As part of our special section on men's health, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the websites out there for herbal "Viagra" products. This is certainly a market with huge potential; it's a major concern among men and the Internet beckons as an easy source of research and shopping in the privacy of your home. After spending a day on this research, however, I have to admit that the Internet is also the source of fraud, misleading information and market hype unlike anything I've ever seen. I certainly knew that a lot of what the Internet had to offer needed to be taken with a grain of salt, but this was beyond even what I had expected.

Obviously the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is thinking along the same lines; the agency is fighting back with a stepped-up enforcement policy and a website or two of its own. Going to the herbal Viagra site in Figure 1-which now that I've been around the web a time or two looks quite respectable-and clicking the "Order" button brings you to the second site below (Figure 2), entitled "You Could Have Been Scammed." Expect more of this in the future as the FTC cracks down on fraudulent companies.
Before I get a discussion of the research, it's important to point out that there are legitimate companies out there selling reputable products for impotence and sexual function problems, some of which are detailed below. Maca is an ingredient that is just surfacing in the market; its reputation from South America appears credible and research is starting to be done on this herb for sexual function and other health indications (see accompanying sidebar). Other products below contained saw palmetto, with definite scientific research behind it in connection with improving prostate health, yohimbe, another herb with significant history in this area and the amino acid L-arginine, also the subject of clinical trials and ongoing science.

But-when it comes to the web-what's bad is so bad it overshadows the good. With phrases like, "Be a real man again," "Gets you hot and horny" and claims from a woman that "my husband is now a sexual Superman" and even an 18 year-old boy who reports a harder erection and longer time before ejaculation, these sites are over-the-top. Typos, misspellings and grammatical errors were common; my favorite was a statement from one of the companies that, "we didn't invent nothing here."
In terms of logistics: to do the research, I typed "herbal Viagra" into a popular search engine and came up with 27 sites, two of which didn't work. Of the ones that did, here's what I found:
Ingredients: Many contained yo­himbe, saw palmetto, a variety of other complementary herbs and L-arginine; some contained androstenedione. Four did not even list the ingredients in their products.
Disclaimers: Of the sites, 19 did not have any type of FDA disclaimer, while six did. One of these six used modified wording.

Price: Spot checking what companies were charging, it seems the popular price is $29.99 for a 60-count bottle of supplements, although there were some available for as low as $15 and as high as $50. Here's a quick look at the sites reviewed:

11 Herbs (11herbsnaturalvitality.com), which distributes "Herbal V" (which it also called "Natural V"), describes a proprietary blend of natural stimulants and herbs that "require no bullS#%$* online prescription, which just protect the marketers in case you die." To clear things up further, the site explains, "We require no such prescription for Natural V because we require no prescription."

ADW (Amassed Data West) (newremedies.com) has one of the most comprehensive websites, including information on topical formulations and sprays, supplements, an ejaculation exercise book and information about hypnotherapy as well as an "ErectAid" (alternately spelled "ErecAid) vacuum device and "ErecAid" tension rings. The site promises solutions for impotence and premature ejaculation and appears to offer herbal products as well as what it calls drugs. All products are well documented and include lists of active ingredients.

Among the most reputable sites by far, ArginMax (arginmax.hypermart.net) touted its L-arginine based supplement for men and women. The product, which is manufactured by The Daily Wellness Company, was recently the subject of a double-blind placebo-controlled study on female sexual fitness. The study examined women with sexual dysfunction for four weeks; at the end of the study 76% of the active group reported improvement in satisfaction in overall sex life, compared to 33% of the placebo group. Additionally 52% reported improvement in frequency of orgasms, compared to 25% in the placebo group. This website also lists a scientific advisory board of medical doctors and provides a complete list of ingredients and their dosage and roles.

A website called Bionix Cells (bionex.net) had products for men and women. It gave no product information or ingredients, but claims to have sold 27,000 bottles over the Internet since May 1998.
A website from the China International Doctors & Pharmacies Federation (bohong.com/homepage/2-e.htm) ad­dressed impotence and premature ejaculation, but also had links to information on diabetes, coronary heart disease and carcinoma. According to the site, the federation was established in June 1996 and is "an agency of scientific research engaging in the development of Chinese Traditional Medicines." The website did include ingredient information as well as providing information on its panel of experts.

