The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

'Indian Viagra' – herbal drug Kamini contains morphine and can quickly lead to dependence

  • Written by Julaine Allan, Associate Professor, Mental Health and Addiction, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University
'Indian Viagra' – herbal drug Kamini contains morphine and can quickly lead to dependence

The herbal formulation Kamini has been in the news[1] with a Brisbane drug and alcohol treatment program reporting[2] 12 men accessing the service because they could not stop taking Kamini. A second group[3] of 12 patients in Melbourne sought help for opioid dependency from taking the herbal medicine, which is usually illegally imported from India.

Kamini Vidrawan Ras[4] causes drug dependence in people using it regularly, because it contains opium, among other plant and mineral ingredients. Opium[5] is a plant product refined to make prescription medications, including morphine and codeine, and illegal drugs such as heroin.

Known as Kamini, Kamini balls and Indian Viagra, Ayurvedic medicine practitioners prescribe it for men’s sexual problems including impotence, premature ejaculation and erection difficulties.

Ayurveda[6] is a traditional Indian health system that takes a holistic approach to illness. Herbal, mineral and animal products, as well as diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, are prescribed to improve wellbeing.

It is likely many people taking Kamini are unaware it contains opium and don’t know the risks of regular use.

Varying amounts of morphine

Kamini is sold in bottles of handmade round pellets[7] that are swallowed. A similar product, Barshasha, comes as a paste.

During digestion, the opium breaks down into “natural opiates” morphine, codeine and thebaine[8] (a “paramorphine”). Chemical testing of Kamini has found the amount of morphine in a single tablet varies from 4% to 21% of the product[9].

Opium and other similar drugs can lead to repeated use[10] because they stimulate the reward centres in the brain, causing intense feelings of pleasure and relaxation. These strong effects weaken over time as a person builds up tolerance to the drug. So, more of the drug is required to get the same feelings.

When a person has built up a tolerance and stops taking the drug, they experience withdrawal symptoms[11]. These can be physical, such as sweating, vomiting and muscle cramps, as well as psychological, such as anxiety and cravings for the drug.

People using Kamini have described[12] tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when they tried to stop. Typically starting on one tablet per day, within weeks use rapidly increased to 25–30 tablets per day or one bottle to experience the same initial effect[13]. At a cost of $70–100 per bottle[14], daily use becomes a financial burden.

One bottle of Kamini can contain up to 4,000 milligrams of morphine[15]. This is a significant amount of a powerful drug. In comparison, people with severe cancer pain may be prescribed up to 2,000mg of morphine per day, but most average between 100mg and 250 mg[16].

poppy buds in a field
Kamini might contain a little or a lot of the opiate, morphine. Unsplash, CC BY[17][18]

Read more: One in three people with chronic pain have difficulty accessing ongoing prescriptions for opioids[19]

Unlikely to help anyone stay awake

As well as for sexual problems, people have taken Kamini to try and stay awake at work. An SBS television investigation in 2016 found Southeast Asian men used Kamini to help them get through long shifts. Many worked in the transport industry.

They reported getting Kamini from Asian grocery stores[20] around Australia, without them being prescribed or monitored by an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner.

The belief Kamini will help you stay awake is probably a misinterpretation of its original reputation for enhancing vitality. But opium products have the opposite effects to stimulants, slowing down the nervous system rather than speeding it up.

Read more: Pingers, pingas, pingaz: how drug slang affects the way we use and understand drugs[21]

Ayurvedic websites[22] describing the composition and reasons for using Kamini note it contains opium, the use of it should be monitored, and the dose limited to half or one tablet per day because of the risks of drug dependence[23].

An online market worth billions

Using herbal and natural preparations to improve wellbeing, or as remedies for physical and mental problems, is growing in popularity. Online availability facilitates access to a wide range of products.

In 2021, the global market for herbal and Ayurvedic medicines was valued at US$9.5 billion[24] (A$14.8 billion) with an annual growth rate of 10%. India is the largest Ayurvedic market[25], with about 80% of the market share.

Read more: Kratom: What science is discovering about the risks and benefits of a controversial herb[26]

Ease of access and being derived from a plant could lead some people to think Ayurvedic medicine products and other herbal remedies are harmless[27]. Usually identified as dietary supplements, products like Kamini do not have to provide safety or effectiveness information to drug regulators in other countries.

Following the SBS investigation, Australia’s medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), banned the importation and supply of Kamini. The TGA has not assessed Kamini products for quality, safety or effectiveness. In a statement[28] released in 2016, the TGA said

these tablets pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.

herbs and pills in glass bottles Herbal medicines might seem safe and ‘organic’ but that’s not always the case. Pexels, CC BY[29][30]

Getting off Kamini

Dependence on Kamini can be successfully treated with medicines such as buprenorphine[31] and supportive counselling.

Drug dependence can cause problems with health, employment, relationships and finances.

If you are experiencing problems with Kamini or any other drug, free, confidential help and support are available from state health departments and helplines or you can call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation[32] on 1300 85 85 84 for advice.

References

  1. ^ news (www.theguardian.com)
  2. ^ reporting (doi.org)
  3. ^ second group (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  4. ^ Kamini Vidrawan Ras (link.springer.com)
  5. ^ Opium (adf.org.au)
  6. ^ Ayurveda (www.nccih.nih.gov)
  7. ^ bottles of handmade round pellets (bpac.org.nz)
  8. ^ thebaine (www.sciencedirect.com)
  9. ^ 4% to 21% of the product (link.springer.com)
  10. ^ repeated use (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  11. ^ withdrawal symptoms (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  12. ^ described (www.proquest.com)
  13. ^ to experience the same initial effect (bpac.org.nz)
  14. ^ $70–100 per bottle (www.sbs.com.au)
  15. ^ 4,000 milligrams of morphine (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  16. ^ between 100mg and 250 mg (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  17. ^ Unsplash (images.unsplash.com)
  18. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  19. ^ One in three people with chronic pain have difficulty accessing ongoing prescriptions for opioids (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ Asian grocery stores (www.sbs.com.au)
  21. ^ Pingers, pingas, pingaz: how drug slang affects the way we use and understand drugs (theconversation.com)
  22. ^ Ayurvedic websites (www.bimbima.com)
  23. ^ the risks of drug dependence (www.ayurtimes.com)
  24. ^ US$9.5 billion (www.researchandmarkets.com)
  25. ^ largest Ayurvedic market (www.globenewswire.com)
  26. ^ Kratom: What science is discovering about the risks and benefits of a controversial herb (theconversation.com)
  27. ^ herbal remedies are harmless (www.sciencedirect.com)
  28. ^ statement (www.tga.gov.au)
  29. ^ Pexels (images.pexels.com)
  30. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  31. ^ buprenorphine (adf.org.au)
  32. ^ Alcohol and Drug Foundation (adf.org.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/indian-viagra-herbal-drug-kamini-contains-morphine-and-can-quickly-lead-to-dependence-191509

The Times Features

Understanding the Dangers of Ignoring a Gas Leak

Gas leaks are silent threats lurking within both homes and workplaces. A gas leak occurs when natural gas or any other gaseous substance escapes from a pipeline or containment. T...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their co...

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping