Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS, cilt.268, sa.1, ss.117189, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Herbal products, increasingly popular for various health conditions, pose significant public health concerns due to their frequent adulteration with undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. Such adulteration is alarming, as these readily accessible products can lead to severe health consequences, including direct poisoning or adverse drug interactions. In this study, we investigated a counterfeit herbal product, marketed for alcohol withdrawal syndrome, following a consumer complaint. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of two prescription-only drugs, clomethiazole and venlafaxine. The analytical method for both compounds was validated to ensure accurate quantification. Within a 530.14 mg capsule, a staggering amount of approximately 252 mg of venlafaxine and 70 mg of clomethiazole were detected. To further evaluate the potential health risks, molecular docking and ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) prediction studies were conducted with serotonergic targets (SERT and 5-HT2A), GABAA receptors, and key metabolic enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2E1). This study is the first to assess the potential risks posed by the co-existence of clomethiazole and venlafaxine in a counterfeit herbal product, utilizing both chemical analysis and silico methods. Our findings unequivocally demonstrate that adulterated products carry serious risks of poisoning, drug interactions, and accidents. The potential for serious adverse events is further amplified when these adulterated products are consumed by individuals in professions requiring high levels of motor coordination, such as drivers, who unknowingly ingest substances like clomethiazole and venlafaxine that impair motor functions. This underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight and enhanced forensic scrutiny of herbal products.