BPOM Discovers 24 Illegal Herbal Medicines Linked to Deaths, Including Slimming Claims
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has discovered 24 natural or herbal medicine products that are illegal and hazardous due to containing chemical drug substances (BKO). This finding comes from BPOM’s monitoring efforts during the January-February 2026 period.
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar emphasised that the agency will take firm action against businesses engaging in such practices. These products are known to be mixed with active drug substances such as sildenafil, paracetamol, and dexamethasone, which should not be present in natural ingredient medicines.
“BPOM will continue to crack down firmly on businesses that deliberately add chemical drugs to natural medicine products. Such practices cannot be tolerated as they endanger public health,” said Taruna Ikrar in his statement quoted on Tuesday (6/4/2026).
He stressed that all these products are illegal, dangerous, and prohibited from circulating in Indonesia. Businesses found violating the rules may be prosecuted under Law No. 17 of 2023 on Health, facing imprisonment of up to 12 years and/or a maximum fine of Rp5 billion.
“The public is urged to be more cautious in selecting herbal products and to always ensure they have BPOM circulation permits before consumption,” he said.
The illegal use of chemical drugs in herbal products carries high risks, ranging from unstable blood pressure, heart attacks, liver and kidney damage, to death. BPOM also reminds that these products are often marketed with attractive claims such as male stamina boosters, slimming aids, and pain relievers, despite containing prescription drugs.
Here is the list of 24 illegal and dangerous natural medicines according to BPOM:
Pain Relief Claims
Akar Bajakah - contains caffeine and phenylbutazone
Anrisend - contains sodium diclofenac and paracetamol
Brastomolo - contains sodium diclofenac
Dewa Naga Pegal Linu - contains paracetamol
Flu Tulang Omega Black - contains paracetamol
Jamu Buah Merah Plus Ginseng (Bi-EM Amrat) - contains sodium diclofenac and paracetamol
Kapsul Asam Urat 99 - contains chlorpheniramine maleate, dexamethasone, paracetamol, and prednisone
Sinatren - contains chlorpheniramine, dexamethasone, and prednisone
Appetite Enhancer Claims
Penggemuk PHS - contains dexamethasone
Vitamin Penggemuk Badan ASLSHOP_05 - contains dexamethasone and cyproheptadine
Vitamin Penggemuk Badan Lalaashop_25 - contains dexamethasone and cyproheptadine
Slimming Claims
Kapsul Pink - contains sibutramine
N&N Slimming Capsule Super Strong - contains sibutramine
SBM+ - contains sibutramine
SWH Slim With Herbal - contains sibutramine
Male Stamina Claims
DHA Strong - contains methyl testosterone
Ramuan Dayak - contains paracetamol
Coffee SJ Plus Super Jantan - contains sildenafil
Kopi Extra Jantan Max - contains sildenafil
Kopi Raja Jantan New - contains sildenafil
Kopi Sibak Agam - contains sildenafil
King Jantan Kopi Kuat - contains sildenafil
Pak’E Tole Khusus Pria Dewasa - contains sildenafil
Urat Madu Kopi Kuat & Tahan Lama - contains sildenafil