ASCI upheld complaints against 229 advertisements in March 2019

123 complaints belonged to the healthcare sector, 83 to education, seven to food & beverages, two to personal care and 14 from the 'others' category

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ASCI upheld complaints against 229 advertisements in March 2019

In the month of March, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) examined complaints against 344 advertisements and advertisers ensured prompt corrective action for 74 advertisements once they received the complaints from the council. ASCI’s Independent Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 229 advertisements out of 270 advertisements evaluated by them. Of these 229 advertisements, 123 belonged to the healthcare sector,83 to the education sector,seven to the food & beverages sector,two to personal care, and 14 were from the ‘others’ category.

The largest number of complaints were evaluated in the healthcare sector with over 100 advertisements being considered to be in potential violation of the Drugs & Magic Remedies (DMR) Regulations. Majority of these advertisements were on the advertisers’ web-sites promoting products for enhancement of male sexual desire, male sexual performance, female breast enhancement, cancer cure, cure for arthritis, infertility etc. There were several advertisements pertaining clinics and hospitals making unsubstantiated and superlative claims.

In one instance, the advertiser claimed to hold a Limca Book of record for performing the highest number of surgeries in a certain span of time. The claims were inadequately substantiated and were misleading by exaggeration. Another clinic claimed to cure piles in a single dose whereas another proclaimed itself to be the best sexologist in India.

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D Shivakumar

D Shivakumar, Chairman, ASCI, said, “ASCI and Ministry of AYUSH have concluded their second year of collaboration in March 2019. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ASCI was given a mandate for comprehensive Suo Motu surveillance of potentially misleading advertisements in the AYUSH sector and to keep a tab on print and electronic advertisements related to treatments with Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy medicines and potential violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Over the two years, under the MoU with Ministry of AYUSH, ASCI has looked into over 1200 advertisements of the AYUSH sector. It is important to take cognizance of the growing influence of Digital Media on consumers and the misleading advertisements through various web-sites exploiting consumers’ lack of knowledge. As per our data, while there has been a significant decrease in the incidence of misleading advertisements as awareness of the AYUSH-ASCI collaboration is increasing, the joint efforts need to be sustained to effectively curb objectionable advertisements. ”

 Healthcare: - Total of 123 advertisements complained against

  • Direct Complaints (93 advertisements)
  • Suo Motu Surveillance by ASCI (30 advertisements)

Education: - Total of 83 advertisements complained against

  • Direct Complaints (Four advertisements)
  • Suo Motu Surveillance by ASCI (79 advertisements)

Food and Beverages: - Total of seven advertisements complained against

  • Direct Complaints (Three advertisements)
  • Suo Motu Surveillance by ASCI (Four advertisements)

Personal Care: - Total of two advertisement complained against

  • Direct Complaints ( Two advertisement)

Others: - Total of 14 advertisements complained against

  • Direct Complaints ( 10 advertisements)
  • Suo Motu Surveillance by ASCI (Four advertisements)

Direct Complaints

The advertisements given below were complained against by general public or by industry members. Of the 157 advertisements, four cases were informally resolved as the advertisers’ ensured prompt corrective action immediately post receiving the complaints. Complaints against 112 advertisements were upheld by the CCC. Of these 112 advertisements, 93 belonged to Healthcare sector, four belonged to the Education sector, three belonged to the Food & Beverages sector,  two to Personal Care sector and ten to the ‘Others’ category.

Healthcare 

Numerous complaints in healthcare sector were found to be misleading that exploit consumers’ lack of knowledge and lead to widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers.

  1. Aanvii Hearing Centre (Aanvii Hearing Device): The advertisement’s claim, “Signia stiletto, world’s slimmest rechargeable hearing device” was incorrectly worded and misleading by exaggeration.
  2. Waves Wellness (iBrow 3D Eyebrow enhancement): The advertisement’s claim, "Get your dream eyebrows instantly with India's 1st brand of 3D eyebrow enhancement services” was misleading by exaggeration. It was observed that prior to advertiser’s brand, there were other brands / clinics in existence offering permanent eye brow shaping services.
  3. Swasthya (Super Speciality hospital): The advertisement’s claim, as “Charitable Trust”, was not substantiated with supporting evidence and considered a misrepresentation. The advertiser did not provide any evidence of the institution being a trust.
  4. AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (I) Ltd (Lukosin): The website advertisement’s claims, “A great research breakthrough from DRDO ”, “Research product of ministry of defence” , “Brings revolution in skin health care in association with AIMIL”, “Over 40,000 patients benefitted” makes references to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India, a Government Institution. The reference to DRDO violates AYUSH’ advisory of September 2018 that refrains advertisers / advertising agencies from using the name of Government department and institutions in advertisements of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy Drugs. The advertiser did not provide any evidence of DRDO having approved the specific product artwork or web-site claims appearing in conjunction with reference to DRDO. The text used in the advertisement in reference to DRDO in the advertisement is misleading by ambiguity, implication, and exploits consumers’ lack of knowledge.
  5. Charak Pharma Pvt. Ltd (Kofol Chewable Tablets) - The advertisement’s claim, “Trusted by Doctors”, was inadequately substantiated as the data provided was not adequate on a statistically significant representative sample size to conclusively prove the claim. The claim is misleading by ambiguity.

The following advertisements were considered to be, prima facie, in violation of The Drugs & Magic Remedies (DMR) Act when the advertisements were viewed in totality with the texts and visuals: The majority of these were advertiser web-sites carrying the objectionable claims.

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Sr No

  •  
  •  
  1.  

Hashmi Dawakhana/X-Fire Capsule

http://www.hashmidawakhana.org/men-energy-capsule.html

  • The ultimate energy capsule for men
  • Boost your sex drive with x-fire libido booster

capsules

  • It restores potency and enhances libido
  1.  

Hashmi Dawakhana/Big BXL Capsule

http://www.hashmidawakhana.or

g/breast-enlargementcapsule.html

  • Breast enlargement capsule, to enlarge your breasts naturally with Big-BXL Capsule
  • Increase size, shape and firmness of female breasts 
  • Uplifts your breasts and gives you renewed confidence 
  • Tone and refine breast contours
  1.  

Hashmi Dawakhana-Cute-B Capsule

  • Breast Reduction Capsule - Get smaller, firmer breasts without expensive surgery
  • Get the perfect shape of your breast   
  1.  

Hashmi Dawakhana-Cute-B Capsule

  • Breast Reduction Capsule -Get smaller, firmer breasts without expensive surgery
  • Get the perfect shape of your breast   
  1.  

REPL Pharma - Premium Saandhha

Oil - Special Packing for UK

  • Improve and enhance erection
  • Increase male vigour 
  1.  

REPL Pharma - kamasutram Oil

  •  
  • The visual on the product pack read imply that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure
  • Intended as an external massage oil to improve and enhance harder erections
  1.  

REPL Pharma - Vigoura 5X

http://www.replpharma.com/

  • Restore the lost vigour and vitality
  1.  

REPLPharma - breastriim Oil

https://www.repldradvice.com/homoeopathic/130-breastriimoil.html

  • Strengthening, firming up and toning up of breast muscles, resulting in appropriate increase in one's breast size
  1.  

Charak pharma pvt. ltd. - Addyzoa capsule

https://shop.charak.com/products/healthcare/men/addyzoa-capsule/

  • Improves sexual desire 
  1.  

Prince pharma- Madrasi gel

http://princepharmaonline.com/pr

incepharma/index.php?page=mad rasi-gel

  • This gives a harder, firmer erection and will allow you to please your sexual partner in a much more fulfilling way
  • Specialised gel for penis
  • Spray to increase time of orgasm and size of penis to some extent
  1.  

XL gain- Xtrapower

  • An incredible product for strength, stamina, desire and rock hard erections.
  • Xtra Power Capsules are your number one choice if you want to rule in bed.
  • Get the hardest, fullest, strongest and biggest erections with amazingly long timing
  • Increased desire to have more and overall vitality
  1.  

Sanjeevani booti- Sanjeevni booti for cancer

http://sanjeevanibooti.org/index.p hp#

  • Claim on the product pack implies cure for cancer
  • It helps to cure the disease in an effective manner
  1.  

Sanjeevi booti - Sanjeevni booti for

  1.  

http://sanjeevanibooti.org/index.p hp#

  • Claim on the product pack implies cure for AIDS
  • It helps to cure the disease in an effective manner
  1.  

Sanjeevani booti - Sanjeevni booti for

  •  

http://sanjeevanibooti.org/index.p hp#

  • Claim on the product pack implies cure for Asthma
  • It helps to cure the disease in an effective manner
  1.  

Sanjeevani booti - Sanjeevani booti for Arthritis

http://sanjeevanibooti.org/index.p hp#

  • Claim on the Product pack implies cure for Arthritis
  • It helps to cure the disease in an effective manner
  1.  

GM Pharmacy - Jeevan Kaya Kalp

  •  

http://gmpharmacy.in/desire.aspx#

  • Capsules for stamina medicines that is used for enhancing strength and stamina of the males
  • The visual in the ad on the product pack read in conjunction with the claim imply that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure
  1.  

GM Pharmacy - Kaam Phaba medicines

http://gmpharmacy.in/desire.aspx#

  • The offered Kaam Prabha medicines are used to enhance the sexual desires of both male as well as female
  1.  

Gm Pharmacy - Shakti Vati Male

http://gmpharmacy.in/desire.aspx#

  • Shakti Vati (male) medicine, offered by us, is used to enhance the male’s performance.
  • The offered medicine helps to regulate proper blood flow and act as a stamina booster for a pleasant sexual encounter
  1.  

Gm Pharmacy - Shakti Vati Female

http://gmpharmacy.in/desire.aspx#

  • We are engaged in offering Shakti Vati (female), which is used by women as a performance booster during sexual encounter.
  • This medicine helps to enhance the sexual desires libido of females
  1.  

Gm Pharmacy - Sexual desires capsules

http://gmpharmacy.in/desire.aspx#

  • We are engaged in offering sexual desires capsule that enhances the volume and intensity to every sexual desires
  1.  

Gm Pharmacy - Balam Kheera churn

  • This Balam Kheera churn is widely used to cure the stone inside the body
  1.  

REPL- Emperor Oil

https://www.repldradvice.com/ayurvedic/145-repl-emperoroil.html

  • Massage oil for men for longer, stronger and harder erection
  1.  

S. G. Photo Pharma Pvt. Ltd - Boostex forte capsules

https://www.sgphyto.com/product/boostex-fortecapsules/

  • A classical combination of herbo-mineral ingredients, help to boost sexual desire and support performance
  • Increase the libido
  1.  

Baidyanath-kaminividra wan ras

  • It helps in curing male sexual problems such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, low libido and impotency
  1.  

Baidyanath - Jati Phaladi Bati (Stambhak)

https://www.baidyanath.com/product/jati-phaladi-bati-stambhak/

  • It improves time, stamina and performance during the act.
  • It prevents and delays ejaculation by maintaining the stiffness of the penile tissue for a longer duration
  1.  

Sardar Dawakhana research labs - Nights on Gold

  • It is extremely beneficial safe and unparalleled in increasing sexual power and libido.
  • It provides strength and tonicity to the sex organ.
  • It is extremely beneficial for those people who complain of improper and incomplete erection or complain of premature ejaculation, due to which erection is lost.
  • Night on Gold provides tonicity, increases hardness and erection in the sex organ and hence enhances the excitement and joy. 
  1.  

Deep Ayurveda - Maharanadi Kwath

https://deepayurveda.com/product /maharasnadi-kwath/

  • It cures Vata disorders like arthritis, infertility
  1.  

Deep Ayurveda - Vigora-M Herbal

  • Vigora-M Herbal Capsule – Male Stamina and Vigor Enhancer. 
  • It is purely a herbal formulation to increased strength,  sexual stamina, impotency, lack of libido premature ejaculation and for low sperm counts
  1.  

Deep Ayurveda- Vajayu herbal capsule

https://deepayurveda.com/product/vajayu-herbal-capsule/

  • Vajayu – M Herbal Capsule – Male Stamina and Vigor Enhancer. 
  • It is purely a herbal formulation to increased strength, sexual stamina, impotency, lack of libido premature ejaculation and for low sperm counts
  1.  

Ayuysha Naturals - Zing – For Fertility and Energy

  • Zing contains natural herbal ingredients that possess strengthening and aphrodisiac properties, which enhance sexual desire, drive and performance.
  • Emotional stress disrupts the functioning of a key contributor of performance anxiety. Zing stimulates, prevents and manages stress, which is effective in improving libido and performance
  1.  

Ambic ayurved pvt. ltd- navroop breast capsule

http://shop.ambicayurved.com/navroop-breast-capsule.html

  • It inculcates the magic of Ayurveda, which primarily focuses on increasing the breast size of women.
  • Apart from being a breast size enhancer, it also provides firmness and proper shape to Women’s breasts
  1.  

Ambic ayurved pvt. ltd.- navroop breast cream

http://shop.ambicayurved.com/navroop-breast-cream.html

  • It inculcates the magic of Ayurveda, which primarily focuses on increasing the breast size of women.
  • Apart from being a breast size enhancer, it also provides firmness and proper shape to women’s breasts
  1.  

Ambic Ayurved Pvt Ltd - Cancer Relief Kit 

  • Video has a claim of cancer cure towards last 10 seconds
  1.  

Vyas Pharmaceuticals - Mayojem Syrup 

http://www.vyaspharma.com/syru p_mayojem.html    

  • Cures  rheumatism , mono and asymmetrical arthritis, osto arthritis, paralysis, gouty arthritis, spondylarthritis, child paralysis
  1.  

Vyas Pharmaceuticals - Medonil Tablet

http://www.vyaspharma.com/tab_ medonil.html

  • Cures obesity specially post menopause
  1.  

S. D. I Herbochem Pvt Ltd. - Xtra Zosh Capsule

  •  
  • Power booster capsules for men
  • The visual on the product pack read in conjunction with the claim imply that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure
  1.  

Vimax Personal Health Solution Private Limited - Vimax Pills

http://www.vimaxpillsindia.com/product/vimax-1-bottel/

  • Vimax is a powerful and natural herbal male enhancement supplement that helps to increase sexual desire and endurance. Formulated from specially selected herbs found around the world, when taken as recommended Vimax has been shown to improve male sexual performance, helping men achieve stronger and longer lasting erections
  1.  

Laborate Pharma India Ltd - Labolia Big Beauty

http://www.laboliacosmetics.com

  •  
  • Maintain beautiful and toned up breasts
  • Increase breast volume and fullness
  • Increase breast size naturally
  • Firm and lift sagging breasts
  1.  

Shahi Laboratories Private Limited - Breast Fit Capsules

http://www.shahilaboratories.com

/breast-fit-capsule.html

  • For strengthening breast muscle 
  • Breast Firming and development capsule 
  • The visual on the product pack and name of the product (Breast Fit Cream) implies that the product is meant for breast enhancement
  1.  

Shahi Laboratorie s Private Limited - Breast Fit Cream

http://www.shahilaboratories.com

/breast-fit-cream.html

  • For strengthening breast muscle
  • Breast firming and development capsule
  • The visual on the product pack and name of the product (Breast Fit Capsules) implies that the product is meant for breast enhancement 
  1.  

