Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Health-Related Decisions and Recommendations, January 2014

February 4, 2017

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is a voluntary, self-regulatory organization for India’s advertising industry. The council and its Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) evaluate complaints from consumers and industry which assert that advertisements are false, misleading, indecent, illegal, leading to unsafe practices, and/or or unfair to competition, and therefore violate the ASCI Code for Self-Regulation in Advertising. January, the complaints that were upheld against health-related claims included:

    • AAA Teleshopping P. Ltd. Energy Prash: Claims that “Energy Prash increases Oxygen in the blood, improves immunity, improves Vitality, and brings back your youthfulness.” The ad appears to be in violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.

 

    • Abhijit Chikitsalay: Claims ‘Successful treatment of infertility (childlessness) and incurable diseases.’

 

    • Acupressure Cycle – Claims ‘Acupressure Cycle – Bye to Diabetes, Stomach Disease, Heart Disease,  Obesity,  Joint  Problem,’ ‘100  Diseases  = 1 Cure  (Acupressure  Cycle),’ ‘ACHIEVEMENT- 12000 people have stopped the consumption of medicines in 6 months,’ ‘42500 people (approximate) have reduced their consumption of medicines by 50%’ Addiction Mukti – ‘Addiction Free – Freedom from Addiction,’ ‘Get rid of Alcohol, Cigarette,  Gutkha, and Tobacco in just 45 days’

 

    • Anaconda Oil/Capsules: Claims that it is the ‘Only solution for problems like weakness in nerves, less passion and premature ejaculation,’ ‘No Side Effects’

 

    • Anmol Ayur Clinic: Claims to Meet for real successful ayurvedic treatment of impotence, earlyfall, organal defects, semen in urine, nightfall, mental/ physical weakness, all weaknesses related to sex, S.T.D from its roots,’ ‘Effect from the very first intake’

 

    • Anoos Electrolysis & Obesity Pvt Ltd: Anoos Beauty Parlour claims about ‘Anoo’s Zero Hair Challenge – Removes all unwanted hair, permanently which no laser treatment can promise,’

 

    • Ashok Clinic claims that you can “Get rid of addiction without telling.” “Effective in the right way with no side effect.”

 

    • Asian Herbal: Claims “Successful Experience within 7 days.” “S S OIL increases capability of sex.”  Visuals imply that the product is meant to enhance sexual pleasure.

 

    • Ayurwin – Nutri Slim Powder / Capsule claims ‘Secret to become Slim by proven ingredients Garcinia (Vrikshmala) & others,’ ‘As it is an herbal product, Safe to use’

 

    • Ayush Homeopathy: Claims “Treatment of Baldness and hair related problems.”

 

    • Ayush Homeopathy: Claims that it can ‘get treatment done with 100% guarantee’ and ‘get complete treatment done for all female diseases by lady doctor.’

 

    • Baidyanath Vita Ex Gold Shree Baidyanath Ayur Bhawan: Claims ‘Power, Pleasure, Performance’. Visual implies product meant to enhance sexual pleasure.

 

    • Benda Acupuncture Sliming Center: Claims to ‘Reduce Obesity – Record of reducing 55 kg weight with easy techniques, no side effects.,’ ‘Child with cerebral palsy completely treated,’ ‘Treatment for Deafness, Increase height and Paralysis’.

 

    • Chirayu HealthCare Centre: Claims Marriage benefit In 15 Days premature Ejaculation, Night Fall, Impotency, Cure Nil Sperm, Semen In Urine Problem, Physical Weakness Of Males, Weakness Due To Diabetes, Couples With No Child.

 

    • Classical Homoeopath: Complete solution for White Spots, and stone.

 

    • Dabur India – Limited Dabur Shilajit Gold claims for complete vigour and power. His vigour amazes me. Visual implies product meant to enhance sexual pleasure.’

 

    • Dabur India Ltd: Dabur Chyawanprash‘s packaging claims that it provides ‘3 times more immunity’. The fine print says that the claim of ‘3 times more immunity’ is based on ‘preclinical study on NK cells.’ It also claims that it is scientifically proven.

 

    • Desh Herbal claims “To provide treatment and cure with D. H. Genital massage Oil for Impotence, Low Sperm count, Sexual Weakness etc.” Visuals imply that the product is meant to enhance sexual pleasure. The advertisement appears to be in violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act & Rules.

 

    • Dezire Clinic – The advertisement promises 6 pack abs creation by laser liposuction. This claim needs to be substantiated with the necessary support data.

 

    • Dr A’s Clinic – Claims ‘Best hair transplant surgeon in Delhi Award,’ ‘Best hair transplant surgeon in India Award,’ ‘Best hair transplant Centre in Delhi / NCR Award,’ ‘No. 1 hair transplant Centre in USA based on consumer site for hair loss treatments.’

 

    • Dr Dozo Laboratories: Goniflex claims ‘For joint pain and swelling. Relief in the first week. Complete relief in two months. No need to continue medicine after two months.’

 

    • Dr. Balvinder Singh Walia and Sons: Claims “Evergreen assured guaranteed treatment for power – semen- nightfall – Sex & VD, Nill Sperms, mistakes in childhood, weakness arised due to old age or sugar.”

 

    • Dr. Batra’s Homeopathy Clinic: Claims that Hair Loss due to heredity can be cured. This claim needs to be substantiated with necessary support data.

 

    • Dr. Dassan’s Ayurvedic Herbal Formulations: Claims “Successful and cheap treatment for kidney failure.” “It is not true that kidney problems can be cured by transplant or dialysis only, Life Care Centre Punjab has made RE RENAL Capsule which can make kidney to function like before and is quick effective.”

 

    • Dr. P. S. Shah’s claims treatment for HIV. This ad appears to be misleading, it also contravenes the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.

 

    • Dr. Paresh Patel Remedies: Claims ‘Diabetes – Get freedom from Medicine and Insulin. Note – For the assurance that medicine is effective, ‘100% Money back Guarantee by the company’

 

    • Dr. Patel Anti-Aging Clinic: Claims “Become 10 years younger.”

 

    • Dr. Samrat Clinic Private Limited claims “Get permanent freedom from Alcohol, Afim, Gutka, Tobacco, Beedi, Cigarette, Capsule, Injection, Fluid, Morfim and all types of addictions.”

 

    • Dr. Shah’s Jai Vimal Health Clinic: Claims that it treats with advance homeopathy. Before and after visuals imply cure of baldness.

 

    • Earth Clinic India: Claims that ‘we will help you lose extra body weight, reverse diabetes, manage high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high cholesterol.’

 

    • Ego Wellness: Claims Lose upto 10 kg & 40-50 cms in a certain price.

 

    • Emami Limited: Zandu Kesari Jeevan TVC shows Pandit Birju Maharaj with the footnote stating ‘Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. The reference to the Award Prefix Padma Vibhushan was in breach of the law and a commercial exploitation of a civilian Award. Advertiser would be modifying the TVC.

 

    • Evolution Sports Nutrition Private Limited claims that “ESN Core Muscle Series provides the extra performance boosting nutrition. You achieve your goals in less time by harnessing every cell in your body for complete purpose specific output. Core uses state of art formulations, proven to increase performance and output significantly and immediately.”

 

    • Eye Max: Claims to make the eye muscles stronger, improve blood circulation, and remove eye toxins and eye water.

 

    • Farata Gold Capsules / Oil: Claims to be the ‘Solution for sex problems.’

 

    • First Choice Food Products Private Limited: TGR Dia Rice claims that “We at First Choice have developed a product – TGR Dia Rice with low glycemic index that is helpful for managing hyperglycemia.”

 

    • Fit N Perfect Pvt Ltd: Guarana Fat Burner claims that it is “100% Natural & Veg, No Side Effects.” “Guarana Fat Burner tablets dissolves the excess fat and max to lose weight. “Gurana Fat Burner contains appetite suppressing agent that helps you eat less.

 

    • Foodyoga Health Clinic: Dr. Vinay Jadhav’s Weight Loss Program claims to ‘lose 15 Kgs in 3 months, no dieting, no exercise and no medicine’.

 

    • Forever Young: Claims ’10 kg weight loss in 10 weeks,’ ‘Guaranteed weight loss and inch Loss,’ ‘Weight loss with lipo laser’ Liposuction/ lipolaser is only advised for body contouring and not for weight loss.

 

    • Geetanjali Education Group: Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital claims to “Get rid of obesity permanently.”

 

    • German Homeo Clinic: Ad suggests to provide treatment for, “Impotence, Eczema, Psoriasis, Diabetes, and White Spots” which needs to be substantiated. Visual implies that the product is meant to enhance sexual pleasure.

