Rules behind the actions
What AYUSH medicines may not contain or claim
Last checked 10 October 2026
The prohibitions are scattered across the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, Ministry of AYUSH letters and the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act. This page gathers them with the legal basis for each.
Leaves prohibited in ASU products and food (15 and 16 Apr 2026); root permitted
Ashwagandha leaves
Ashwagandha leaves in crude, extract or any other form are strictly prohibited in ASU products under the Ministry of...
Advertising cures for scheduled diseases prohibited (section 3)Drugs and Magic Remedies Act
Section 3 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954 bars advertisements of drugs for...
Labelling rule applies in India; named products flagged abroad (2021 to 2026)Heavy metals ayurvedic medicines
India's rule is a label: Rule 161 requires 'to be taken under medical supervision' on ASU medicines with Schedule E1...
Label 'to be taken under medical supervision' required (Rule 161)Schedule E1
Schedule E1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules lists poisonous substances of the ayurvedic, siddha and unani systems,...