Shahi Laboratories Private Limited -

Herbal Diabetic Cure Ras

http://www.shahilaboratories.com

/diabetic-cure-ras.html

  • Name of the product on pack (Diabetic Cure Ras) implies that the product is meant to cure diabetes
  1.  

Shahi Laboratories Private Limited- Nawabe Shahi Goli 

http://www.shahilaboratories.com/nawabe-shahi-goli.html

  • Extra power booster 
  • The visual on the product pack read in conjunction with the claim imply that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure
  1.  

Shahi Laboratorie s Private Limited - Asawa Power Capsule

http://www.shahilaboratories.com/asawa-power-capsule.html

  • Sexual power booster 
  • Name of the product read in conjunction with the claim imply that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure
  1.  

AdilaBiotec h - Adinorm Tablets

http://www.adilabiotech.in/adinor mtablets/

  • Adinorm Tablets are highly recommended by physicians as herbal cure for diabetes
  1.  

Dr Asma Herbals - C. B. T Body Toner Capsule

http://www.asmaherbals.co.in/breast-enlargement-medicines.html

  • Increase size of breast along with toning the shape / strength of the breast
  1.  

Dr Asma Herbals - Commando Oil

http://www.asmaherbals.co.in/sexual-rejuvenator.htm

  • To cure sexual impotency
  1.  

Dr Asma Herbals - Commando Breast Cream

http://www.asmaherbals.co.in/breast-enlargement-medicines.html

  • Used for under developed breast and loose hanging breast
  1.  

Orison Pharma International  - Kamini Josh Capsules

https://www.opigroup.org/brand/kamini-josh-capsules/

  • Kaminijosh capsules are designed to allow you to have stronger erections and more pleasurable sex.
  • It supports your overall health and balances the hormones while preventing the common problems that men face generally when they age.
  • The boost in libido enhances the sex drive which is the result of increased blood flow to the genital area.
  • Moreover, it helps you get to the very next round after you finish the first one
  1.  

Medikom Healthcare - 18 + Power Course

http://medikomhealthcare.com/for-indian-customers/

  • Increase male sex power and stamina.  
  1.  

Medikom Healthcare - Breast 36 course

http://medikomhealthcare.com/breast-36-course-indian/

  • Breast 36 course - Increase your breast size
  1.  

Medikom Healthcare - Height-X

http://medikomhealthcare.com/height-x-course-indian/

  • Increases height
  1.  

Medikom Healthcare - Super Power Course 

http://medikomhealthcare.com/product/super-power/

  • Prolong your performance
  • Boost your stamina, give hard-core erection to your penis
  • Improve your libido 
  • Increase your strength and stamina
  1.  

Adi Herbal -  ICL Dibatags X Gold Capsules

https://www.adiherbal.com/fordiabetes/dibatags_x_gold_capsules_and_energises%20_high_power _Oil

  • Sexual energy activators
  • Male performance enhancers helps in controlling the blood sugar
  • Cures erectile dysfunction
  1.  

Adi Herbal - Energises High Power Oil

https://www.adiherbal.com/forsexual-wellness/energises-highpower-oil

  • Improves and enhances erection
  • Increase male vigour
  1.  

Dr Taj - XXL Cream 

http://www.drtaj.in/buykit.php?u=k&y=1

  • XXL Cream enlarges your penis size and increase tightness in penis
  • The visual on the product packaging read in conjunction with the claim objected to implies that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure
  1.  

Dr Taj - Honeymoon Chatni

http://www.drtaj.in/buykit.php?u=k&y=2

  • To increase your sexual weakness and longer, stronger erection
  • Increases the physical stamina
  • Last longer in bed
  • Full erection to make more pleasurable
  • Sexual problem treatment 
  1.  

Dr Taj - S.S. Oil

http://www.drtaj.in/buykit.php?u=k&y=3

  • Increase sex power and intercourse time, no side effect
  • Increase your sexual power
  • Increase penetration timing
  • Harder and stronger erection
  • Sexual Problem Treatment
  • The visual on the product packaging read in conjunction with the claim objected to, implies that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure
  1.  

