herbal medicine or supplements, but they actually contain dangerous active drug substances," he stated in a written release on Monday, November 3, 2025.This disclosure comes after the BPOM conducted supervision and examination of 1,639 product samples in September 2025. Laboratory testing by the BPOM revealed that 15 products contained banned chemical drug substances.Taruna mentioned that these illegal products are marketed as weight loss supplements, stamina enhancers for men, and remedies for muscle aches. Of the 15 products, 5 weight loss products contain sibutramine, 5 men's stamina products contain sildenafil citrate, and 5 muscle ache remedies contain dexamethasone, paracetamol, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, and diclofenac sodium."The addition of Chemical Drug Substances to natural-based products is not only a violation but also sabotage to the public health system," he added.According to the BPOM, herbal products containing Chemical Drug Substances have the potential to endanger health as they may be consumed improperly and without medical supervision. For example, Sibutramine, when abused as a weight loss supplement, can pose risks to cardiovascular, mental, liver function, and insomnia. Yet, the use of Sibutramine in natural-based medicines has been banned in many countries.Furthermore, Sildenafil, when misused in herbal men's stamina supplements, can cause unstable blood pressure, heart disorders, and even death if consumed without medical supervision.Misuse of other chemical substances in natural-based medicines, such as dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid, can cause lowered immunity, osteoporosis, hormonal disorders, as well as liver and kidney damage if used without medical control.Here is a list of the names of products included in the illegal list containing chemical drug substances:1. JD Herbal Diet2. Dosting Diet Herbal Medicine3. Doctor's Diet Medicine4. Beauty Slim5. Herbal Diet Medicine6. Super Tonik Strong Honey7. Agam Perkasa Stamina Coffee8. Jrenk Jos X9. Luwak Cobra Herbal Spice Coffee10. Chang Sanx11. Tokcer12. Moringa Leaf Drink13. Red Fruit Forest14. Garcia Tokcer15. Pas-Ti JossTaruna urged the public to always check the Marketing Authorization Number (NIE) on product packaging and avoid products with instant claims or fast effects. If there are suspicions about a product, they can report it to the BPOM through the HALOBPOM Contact Center 1500533, BPOM's official social media, or the nearest BPOM office.The BPOM will continue supervision through sample testing activities and tracing the production and distribution chains of products to take action against irresponsible business operators. "Those proven to produce and distribute illegal products will face criminal sanctions," said Taruna.Criminal sanctions refer to Article 435 together with Article 138 paragraph (2) and (3) of Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health, with a maximum imprisonment of 12 years or a maximum fine of Rp 5 billion.Editor's Choice: BPOM: Cesium-137 Contamination Affects Indonesian Food ExportsClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