 

    • Hair Solutions: Claims that ‘even genetic baldness treated’. ‘Result starts showing within 20 days and no surgery/no side effects’.

 

    • Hakim Tulsiprasad Agarwal: Shakti tarang claims that it ‘Stops impotency, premature ejaculation, and effective in increasing time.’

 

    • Hashmi Herbal Pharmacy have advertised for medicines which Increase stamina and performance, remove stress, depression, anxiety, fertility, breast enhancement and weight reduction.

 

    • Indian Psoriasis Foundation: Claims that it is the ‘Only institute in India which provides successful treatment of Psoriasis and all skin diseases.’

 

    • Instasculpt: Advertisement claims that it helps ‘5 kgs and 5 inches loss by 31st December 2013.”

 

    • Ishguru Hitech Natural Care Products -The Body Care claims ‘Body Growth helps in height growth,’ ‘It is purely Ayurvedic,’ ‘It guarantees 1005 positive results,’ ‘It has no side effects.’

 

    • IZDA Healthcare – Depwin claims ‘Get solution for stress, anxiety, insomnia,’ Restlessness, sadness, irritation,’ ‘Disquietude, becoming pessimistic,’ ‘Un- interestiveness,’ ‘Feeling Lonely,’ ‘Stress,’ ‘Safe Herbal Product,’ ‘No Side Effect’

 

    • Jeevan Jyot Sakti: Claims ‘Freedom from all sex problems.’

 

    • Jivo Canola claims the following: “Jivo Canola, Healthiest Amongst All Cooking Oils Of The World” Claims to Reduce Belly-Fat, Jivo Canola Oil Enhances Child Brain memory & Intelligence, Sharper Mind, Healthier Heart, Stronger Bones, Canola Cooking Oil Reduces Bad Cholesterol, Risk of Heart Diseases, Diabetes & High B.P., And Protects from Cancer none of which bear any source.

 

    • Keva Ayurveda Health Care Pvt Ltd.: Shape Up Naturally claims that it helps ‘lose weight naturally in just 25 days up to 7 kgs with no side effects and no crash diets’.

 

    • Leeford: Meglow premium Fairness Cream claims to ‘give new glow and natural fairness’.

 

    • Lida Herbal Products: Lida Herbal Slimming Capsules claims ‘1 lida a day keeps fat away’ This ad contravenes the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.

 

    • Madrasi Gel: The advertisement makes an impression which suggests to cure impotency, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation and also increase the organ size. DMR violation

 

    • Max Dawakhana claims that it helps in “Successful treatment of Impotence, Mistakes of childhood and problems of penis due to wrong company viz. looseness, smallness, crookedness and length of penis, thickness.”

 

    • Mcranium Healthcare claims that it helps to get rid of “Alcohol generated Hangover, Acidity, Headache, body pain, lethargy.”

 

    • Morbett Healthcare Private Limited: Debi Fit Capsule claims “Use Debi Fit and get 100% rid of sugar problems. Bye bye diabetes.” “Cures all types of sugar related problems and gives a new life”

 

    • Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd: Multani Rovaan Hair Care Range claims that Rosemary – Stops hair fall and helps in hair growth

 

    • Nagi Clinic: Claims that it cures semen in urine, weakness, strength, (NIL) sperms, makes health, increases height and gets rid of addiction.

 

    • Natural Herbal Remedies: Prime Ayurveda Range of Products claim that ‘the magic of Cardiac Tea takes care of your heart,’ ‘Cardiac Tea makes the heart stronger,’ ‘reduces the chances of heart attack,’ ‘helps in opening the nerves of heart,’ ‘brings freshness by keeping the brain calm,’ ‘controls cholesterol’ and ‘makes blood pressure normal’.

 

    • Naturoveda Health World: Claims that the product enhances sexual pleasure. Prescribed medicines are approved by the Drug Control of India.

 

    • Nubello Aesthetic Clinic: Claims that with Hair Regrowther Pep Technics one can get instant permanent max density hair transplant and 95% regrowth guarantee. FDA approved.

 

    • Om Sai Ayurveda India claims it has no side effects as its made by experienced vaids after a long and intensive research with white musli, ashwagandha, nut meg, shatawari, akarkara and similar 14 pure rare and effective herbs extract. This 3 months course has cured physical weakness of lakhs of people.

