What practical concern regarding product integrity can cause severe adverse events in Dendrobium users?

Adulteration with undeclared prescription drugs or heavy metals

Beyond the intrinsic pharmacological activity of the Dendrobium plant material, a significant practical hazard in the unregulated supplement market relates to product integrity and quality control. Due to varying levels of oversight compared to pharmaceutical manufacturing, there is a genuine risk that commercial Dendrobium products may be adulterated. This adulteration can involve the accidental or intentional spiking of the product with harmful substances such as heavy metals that may have leached from poor sourcing or processing equipment. More dangerously, products can sometimes contain undeclared prescription drugs. An unexpected or severe adverse reaction experienced by a user might therefore originate not from the Dendrobium itself, but from these unwanted contaminants present in a low-quality or improperly manufactured supplement.