Erotic Herbal (eroticherbal.com), whose product is called "All Night Lover," claimed to have a natural libido enhancer developed by a team of "FDA researchers." The "clinically proven special formula" has such "powerful ingredients" that you can have results by taking two capsules 50-60 minutes prior to sexual activities or workout, rather than "most of these products [that] have to be taken daily for at least two weeks for their effects [to be] experienced."
The product ingredient list includes tribulus terrestris, vitamins B6 and E, avena sativa, ginseng, yohimbe, muira puama, damiana, wood betony, ashwagandha root, androstenedione, zinc and saw palmetto.
Herbal Service (herbalservice.com) features a product called "EndurMaster," which it describes as the "SUPER SEX PILL of the next MILLENNIUM." The site provides minimal product information-"capsule of herbs in just the right combination to stimulate the areas of your body you need energized during the sex act"-as well as a blurry product label that shows the ingredients. A modified disclaimer-"This product is not intended to be taken to cure or prevent any disease. As individuals differ so does the results of this product. EndurMaster is intended as an herbal combination to heighten male sexual performance"- is also included, as is a banner ad for "The Girls Of Penthouse."
A website whose link is entitled Impotence and Erectile Dysfunction Treatment (impotence-and-erectile-dysfunction-treatment.com) brings up information about "Vimaca," a maca supplement for men and women. The site includes information on the article on maca in Urology and also touts maca's other indications for increased energy, weight loss and reducing depression. One of the most expensive products, at $49.95, it also seems to be one of the more reputable. The site include the full FDA disclaimer and also has a statement, "While immediate results have been experienced when taking Vimaca, the manufacturer strongly recommends that the product be taken for a minimum of three months for maximum effectiveness."

Isostasy Corporation (supernice.com) offers "Super Nice," another unique blend of natural herbs. Like maca, this product originates in the Amazon rainforest; ingredients include Capinuri, Chuchuguaza, Morure and Ortiga, all of which are described on the site. The site includes a disclaimer, as well as a statement that the product is U.S. patent-pending.

LibidoMax (bigmike69.com) offers a formula of herbs, herbal extracts and vitamins "for rock hard erections and maximum staying power." Promising "you'll perform like a sexual Olympian...hour after hour...for less than the cost of one beer," the "LibidoMax" product is a mix of yohimbe and androstenedione with "other common herbs that enhance [their] effect."

Llallante (llallante.com) features a formulation based on Chilean herbs, included "Llallante." With complete ingredient and dosage information, the site appears one of the more reputable and also touted a new "Llallante Vit" grape seed product for cardiovascular health and anti-aging. The Llallante product is also available in tea bag form.

NuBio (nubioresearch.com), offers "Ultra V" men's and women's formulas; the men's formula includes yohimbe, L-arginine, DHEA, androstenedione and tri­bulus terrestris, while the women's formula contained 4-Androdiol and 4-An­drostenedione (for maintaining healthy testosterone), niacin (for circulation) and Lysophosphatidyl Choline (for in­creased absorption). The company also offers sports supplements, including ef­fervescent creatine; coming soon are weight loss supplements and "Nu­breast," a non-surgical breast enhancement system in supplement form.

Potentra (malevirility.com), from Universal Wellness, included a disclaimer and full product information. Ingredients include yohimbe, vitamin B5, B6 and E, zinc, L-tyrosine, saw palmetto extract and a phytosterol complex. The site also claimed that 10% of net profits goes to fund youth programs, geared towards drug prevention and creating opportunity for the underprivileged.

A product for men and women called "Veromax" was the subject of a site from QCS, Inc. (veromaxxx.com). Another site that included a disclaimer and specific ingredient information, the site also had additional vitamins and herbals for sale. There is also a letter from the creator of Veromax, a board-certified urologist, who states he has conducted over 50 clinical studies in the field of sexual health. Veromax includes L-arginine, L-alanine, L-lysine, saw palmetto, Siberian ginseng, glutamic acid and ginkgo biloba. The version for women is called "Vivace" and contains L-arginine and ziziph fructus, which "enhances nitric oxide."

Another product for men and women is "Sexativa" (dreamcastle.com). The women's product is made from green oats blended with saw palmetto, nettle, damiana and bee pollen, while the men's version has zinc rather than bee pollen. Both mention additional possible positive effects, including more energy, better muscle and better concentration. The site does not have a disclaimer but it does have a Frequently Asked Question, "Is Sexativa approved by the FDA?" The answer is, "FDA approval is only required for drugs. Sexativa contains no drugs, it is an all natural herbal formula that is classified as a food supplement."