 

    • Oma Health & Beauty Clinic: Claims ‘Lose a pound a day’ This claim needs to be substantiated with necessary support data

 

    • Ortho Veda: Claims that ‘Artho Veda Syrup regenerates the stickiness (Synovial fluid) found between the joints and ends pain and swelling,’ ‘Treatment of Arthritis, Waist Pain, Neck pain, and all bone diseases’

 

    • PG Herbal Industries: Pappu Guptakrut Range of Products claims that it can ‘end piles in 45 days (bloody and vadi),’ ‘haemorrhoids end in 3 months permanently,’ ‘cures deafness in 3 months.’

 

    • Philips Electronics India Limited: Philips Kerashine Range claims that it ‘does not damage hair even when styled every day.’

 

    • Poison Anti-Aging Clinic Pvt Ltd: Claims to lose 15 to 25 % stubborn fat in 1 seating. This claim needs to be substantiated with necessary support data.

 

    • Poison Anti-Aging Skin Clinic: Claims to be ‘Awarded as the Best Skincare & Hair Clinic by Shashi Tharoor.’

 

    • Positive Homeopathy: Claims that “Are you suffering from infertility? Don’t worry  . . . Get cure from Positive.”

 

    • Pranacharya Ayurvedic Clinic: Claims to ‘Get rid of Alcoholism, smack, capsule, afim, charas, gaanja, bhang, injection, cigarette, tobacco etc all kinds of addictions’

 

    • Prem Henna Private Limited: Nisha Natural Heena Hair Colour claims that ‘it is an ayurvedic based natural hair colour which contains heena, amla, shikakai, hibiscus and aloe vera.

 

    • Radikal Overseas Pvt.Ltd: Radikal Rice claims, “Radikal Rice doesn’t make you sleepy.” Doesn’t hold up; there’s no genetic difference between their rice and rice from other sources.

 

    • Raman Ayurvedic Cancer Sewa Society claims “100% Treatment of Kidney Failure, Liver, and Cancer.”

 

    • RamkrishnaVidyut Ayurvedic Pharmacy: Mahabhringraj Oil claims that it ‘stops hair fall, greying, and prevents baldness.’

 

    • Repl India – Vigoura 5000 claims ‘Only two drops have tremendous power,’ ‘No side effects’.

 

    • Repl India – Vigoura 5X claims that it ‘Shows effect in increasing age also,’ ‘Best remedy for males of age upto 50 to 80’.

 

    • Repl India – Vigoura HY Power claims ‘Feeling of manliness for a long time.’

 

    • Royal Ayurvedic Clinic: Claims that ‘Night fall – Relief in 3 days.,’ ‘Premature Ejaculation – Relief in 5 days.,’ ‘Get rid of bad habit of masturbation in 5 to 10 days,’ ‘Less sperms, Sterility, Semen in urine, manly weakness, impotence,’ ‘Increase desired sex time’

 

    • Sanjeevani Ayurveda claims “Weight loss achieved will be around 4-6 kgs in 25 days.” “Losing weight through detoxification and massages” The complainant states that 25 days do not give solution to obesity problems. These claims need to be substantiated with necessary support data.”

 

    • SBS Biotech Kesh King Hair Oil: Claims that with light Liquid Paraffin Oil, KeshKing helps in curing hair loss is misleading.

 

    • Self-Energy:Claims ‘100% Ayurvedic & No Side Effects,’ ‘Improves more time duration, stamina, energy and gives more passion.,’ ‘It brings shine by removing wrinkles and freckles on the face,’ ‘It is very beneficial for increasing man’s sexual power and sperm count’.

 

    • Sharp Pharmaceutical: Shaktida Power Booster claims that Visuals imply product meant to enhance sexual pleasure. Beneficial for Passion, Energy, Joy, Enthusiasm, Sexual Weakness, Mental Stress, Body and Waist Pain or Joint Pains, Allergy, Fatigue and Physical Weakness (For Men and Women).

 

    • Shree Sai Homeopathic Nirogdham claims “Successful treatment of Stone by medicine.” “Successful treatment of Gland clot, tumour (breast & ovary clot), skin diseases, stomach diseases and joint pains.”

 

    • Shreeng Mahashakti Ayurveda Sansthan â€“ Roop Chandani Paardadi Lape claims ‘First time ever a sure shot medicine to cure white spots.’

 

    • Skin City claims that it “Solves the problem of White Spots.” “More than 2 lakh satisfied patients.” “More than 4 lakhs successful lasers.” “India’s largest hair and skin restoration centre.”

