Exclusive: Nigerian men reveal adverse effects as sex-enhancing herbal drinks flood markets

Netizens on X have voiced serious concerns about the increasing prevalence of sex-enhancing herbal drinks littering the Nigerian markets. This surge reflects a significant demand for sexual enhancers, now widely available from mini-marts to large supermarkets.

Reports reveal that these herbal mixtures, in addition to traditional ingredients, are increasingly infused with Sildenafil Citrate and other prescription drugs typically used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

While some consumers use these herbal drinks recreationally, many others rely on them to boost their sexual performance to meet self-prescribed standards. The widespread availability and use of these potent mixtures have sparked a debate about safety and regulation.

Citing a report on one of mixtures, a user with the name @Arojinle wrote: “Laboratory analysis conducted at the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of Ghana, on the said product confirmed that each bottle of COCO SAMBA contains HEAVY DOSE (193 mg) of Sildenafil Citrate as an adulterant as compared to the usual prescribed dose of 50-100 mg. Sildenafil is a prescription drug, mainly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.”

A report by the US National Library of Medicine also indicated that, “The use of sildenafil can infrequently result in a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours, also known as priapism, which, if left untreated, may result in damage to the penile tissue. Furthermore, sildenafil use requires caution in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis and patients with conditions potentially predisposing them to priapism, such as sickle cell anemia or multiple myeloma.”

Some netizens further corroborated the reports with the symptoms felt after using some of the herbal mixtures.

@OwolabiJohnso15  said, “The first time I took it,I noticed that I can’t breath properly for like a week with strong headache, since then,I have been avoiding it like a plaque,it’s not good for my health.”

@Melosoj added, I keep telling people these concoctions are not herbal… kuku go buy your sildenafil for pharmacy and take normal dose rather than endangering yourself.”

On his part, @ridbay warned young men to stop using sex enhancing drugs while highlighting the danger associated with them.

In 2022, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control admitted approving herbal beverages harmful to consumers.

NAFDAC director-general Mojisola Adeyeye admitted the agency’s misstep at a press briefing. She maintained that the agency’s findings revealed high concentrations of tobacco and cannabis use in the products.

Ms Adeyeye noted that several drugs were used to manufacture the products, despite the maker’s claim they were completely herbal. This includes ‘Hyergra 200’ (Sildenafil Citrate tablet), ‘Amafranil tablets’ (Clomipramine tablet 25mg)’, and ‘Cannon Extra’ (Paracetamol 500mg+Caffeine 30mg).