Substance or rule
Schedule E1: poisonous substances in ayurvedic, siddha and unani medicines
Last checked 10 October 2026
Schedule E1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules lists poisonous substances of the ayurvedic, siddha and unani systems, and Rule 161 requires medicines containing them to be labelled 'to be taken under medical supervision'; it is a labelling rule, not a ban.
- Classification
- Restricted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (ASU and homoeopathic provisions)
- Decided by
- Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945
- Reference
- Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945, Schedule E1 and Rule 161
- Latest action
- 10 October 2026
- Last checked
- 10 October 2026
Photo: Contemporary Ayurveda (156350019).jpeg by Hans Vivek (CC0). All photo credits.
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Scope. A record here does not by itself mean a product or company is unsafe or banned today. Regulatory actions can apply to one batch, one formulation, one period or one state. Always check the linked government document for the current position, and tell us if something is out of date. How we label records.
Below: Blacklisted's explanationWe organise and explain what the document says. The document above is the authority.
Key facts
- What it is
- A list of poisonous substances used in ASU medicines
- What it requires
- Products containing them carry the label 'to be taken under medical supervision' (Rule 161)
- What it does not do
- It does not ban the substances or the medicines
Schedule E1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules lists poisonous substances of the ayurvedic, siddha and unani (ASU) systems. Rule 161 requires medicines that contain them to carry the label 'to be taken under medical supervision'.
It is a labelling rule. It does not ban the substances or the medicines, and a label carrying the statement does not mean the product failed any test. This record does not list the substances or say which products contain them.
What this means for you
Read the label
If an ASU medicine carries the supervision statement, use it as a doctor directs.
General rule only
This record keeps to the general rule. It does not list the substances, and it makes no claim about any named product.
This is a record of official orders, not medical advice. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without asking your doctor or pharmacist.
Common questions
Does Schedule E1 ban any medicine?
No. It is a labelling rule: the label must say the medicine is to be taken under medical supervision.
Official sources and primary records
- Regulator