Jinlab hold spiritual significance. It is believed to purify, bless and heal. But in recent years, this sacred substance has come under scientific scrutiny after tests found that some of them contained high levels of lead, a toxic heavy metal. But instead of dismissing findings, the only state-owned traditional medicine manufacturing company in the country has begun tackling the problem head-on.
At Menjong Sorig Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited (MSPCL), the production of Jinlab and other traditional medicines follows a strict and controlled process, from ingredient collection to final packaging.
Every batch of raw material is quarantined and thoroughly examined by a quality control team.
The approved ingredients are then formulated, mixed, and processed into various forms such as tablets, capsules, syrups, and ointments.
Rigorous quality checks, including independent testing for parameters like moisture content, texture, and hardness, accompany each stage of production.
“Once the product is finished, these finished products are again tested for heavy metals and identification in other pre-defined quality parameters so that whatever we produce is of quality, safe and meets the requirements of users,” said Sherab Tenzin, the head of the Quality Control and Research Division, MSPCL.
One of its most important tools is the specialised heavy metal detection equipment. It is the only one in the country and can detect even small traces of lead, arsenic, mercury or cadmium.
Sherab Tenzin said, “Checking of lead contamination and other heavy metals is very important to assure and give confidence to our customers in our products. It is because a source of lead contamination was found to be herbal traditional medicines and spices that we also use here for production.”
The National Blood Lead Level Survey conducted last year found that over 44 per cent of Jinlab samples exceeded the safe threshold.
In response, MSPCL also started retaining samples for future reference.
While MSPCL’s efforts mark a major step forward, challenges remain, such as from unregulated local jinlab producers who make the product independently.
Sources say some local producers add their own ingredients, such as lithri, which is traditionally used to colour Jinlab and detoxify mercury but has also been found to contain lead. Concerns are also raised over the use of pieces of garments and other materials in Jinlabs, some of which have been found to contain lead.
BBS contacted the Central Monastic Body, but they did not want to comment.
Meanwhile, the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority says they regulate lead levels in traditional medicine but not in Jinlab due to the lack of a standard guideline.
MSPCL says they also shared their findings and expertise with the health ministry to help draft the first National Lead Poisoning Prevention Strategy document.
And while the effort may be small, the implications are large, protecting not only the country’s sacred traditions but also the health of those practising them.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