Rex Remedies Ltd. - Jauhar Khusia

http://rexremedies.com/males.html

  • Improves the libido 
  1.  

Rex Remedies Ltd. - Majoon Salab

http://rexremedies.com/males.html

  • Removes the impotency, increases the sexual vigour
  • Pleasant increase of sexual force may be felt after regular use for three to four weeks 
  1.  

Rex Remedies Ltd. - Goli Nawab Ali Shah

http://rexremedies.com/males.html

  • Increases the power of erection. The ingredients of this tablet nourishes the sexual organs and consequently increases the production of semen, prolongs the mating period and provides extra sexual
  1.  

Rex Remedies Ltd. - Habbe Mumsik

http://rexremedies.com/males.html

  • Strong aphrodisiac, reproduces the sexual power and youthfulness.
  • It is a gift for those who are eager to increase the mating period
  • Unparalleled for retention and sexual act
  • Provides extra sexual pleasure to both partners
  1.  

Rex Remedies Ltd. - Majoon Arad Khurma

http://rexremedies.com/males.htm l

  • Increases the sexual desire 
  1.  

Rex Remedies Ltd. - Majoon Mumsik Muqavvi

http://rexremedies.com/males.htm l

  • It cures impotency and sexual debility  
  1.  

Rex Remedies Ltd. – Farbah

http://rexremedies.com/males.htm l

  • Enhances the energy and stamina of the male.
  • The main use of this medicine is to improve the length and diameter of penis
  1.  

REPL Pharma - Cobra Oil

https://www.repldradvice.com/cobra-oil/180-cobra-oil.html

  • Strengthening, firming up and toning up of breast muscles, resulting in appropriate increase in one's breast size
  1.  

Ayurvedic Expert – (XTL Plus Penis Enlargement Capsules)

https://ayurvedicexpert.com/product/xtra-large-penis-enlargementcapsules/

  • The product name (XTL Plus™ Penis Enlargement Capsules) imply that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure.
  • The best rated penis enlargement pills in India.
  • Proven results, completely safe and 100% natural product for men.
  • Gives you bigger, fuller, longer erections with intense orgasms. 
  1.  

REPL - Tatkal Capsule

https://www.repldradvice.com/ayurvedic/177-tatkal-capsule.html

  • It also gives harder erection  
  1.  

Sardar Dawakhana Research Labs - Habb-e-Qavi

http://sadarlaboratories.com/product/habb-e-qavi/

  • It is aphrodisiac and tonic for nerves.
  • It is very effective for those who suffer from conditions like premature ejaculation due vesical weakness.
  • Its use prior to intercourse proves to be avaricious and increases the retention power which enhances the sexual excitement.
  • It not only stimulates the sex organ but also provides strength and hence increases the sexual power.
  1.  

Kunnath Pharmaceuti cals - Musli Power XTra

http://www.muslipowerxtra.com/ shop/new/musli-power-x-tra-60capsule-pack

  • These capsules will give your sex life the boost it needs.
  • The key ingredient, Safed Musli, is a popular herbal aphrodisiac.
  • It increases sexual abilities and helps solve low sperm count and libido problems.
  • When it comes to increasing sexual power and sperm count, ashwagandha works like magic. 
  1.  

Dr Asma Herbals - Commando capsule

http://www.asmaherbals.co.in/sexual-rejuvenator.html

  • It increases the power and stamina in men and gives them new vigour. 

The visual on the product pack read in conjunction with the claim imply that the product is meant for the enhancement of sexual pleasure.

  1.  

Ayurvedic Expert (Rajshahi healthcare pvt. Ltd) - Premature Ejaculation Treatment Package

https://ayurvedicexp ert.com/product/ayu rvedic-prematureejaculation-package /   

ASCI
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