THE severe lead poisoning of a Sydney man who bought traditional medicines from India has sparked warnings from New South Wales health professionals.

The middle-aged man recently presented to Campbelltown Hospital, in Sydney's southwest, vomiting and in severe pain.



Toxicology results revealed he had nine times the acceptable level of lead in his blood.



Several months ealier, he had bought a traditional Ayurvedic medicine by phone from India after reading an advertisement in an online Indian newspaper.



Ayurveda is a traditional medicine practised in India and includes the use of naturally occurring elements in vegetable, animal and mineral substances.



The quantity the man bought tested high in levels of mercury, arsenic and lead, and caused him to became progressively ill over the months until his hospitalisation.



Doctor Stephen Conaty, NSW Public Health unit director of the Sydney South West Area Health Service, said the man was lucky his diagnosis was not more life-threatening.



"When ordering traditional medicines from overseas, people need to bear in mind that no assurance can be given regarding their safety, quality or effectiveness," Dr Conaty said.



"If you've experienced unusual side-effects during or after taking traditional, especially Ayurvedic medicine purchased from India, visit your GP for an assessment and possible blood test."



No regulatory provisions prevent the purchase of medicinal products from other countries unless they contain prohibited substances or narcotics, NSW Health said.