Alert in supplements: hidden toxins in natural products

Published on May 22, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

Swiss toxicologist Georg Aichinger has highlighted the risks of supplements such as tongkat ali, a testosterone stimulant that concerns the European Food Safety Authority due to potential DNA damage and cancer risk. Additionally, he warns that other herbal preparations can inhibit liver enzymes, enhancing the toxicity of common drugs like paracetamol.

Photorealistic technical illustration of tongkat ali root extract being chemically analyzed in a laboratory, liquid sample pipette transferring into a DNA damage assay plate, glowing red warning indicators on a mass spectrometer screen, liver enzyme inhibition diagram overlaid on a molecular model of paracetamol metabolism, toxicologist in protective gear observing a microscope image of mutated cells, dramatic high-contrast lighting, metallic lab equipment reflections, ultra-detailed scientific visualization.

Laboratory science: how extracts amplify the danger 🧪

Aichinger debunks the myth of natural as synonymous with safe. Industrial concentration processes not only increase active substances but also contaminants like heavy metals from the soil. This raises the toxic load in the body and alters drug metabolism. Interaction with liver enzymes can cause normal doses of medications to become dangerous, a factor ignored by many consumers.

Natural, now with a free gift of heavy metals ☠️

Because yes, it turns out your dose of plant vitality can come with an extra serving of lead or cadmium, courtesy of the soil where the plant grew. After all, natural is healthy, right? Well, no, unless you consider a cocktail of liver toxicity and cancer risk as part of a balanced diet. Good thing you paid a fortune for that premium batch.