 

    • Slim Forever Obesity Clinic: Claims that it ‘reduces 5 kilos in a month for Rs. 800,’ ‘reduces 6-8 inches, 4-5 kilos in a month for Rs. 2800’.

 

    • SP Treatment Centre: SP Treatment kit guarantees no side effects; it helps you lose weight with ease. SP Treatment is a natural ayurvedic food supplement; it is a safer way to lose weight, unlike surgeries.

 

    • Sri Sai Ayurvedashram claims to “Get rid of Obesity..” “Reduce the unnecessary fat and increased stomach without any side effect.” “This will give permanent benefit. 45 days course”

 

    • Sri Sainath Health Center: Claims ‘Complete treatment of Sexual problems by Ultra Sonic Pilling.,’ ‘Successful treatment of sex problem patients by Hormonal Therapy, Psyco Sexual Therapy, Injection Therapy, Herbal Therapy

 

    • Standard Laboratories: Nawab-E- Nawabi claims that it is ‘quick effective nutritious and power booster,’ ‘great herbal formulation brings passion and hardness in the nerves,’ ‘eradicates night fall, thinness of semen and makes it concentric,’ ‘cures Semen in urine, premature ejaculation’. DMR violation

 

    • Sumul Dairy – Sumul Dahi claims ‘To get rid of cholesterol and infection.’

 

    • Supercare Health Clinic Private Limited : ‘Get complete solution for Sexual Diseases,’ ‘Best Treatment for Manly Weakness,’ ‘Less sperm count – Impotence, – Premature Ejaculation, – Looseness of organs / smallness, – Childless couples’

 

    • Tates Remedies Ozamine Liquid: The claim that it tones up Pancreas to produce insulin adequately, cleanses body system and Helps purify & regulate blood circulation.

 

    • Telecolour Shopping Networks – Addiction Free Powder claims ‘Freedom from Alcohol, Cigarette, Tobacco, Drugs,’ ‘Freedom from addiction with Ayurvedic powder,’ ‘100% Effective,’ ‘No side effects’ These claims need to be substantiated with necessary support data.

 

    • The Body Care Slimming & Beauty Clinic for Men and Women: The ad shows size reduction from size XXL (Extra Extra Large) to size M (Medium) in 24 hours.

 

    • The Body Care Slimming &Beauty Clinic for Men and Women: The ad claims 5 kg weight loss and fat loss and inch loss. The ad mentions lipo laser which means that all this is possible by lipo laser, as nothing else is mentioned. The advertiser also seems to put a star everywhere and under conditions apply.

 

    • Uranyx Healthcare: Claims that Ura Power Capsules are good ‘for passion, energy and new youthfulness.’ ‘Saffron enriched Ura Power Capsule’.

 

    • Uranyx Healthcare: Ura Power Capsules claims that it ‘gets rid of physical weakness, increasing age, tiredness and insomnia, mental stress, sugar (Diabetes),’ ‘no side effect,’ ‘100% ayurvedic’.

 

    • Vaadi Herbal Vaadi under Eye Cream claims that it ‘Reduces dark circles – visuals show dramatic results,’ ‘Reduces wrinkles near your eyes’

 

    • Vasan Healthcare Enterprise: Vasan Eye Care Hospital claims that it helps to ‘re-gain lost eye sight.’

 

    • Vedic Remedy Centre – Vedic Amrut claims that it gives freedom from multiple ailments – Constipation, uterus fibroids, Sinus, Allergy, Obesity, thyroid, heart ailments, Blood sugar, Varicose Veins, Muscular Pain, Impotency, Breast enhancements etc. The ad appears to be misleading, and in violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act

 

    • VJ Health Care: Claims “5kg guaranteed weight loss.” “Instant inch loss.” “10 kgs guaranteed weight loss”

 

    • YogHari Clinic – Claims that ‘YH-8 – helps to quit alcohol, smack, charas, injection, gutka, cigarettes, etc,’ ‘YH-7- helps to make muscles -Think weak and people with squeezed cheeks can increase 4 kg weight in 30 days,’ ‘Psoriasis- Successful treatment of white spots, eczema, skin disorders, pimples, freckles, dark circles and marks near eyes with the help of certified medicine.s’

 

  • Zeel Homeopathy Centre: Claims “Treatment for increasing Height.”