Here’s the cold, hard truth.
The so-called libido-boosting, all-natural “herbal supplements” sold at bodegas, vitamin stores and sex shops citywide may actually contain the chemical components of prescription impotence drugs.
“This is a growing problem, and the agency is devoting a lot of resources to it,” said Michael Levy, a lawyer with the Food and Drug Administration.
Since 2004, the FDA has identified approximately 30 brands of “dietary supplements” that promise an herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction, but actually contain knockoffs of Viagra, Levitra and Cialis.
According to the FDA, one supplement, Blue Steel, has a chemical structure similar to the active ingredient in Viagra.
Active Nutraceuticals, the manufacturer of Blue Steel, did not return calls for comment.
Other pseudo-herbals include: Aspire36, Super Shanghai, Encore Tabs and Joy of Love.
Some of the products contain doses of the drugs at six times the recommended levels, Levy warned.