Background Information :

Jamu Ajaib Plus (also known as Jamu Ajaib) is a traditional medicine commonly used in the Malaysian Malay community, and it is sold on various online platforms. Jamu is a well-known traditional medicine from Indonesia, and "Ajaib" means magical, so the name translates to "magical herbal medicine". But is this medicine really as magical as its name suggests? The answer is: not necessarily.

Figure 1: Traces of Sales by Merchants on Various Platforms. (Website Screenshot)

This traditional medicine product, Jamu Ajaib Plus, is still sold on online platforms in Malaysia, such as Facebook and Lazada. These sellers often claim in their product descriptions that Jamu Ajaib Plus has many benefits, such as relieving venous pain, eliminating back and knee pain, replenishing energy, and treating joint pain and fatigue. However, what is concerning is that these claims lack any medical reports or ingredient lists to support them.

Figure 2: Vague Claims Misleading Consumers on Jamu's benefits and harms. (Website Screenshot)

Such vague descriptions can mislead consumers and influence their purchasing decisions. As rational consumers, we need to scrutinize the truth behind these claims and avoid being deceived by exaggerated advertisements.

Focus 1: Does it contain any prohibited substances?

After conducting some research and verification, it was discovered that Jamu Ajaib Plus is not as safe and effective as advertised. According to the official website of the Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), this product has been found to contain the banned substance Dexamethasone.

Figure 3: Presence of banned substance Dexamethasone in the Jamu Ajaib Plus. (NPRA Website Screenshot)

The NPRA clearly states that products containing banned substances may cause adverse health reactions and has advised the public not to purchase or use them. Additionally, the NPRA urges retailers with stock of these products to stop selling them immediately and reminds consumers who have used these products to seek professional medical advice. A search on the NPRA’s Quest 3 product search system also reveals that Jamu Ajaib Plus is not registered, further confirming that it has not been approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM).

Figure 4: Lack of registration of Jamu Ajaib Plus in NPRA's Quest 3 System. (Website Screenshot)

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), Dexamethasone is a potent prescription drug that must be used under strict medical supervision. Misuse or self-adjusting the dosage can lead to severe consequences. Short-term use may cause common side effects such as stomach discomfort, mood swings, and a weakened immune system; while long-term or excessive use can lead to osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and other health issues. Prolonged use can also suppress adrenal function, reducing the body’s ability to respond to stress.

Focus 2: Have any other professionals or organisations informed about it?

Not only official agencies but also doctors have warned the public about the potential dangers of Jamu Ajaib Plus on social media. Dr. Zubaidi Hj Ahmad, a registered doctor in Malaysia, is an active medical expert on social media with several accounts and a large following. He is frequently invited to give medical lectures. He once issued a warning on Facebook, highlighting that many common medications contain steroids. Using Jamu Ajaib as an example, he emphasized its potential side effects on the kidneys and liver and noted that it is not registered with KKM.

Figure 5: Warning about Jamu Ajaib Plus by Dr. Zubaidi Hj Ahmad on Facebook. (Website Screenshot)

Furthermore, some clinics have also issued warnings about Jamu Ajaib. For example, Klinik Dr. Nazri posted on Facebook urging consumers to avoid using unregistered traditional medicines. Ultimately, consumers are left to bear the side effects of these products. The clinic's statement also included images emphasizing that steroids are controlled prescription drugs that can only be prescribed by qualified doctors under strict dosages. Abuse may lead to serious side effects, including kidney failure, bone fragility, and muscle weakness.

Figure 6: Warning about Jamu Ajaib by Klinik Dr. Nazri on Facebook. (Website Screenshot)

Focus 3: Does the packaging meet specifications?

Upon examining the packaging of Jamu Ajaib Plus, several obvious non-compliant issues can be identified. First, the packaging does not display the KKM certification logo and only lists a few ingredients, such as Ramuan Indonesia: 50% Rempah Ratus, 10% Gingseng, and 40% Tongkat Ali. Additionally, the packaging mentions indications (e.g., Untuk sakit urat, sakit pinggang dan lutut) and usage instructions (dewasa 2 biji pagi dan 2 biji malam lebihkan minum air masak), shows an unclear manufacturer address, and lacks detailed drug instructions and other necessary information.

Figure 7: Non-compliant packaging of Jamu Ajaib Plus.

According to the Natural Product Registration Guidelines set by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) of Malaysia, all drug packaging must include the following information to ensure safety and quality:

• Registration Information: All drugs must be registered with the Ministry of Health, and the registration number (e.g., MAL code) should be displayed on the packaging. This is an important proof of legality and safety evaluation. Jamu Ajaib Plus has not been registered, so it lacks relevant certifications or QR codes.

• Manufacturing Date and Expiry Date: The packaging must include the manufacturing date and expiry date to ensure consumers use the product within a safe period. However, this product lacks these essential details.

• Other Necessary Information: The drug name, active ingredients (including plant parts and content), dosage instructions, storage conditions (e.g., avoid light and moisture), batch number, etc., should all be clearly listed.

 However, the packaging of Jamu Ajaib Plus clearly lacks these essential details. Unregistered traditional medicines may pose unknown health risks.

Figure 8: Example of label approved by the Authority. (NPRA Website Screenshot)

How to Ensure the Safety of Medications

With the wide variety of medications available in the market, especially traditional medicines, how can consumers ensure that the medication they choose is safe? The most important point is to prioritize medications that have KKM certification.

If in doubt, you can verify the medication information in the following ways:

First, you can identify it physically by checking if the packaging includes the following details: a hologram security label, MAL number, ingredient list, and manufacturer information. If the packaging has a KKM certification code, you can verify it on the NPRA website. Even if there is no KKM certification code but the product name is available, you can still verify it on the NPRA website.

Figure 9: Example of  hologram security label, MAL number, ingredient list, and manufacturer information from a traditional medicine. 

Steps to verify on the NPRA website:

Step 1: Go to the NPRA official website.

Step 2: Select "Product Search" in the upper right corner of the official website.

Step 3: To check your medication, click on "Pharmaceutical".  In the "Search by" section, choose the input method.

Step 4: Enter the corresponding number or name to search.

Step 5: Check that the displayed product name and company name match.

Finally, a reminder to everyone: when purchasing medication, always ensure it has KKM certification and exercise extra caution when buying or using it. It is crucial to maintain a critical mindset toward medications sold or promoted on online platforms. Verify the ingredients and registration information before use to ensure your safety and protect your health.