Recently, researchers in Adelaide University conducted a research on 4 types of locally purchased bah kut teh packets and the results are shocking.
In their research that has been published in the journal Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology, these are the 4 types of formulation that was used:
- Formula 1: Dried Hawthorn
- Formula 2: Goji berries, ginseng, bark & dried vegetables
- Formula 3: Solomon’s seal (polygonatum odoratum), ligusticum chuanxiong, Dangshen (codonopsis pilosula), Chinese cinnamon (cinnamomum cassia), female ginseng (angelica sinensis), star anise (illicium verum), black pepper (piper nigrum) and cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata)
- Formula 4: spices, salt & pepper
According to Professor Roger Byard, George Richard Marks, Chair of Pathology at the University of Adelaide, here’s what they found:
- For the first time, a laboratory study done by the University of Adelaide has found that foods containing herbal ingredients (such as bah kut teh) could be toxic to liver cells
- All the formulations tested, displayed significant amount of toxicity.
- When mixed with liver cells, the ingredients in a packet of concentrated soup formula killed up to 83% of the cells
- People have been warned that herbal medicines and therapies could have side effects and may potentially harm your liver
- People who have underlying liver conditions and/or are taking prescribed medication should be aware of the potential side effects
- In rare cases, this damage has led to transplantation and even death
So, the next time you have foods that contain herbal ingredients, make sure you’re aware of the potential side effects!
Also read: M’sian Forgets To Ask For Price Of Noodles Before Ordering, Bill Comes Up To RM60 For A Bowl