A link called Southwest Research Institute (potentmale.com) brings up Peak Potential Alliance, Inc., with the tagline "Promoting Better Health and Sexuality." The site opens to a letter from the founder John Byington, who relates his personal story that made him invent the products, which he says were developed by a medical team. Two "Viagra alternative" products are available, "Formula Vitalizer" and "Formula Booster"; ingredients are detailed and include L-arginine, muira puama, wild oats, cuscutae seed extract, zinc, epidemium, licorice extract, niacin/vitamin B3 and cayenne. The site also sells "performance/potency elements," "metabolic enhancers" and "central nervous system stimulants." Two medical experts-one of whom is a chiropractor-are listed on the site.

Africa is the source of "Natural Wood," the product touted on Stratosphere Special Services (naturalwood.com). The site claims Natural Wood, a nut that is generally chewed and eaten an hour before lovemaking, has been used by native Africans for thousands of years. Directions for using the product are also included: "Many men consume a beverage while eating the nut; most only eat half of the nut and save the other half for later. About the time one feels the urge to urinate (from consuming their beverage of choice) it is said that the agents of the nut are in the system and the man is prepared for lovemaking." The site offers one caution: "Don't eat NaturalWood if you have problems with caffeine." The site also claims many in Africa who are not impotent also consume NaturalWood to increase sexual stamina, as an anti-depressant and to promote clear mind and virility. Key constituents are theobromine, tannins and phenolics, including d-catechin, l-epicatechin, kolatin and kolanin.

Tigra (tigrapill.com) is a European website that describes "The pleasure of the scientific research to serve the scientific research of the pleasure." The "Tigra" pill "reactivates the libido and the desire, increases the sexual performance and acts over the duration of the act." Ingredients include vitamin B1 and E, phosphoCholine, 'Poly­phenosterols' ("OPC" and "Dioscorea V"), zinc, damiana and ginseng. The site also gives information on herbal medicines, vitamins and minerals that can aid in the treatment of libido problems.

Uplife (uplife.com) touts "SP-49," formulated by a naturopathic physician to improve sexual performance in men and women. The product contains L-arginine, ginkgo biloba, cordyceps sinensis, ginseng, schizandra berry, lycium fruit, rehmannia, ashwagandha, ho shou wu and epimedium and the FDA disclaimer is present.

V Herbal (vherb.com) also sells products for men and women; ingredients are similar to previous sites but bilberry is also added to the men's formula. Ginger root and royal jelly are in the women's formula, which is called "Ultimate Libido for Women."

A separate site for Veromax (veromax.net)-described above under QCS-was also found. The site was different, although the product was the same and this one, unlike the QCS site, did not include an FDA disclaimer.

Vigorex (4vigorex.com) described as a homeopathic remedy made from avena sativa extract for impotence and sexual arousal for men and women, had little information but linked on the order page to DoctorG, a sex educator seen a national television. The order page said "Want to party all night? Try safe, effective Vigorex Forte."

With a risqué picture of Bill Clinton, the word "Viagra" printed over and over at the bottom of the page and a link to the "women of ViPP with exclusive portfolios of So. California entertainers and exotic dancers," this site-VIPP (4vipp.com)-probably wins the award for most outrageous. The products are available in men's and women's formulas, but, the site cautions, "Some of the ingredients in ViPP are so effective that they have been banned in Canada, Europe and South Africa without a doctor's prescription." Ingredients in the men's formula included yohimbe, Siberian ginseng, ginkgo biloba, niacin, saw palmetto, damiana, L-tyrosine, valerian, pregnenolone, DHEA and octacosanol; the women's formula contains avena sativa, tribulus terresteris, shatavari, licorice root, cranberry extract, damiana, dong quai, Siberian ginseng, wild yam extract, niacin, ginkgo biloba, chaste berry, beta sitosterol, vitamin B6 and pregnenolone.
From Wynning Publications (herbal100.com) comes 100% Herbal Sen­sation, which "gets you hot and horny at 1/10 the cost of Viagra." Available for both men and women-"when the love act needs to happen"-the product is based on green oats, but detailed ingredients are not provided. There's also a link to attractgirls.com.

Last but not least is Xcite (natures-sex.com), a New Zealand-based website that claims to be the "most potent 4:1 extract of tribulus terrestris available." The site cites studies done in Bulgaria on bodybuilders and increasing testosterone levels so the product also claims to improve stamina and overall sense of wellbeing.

NW