Research Article ISSN: 2574 -1241 DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2025.60.009420 Detection of Undeclared Methamphetamine in Weight Loss Herbal Supplement Copyright@ : Sajjad Sadeghi | Biomed J Sci & Tech Res | BJSTR.MS.ID.009420. 52352 Sajjad Sadeghi 1,2 * 1 Department of forensic toxicology, Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Iran 2 Food and Drug Administration, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Iran *Corresponding author: Sajjad Sadeghi, Department of forensic toxicology, Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran ABSTRACT Background: The global weight loss supplements market has expanded due to increased health consciousness. However, there’s a worrying trend of fake herbal supplements containing undisclosed pharmaceuticals like methamphetamine, which poses serious health risks. This highlights the need for stricter quality control and regulatory oversight. Methods: I purchased a package of 50 capsules called “Alpha Slim” from an online herbal shop in Iran. Since the capsules are not registered with the Iranian Food and Drug Administration, I had 10 of them analyzed for any undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory using gas chroma- tography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and other validated techniques. Results: The study discovered undisclosed methamphetamine in herbal supplements labeled ALPHA SLIM, us- ing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The supplements contained methamphetamine despite it not being listed as an ingredient, with a methamphetamine concentration of 12122 ± 100.807 µg/capsule. Conclusions: The discovery of undisclosed methamphetamine in herbal weight loss supplements requires im- mediate action to strengthen quality control measures, promote transparency, and educate consumers to protect public health and ensure the safety of individuals seeking natural weight loss options. Keywords: Weight Loss Supplements; Undisclosed Pharmaceuticals; Methamphetamine; Quality Control; Con- sumer Safety ARTICLE INFO Received: January 07, 2025 Published: January 10, 2025 Citation: Sajjad Sadeghi. Detection of Undeclared Methamphetamine in Weight Loss Herbal Supplement. Bi- omed J Sci & Tech Res 60(2)-2025. BJSTR. MS.ID.009420. Introduction The global market for weight loss supplements has witnessed exponential growth, fueled by increasing health consciousness and the desire to achieve optimal body weight [1-6]. Research conducted among regularly exercising Turkish women revealed that 44.8% of participants used herbal dietary interventions for weight loss, with green tea being the most commonly used supplement [7]. In Central Mexico, a high prevalence of 45.2% was reported for the concomi- tant use of herbal products for weight loss and allopathic medicine, leading to adverse reactions and affecting medication adherence [8]. Among the myriad of weight loss products available, herbal supple- ments have gained popularity due to their perceived natural origins and minimal side effects [9-15]. However, a disturbing trend has emerged one that threatens both consumer safety and the credibili- ty of the dietary supplement industry [16-19]. The counterfeiting of herbal weight loss supplements with undisclosed pharmaceuticals is a troubling matter that, numerous studies have underscored the de- tection of compounds such as sibutramine, fluoxetine, and ephedrine in these products [20-23]. The presence of undeclared substances in herbal supplements presents significant health hazards, undersco- ring the necessity for rigorous quality control and regulatory super- vision in the production and sale of these products to safeguard con- sumer health [24]. Methamphetamine, an illicit substance, is a potent psychostimulant derived from amphetamine, leading to considerable somatic, psychiatric, and cognitive complications [25]. Chronic use of methamphetamine may lead to impaired cognitive functions, com-