Dr Wanchai Sattayawuttipong, FDA secretary-general, clarified that the agency did not allow any food or supplementary food to add mucuna ingredients, as the herb contains L-dopa, which can influence motion control and cause low blood pressure.

He said no study is yet to show that mucuna can safely be used as a food ingredient and no country allows the adding of mucuna in food.

Wanchai cautioned people against believing the exaggerated claims made in supplementary food advertisements and said all food and drug products makers must seek the FDA’s permission before advertising their products.

“The penalty for illegally advertising without FDA permission is a Bt5,000 fine, but if it is found that the advertiser intentionally lied or made exaggerated claims in their advertisements, the penalty will increase to Bt30,000 fine or/and three years’ imprisonment,” he said.