{"id":71108,"date":"2026-07-23T22:50:04","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:50:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=71108"},"modified":"2026-07-23T22:50:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:50:04","slug":"hsa-warns-of-banned-substances-in-herbal-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=71108","title":{"rendered":"HSA warns of banned substances in herbal products"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE \u2013 Consumers are advised not to use three products that are marketed as supplements or herbal products, as people reported falling sick after using them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The products are <!-- -->C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product<!-- -->, <!-- -->Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao<!-- --> and <!-- -->B-Lian-S Herbal Cream<!-- -->, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a statement on July 23.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Those who have bought these products should not use them. Consumers who are taking C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product should <!-- -->stop taking it immediately<!-- --> and see a doctor if they feel unwell.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Those who are using Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao and B-Lian-S Herbal Cream <!-- -->should not stop using these products on their own<!-- -->, said HSA, as they contain <!-- -->potent steroids that can cause withdrawal symptoms<!-- --> such as fatigue, weakness and low blood pressure if<!-- --> their use is stopped suddenly<!-- -->. Instead, these <!-- -->consumers<!-- --> should see a doctor immediately.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"font-primary-headline-md-semibold\" data-testid=\"article-subhead-test-id\">Hallucinations, mood swings among side effects<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"portrait inline-media-wrapper\" style=\"--aspect-article-portrait:765 \/ 704\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/006cee0e8311b6780c0168709883d088bab43ba0c44e916ab3fbfc12a52d4c4a?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/006cee0e8311b6780c0168709883d088bab43ba0c44e916ab3fbfc12a52d4c4a?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/006cee0e8311b6780c0168709883d088bab43ba0c44e916ab3fbfc12a52d4c4a?w=765\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/006cee0e8311b6780c0168709883d088bab43ba0c44e916ab3fbfc12a52d4c4a\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/006cee0e8311b6780c0168709883d088bab43ba0c44e916ab3fbfc12a52d4c4a\" alt=\"C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product is marketed as a diet supplement for slimming.\" class=\"aspect-portrait flex items-start shrink-0 portrait article-portrait object-contain mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 pt-08 pb-16\">\n<p class=\"inline text-secondary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product is marketed as a diet supplement for slimming.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline text-tertiary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->PHOTOS: HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product is marketed as a <!-- -->diet supplement for slimming, containing chia powder and chilli pepper powder<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">A woman experienced <!-- -->heart palpitations, nausea, a constant feeling of thirst and a loss of appetite<!-- --> after consuming the product.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">HSA tests found that the product contains <!-- -->sibutramine, a banned substance, as well as sennosides, an undeclared laxative<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Sibutramine is a <!-- -->prescription-only weight-loss medicine that was banned in Singapore in 2010<!-- --> because it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It is associated with serious side effects such as <!-- -->high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations and mood swings<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">HSA found listings of C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product on online platforms <!-- -->Shopee, Lazada, Carousell, Facebook and TikTok<!-- -->. The agency has asked platform administrators to remove listings of the product, it said.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"font-primary-headline-md-semibold\" data-testid=\"article-subhead-test-id\">Signs of Cushing\u2019s syndrome<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"portrait inline-media-wrapper\" style=\"--aspect-article-portrait:591 \/ 510\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/36d2125b4a63db6e12e3349eb004fce4f141d17b238ba5e48d5a921d1229d562?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/36d2125b4a63db6e12e3349eb004fce4f141d17b238ba5e48d5a921d1229d562?w=591\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/36d2125b4a63db6e12e3349eb004fce4f141d17b238ba5e48d5a921d1229d562?w=591\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/36d2125b4a63db6e12e3349eb004fce4f141d17b238ba5e48d5a921d1229d562\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/36d2125b4a63db6e12e3349eb004fce4f141d17b238ba5e48d5a921d1229d562\" alt=\"Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao is marketed as a herbal remedy.\" class=\"aspect-portrait flex items-start shrink-0 portrait article-portrait object-contain mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 pt-08 pb-16\">\n<p class=\"inline text-secondary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao is marketed as a herbal remedy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline text-tertiary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->PHOTOS: HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao, meanwhile, is <!-- -->marketed as a herbal remedy that claims to remove blood vessel blockages, relieve back pain and limb stiffness<!-- -->, and help with chronic conditions such as <!-- -->hypertension, stroke and diabetes<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">A woman in her 60s bought the product at a market in <!-- -->Bentong, Malaysia<!-- -->, and took it regularly for <!-- -->10 days<!-- --> for her knee pain and back pain, as well as to improve her blood circulation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">She experienced signs of Cushing\u2019s syndrome \u2013<!-- --> characterised by<!-- --> a rounded \u201cmoon face\u201d appearance and abnormal fat accumulation on <!-- -->the<!-- --> upper back \u2013 and became lethargic when she stopped using the product.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">A family friend who is a pharmacist suspected that the product had been adulterated and reported the case to HSA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">HSA\u2019s analysis revealed that it contains <!