Beware of Herbal Drinks Containing Medicinal Chemicals: Tips to Avoid Dangerous Instant Effects
Public interest in jamu as a natural herbal remedy continues to grow. However, behind this back-to-nature trend, a serious health threat still lurks through the circulation of jamu products containing pharmaceutical chemicals (Bahan Kimia Obat, or BKO).
This phenomenon is driven by consumers’ desire for rapid treatment results. It is this psychological gap that illegal producers exploit.
By mixing pharmaceutical chemicals into herbal concoctions, their products appear far more potent than pure jamu, building a false sense of trust in the eyes of consumers.
Devana Ardiaty, a junior pharmaceutical and food supervisor at the BPOM Office in Serang, revealed that this practice has become an organised pattern. Based on surveillance data, the chemical additives are deliberately included to manipulate public perception.
To avoid being trapped by the sweet promise of instant effects that risk damaging bodily organs in the long term, Devana shared three simple habits that can protect consumers.
Devana stressed that the mechanism of action of natural medicines differs greatly from that of synthetic chemical drugs. The potency of jamu cannot be measured solely by how quickly pain disappears after a single dose.
“Ultimately, what deserves consideration is not how quickly the effect is felt, but whether the jamu product is safe, of good quality, and has proven efficacy in accordance with regulations. Health is not about instant results, but about long-term protection for the body,” she concluded.
BPOM again discovered 41 natural medicines (OBA) containing pharmaceutical chemicals (BKO) during surveillance conducted between November and December 2025.
In the first half of 2025, the Bandung Office of Drug and Food Control (BBPOM) still found natural medicines or herbal remedies containing pharmaceutical chemicals on the market.
During June 2025, BPOM again discovered 15 natural medicine products containing pharmaceutical chemicals. This finding was the result of routine surveillance.
Laboratory test results showed that these products did not meet BPOM safety standards and contained hazardous substances such as sildenafil citrate and sodium diclofenac.
As many as 61 natural medicine items containing pharmaceutical chemicals were discovered by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).