Hi everyone, Shalom Aleichem!
Good morning GanSist everyone! 
Indonesia has a long tradition of using herbal medicine as part of its cultural heritage as well as an effort to maintain health. Various medicinal plants have been used for generations to help reduce minor complaints and maintain body fitness. However, behind this positive image, there is a serious threat that should not be taken lightly, namely the circulation of herbal medicine mixed with medicinal chemicals (BKO).
Jamu BKO is a traditional medicinal product to which synthetic drugs are deliberately added without being stated on the packaging. This practice is a violation of the law as well as an act that endangers public health. Consumers think they are consuming natural ingredients, even though in fact they are also consuming harsh chemical drugs at unknown doses.
One of the BKO groups that is often found in slimming herbal medicine is phentermine And ephedrine. These two substances are able to suppress appetite and increase metabolism so that you can lose weight more quickly. Unfortunately, these effects are achieved at the expense of consumer safety.
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What is BKO?
BKO or medicinal chemicals are synthetic medicinal compounds used in modern medicine. Its use must be considered by health workers because it has clear dosages, indications, contraindications, drug interactions and side effects.
According to the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), traditional medicines are not allowed to contain BKO in any form. If a herbal medicine contains synthetic drugs, then the product no longer meets the requirements as a traditional medicine and is declared illegal.
Unfortunately, there are still manufacturers who deliberately add BKO so that their products have a quick effect so that consumers become addicted to buying again.
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Why Are Phentermine and Ephedrine Mixed?
Competition in the slimming herbal medicine business is very tight. Some irresponsible manufacturers choose shortcuts by mixing synthetic drugs to make the results look extraordinary. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant drug that is used to treat obesity in certain conditions and should only be used based on a doctor’s prescription. This drug works on the central nervous system so that hunger is reduced. Meanwhile, ephedrine is a stimulant substance that can increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, metabolism accelerates, and the body feels more energetic.
If these two substances are mixed into herbal medicine without the consumer’s knowledge, weight loss can indeed occur. However, these effects come from synthetic drugs which must be used with permission from a doctor, not from herbal ingredients.
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What are the Dangers?
The biggest danger is that consumers do not know at all that they are taking synthetic drugs. Phentermine can cause dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and even dependence in some users. Meanwhile, ephedrine can trigger heart palpitations, tremors, anxiety, hypertension, heart rhythm disorders, and even increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in susceptible people.
The risk is greater if a person has heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or takes other drugs that interact with these two substances.
Another problem is that the dosage in illegal herbal medicine is completely unknown. Manufacturers can include different amounts on each package so that consumers never know how much drug has actually entered the body.
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Why is BKO Herbal Difficult to Recognize?
Many people assume that all products labeled “herbal” or “jamu” must be safe. However, in reality this is not the case. Attractive packaging, excessive testimonials, and promotions via social media often make people complacent. Characteristics to look out for include:
1) Lose weight very quickly in just a few days.
2) Appetite immediately disappears drastically.
3) The body feels very energetic and it is difficult to sleep.
4) The heart often beats after consuming the product.
5) The product promises instant results without exercise or diet adjustments.
6) Does not have a verifiable BPOM distribution permit number, or has a fictitious distribution permit.
If these symptoms appear, use of the product should be stopped immediately and a health professional should be consulted.
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BPOM Continues to Find Products Containing BKO
BPOM routinely monitors natural medicines circulating in Indonesia.
In various surveillance operations, BPOM repeatedly found herbal medicine products containing BKO. In fact, products are still found that use a convincing herbal medicine logo, but it turns out they contain synthetic drugs such as slimming drugs, aches and pains, male stamina drugs, or body fat drugs.
Repeated findings show that the distribution of BKO herbal medicine is still a serious problem so the public should not be careless.
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How to Prevent Becoming a Victim of Jamu BKO
Prevention is the best step because the side effects of BKO can last quite a long time. Some things that can be done include:
1. Always check the BPOM distribution permit
The distribution permit number can be checked via the official BPOM website. Don’t just believe the “registered” words on the packaging.
2. Avoid products with excessive claims
Sentences like “lose 10 kilograms in a week”, “get slim straight away without dieting”, or “results are guaranteed to be permanent” are suspect.
3. Buy from a trusted seller
Avoid buying products without clear manufacturer identification.
4. Don’t easily believe social media testimonials
Before and after photos are very easy to manipulate. Testimonials are not scientific evidence.
5. Beware of effects that are too fast
Herbal products generally work gradually. A very dramatic effect in a short time can actually be a sign of BKO.
6. Report suspicious products
If you find a product that is suspected of containing BKO, the public can report it to BPOM for further examination.
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CLOSURE
Herbal medicine is part of Indonesia’s cultural wealth that should be preserved. However, the existence of BKO herbal medicine has tarnished people’s trust in traditional medicine.
The addition of phentermine and ephedrine to herbal medicine is not just an administrative violation, but an action that can endanger health and even threaten life. Instant effects may seem tempting, but life is not something worth risking for quick results.
As consumers, we must be more critical in choosing health products. Always check distribution permits, don’t be easily tempted by excessive promotions, and use medicines and traditional medicines wisely. These simple steps can help protect yourself while reducing the circulation of illegal herbal medicine in Indonesia.
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SOURCE
Republic of Indonesia Food and Drug Supervisory Agency. (2006). Dangers of medicinal chemicals (BKO) added to traditional medicines (jamu). (url)https://www.pom.go.id(/url)
Republic of Indonesia Food and Drug Supervisory Agency. (2025). BPOM has again taken action against 9 illegal OBAs containing BKO. (url)https://www.pom.go.id(/url)
Republic of Indonesia Food and Drug Supervisory Agency. (2026). BPOM found 41 natural medicines containing medicinal chemicals by the end of 2025. (url)https://www.pom.go.id(/url)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012). Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) prescribing information.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. StatPearls: Ephedrine.
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