-- -->dexamethasone<!-- -->, a potent prescription steroid that should be used only under strict medical supervision.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Long-term, unsupervised use of such steroids can lead to <!-- -->increased blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscle and bone disorders, an increased risk of infections and Cushing\u2019s syndrome<!-- -->, HSA said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The agency added that discontinuing these steroids without medical supervision can lead to <!-- -->withdrawal effects and adrenal insufficiency<!-- -->, a serious condition where the body does not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones after stopping long-term steroid use. This may cause <!-- -->fatigue, generalised weakness, muscle and joint pain, low blood pressure, fits or shock.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The woman has since recovered after she sought treatment at an accident and emergency department and stopped using the product, said HSA, adding that from its investigations, there are <!-- -->no known local suppliers<!-- --> of the product.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"font-primary-headline-md-semibold\" data-testid=\"article-subhead-test-id\">12-year-old boy developed stretch marks<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"portrait inline-media-wrapper\" style=\"--aspect-article-portrait:292 \/ 654\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/96b282e3a36eb1b9690e2a8560253b5e21a46a112703381a539d5ce2dce701f0\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/96b282e3a36eb1b9690e2a8560253b5e21a46a112703381a539d5ce2dce701f0\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/96b282e3a36eb1b9690e2a8560253b5e21a46a112703381a539d5ce2dce701f0\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/96b282e3a36eb1b9690e2a8560253b5e21a46a112703381a539d5ce2dce701f0\" alt=\"B-Lian-S Herbal Cream is marketed as a \u201cnatural extract formula\u201d with \u201czero steroids\u201d to manage conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.\" class=\"aspect-portrait flex items-start shrink-0 portrait article-portrait object-contain mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 pt-08 pb-16\">\n<p class=\"inline text-secondary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">B-Lian-S Herbal Cream is marketed as a \u201cnatural extract formula\u201d with \u201czero steroids\u201d to manage conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline text-tertiary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->PHOTOS: HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">B-Lian-S Herbal Cream is marketed as a \u201c<!-- -->natural extract formula\u201d with \u201czero steroids\u201d to manage conditions such as psoriasis and eczema<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">A 12-year-old boy applied\u00a0it regularly for <!-- -->two months<!-- --> to treat his eczema, after his mother placed an order with a <!-- -->vendor based in Malaysia over Facebook Messenger<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The boy <!-- -->rapidly gained 6kg over this period and developed stretch marks on his legs<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"portrait inline-media-wrapper\" style=\"--aspect-article-portrait:291 \/ 387\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/7effbb1ccde2657a3868ff46060634253cc9a2e5ff3f129488266618f572d49c\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/7effbb1ccde2657a3868ff46060634253cc9a2e5ff3f129488266618f572d49c\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/7effbb1ccde2657a3868ff46060634253cc9a2e5ff3f129488266618f572d49c\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/7effbb1ccde2657a3868ff46060634253cc9a2e5ff3f129488266618f572d49c\" alt=\"The boy developed stretch marks on his legs after applying B-Lian-S Herbal Cream  regularly for two months for his eczema.\" class=\"aspect-portrait flex items-start shrink-0 portrait article-portrait object-contain mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 pt-08 pb-16\">\n<p class=\"inline text-secondary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">The boy developed stretch marks on his legs after applying B-Lian-S Herbal Cream regularly for two months for his eczema.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline text-tertiary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED BY PATIENT<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">HSA\u2019s tests found that B-Lian-S Herbal Cream contains <!-- -->clobetasol, a potent steroid that should be used only under strict medical supervision, as well as miconazole, an anti-fungal agent<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The agency\u2019s investigations found that the overseas vendor\u2019s social media account was linked to a <!-- -->Shopee store. HSA worked with the platform administrator to disable the online store, and the relevant Malaysian authorities were alerted to the Facebook accoun<!-- -->t.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The public is advised to steer clear of health products or supplements from unverified sources, especially <!-- -->those sold<!-- --> online, as these may contain harmful ingredients.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Sellers and suppliers are liable to prosecution and, if convicted, may be jailed for up to two years, fined up to $10,000, or both.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Those who have any information on the sale <!-- -->or<!-- --> supply of such illegal products may contact HSA on 6866-3485 during office hours from Monday to Friday, or via e-mail at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/mailto:hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_self\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">hsa_is@hsa.gov.sg<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<center><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/hsa-warns-of-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-banned-substance-potent-steroids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><br \/>\n<center\/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE \u2013 Consumers are advised not to use three products that are marketed as supplements or herbal products, as people reported falling sick after using&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":71109,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=71108"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71108\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/71109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=71108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=71108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=71108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}