Doctors voice concern over drugs made from animal extracts
In a step that may result in far-reaching consequences, groups of doctors from around the world have voiced serious concern over prescription of drugs that are derived from animal extracts. In a conference held by Jain Doctors' Federation (JDF) last week, a large number of doctors vouched to minimize prescription of drugs that are derived from animal extracts, and instead use the best alternative allopathic medicine available. It was agreed upon by the doctors that there are a number of evidences where the human body suffers with side-effects like adverse allergic reactions as a result of popping those shiny, lubricated capsules or tonics, which do not serve any therapeutic purpose. Also, in extreme cases, they may lead to cancer. While some animal extracts are used to lubricate and colour capsules, the pancreatic juice from animals is used for smooth digestion in humans. "Animal extracts in medicines are known to have carcinogenic effect on the human body, not forgetting the cruelty done to the animals, especially when there is alternative medicine or ingredient available in allopathy,' said Dr Mangal Jain, associate professor of pharmacology in Grant Medical College, JJ hospital. A group of doctors is planning to approach the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to tighten its rules and regulations, especially disclosure of information in public interest. "FDA should make it compulsory for all drug manufacturers to mention "made from animal extracts' in the list of ingredients on the cover of the medicine and prohibit use of any jargons. For example, "carminic acid' which is nothing but extract from insects. Carminic acid does not give any indication of any animal extracts being used,' added Dr Jain. The doctors are also trying to place