Pharmacological and toxicological health risk of food (herbal) supplements adulterated with erectile dysfunction medications

Irena Žuntar, Adela Krivohlavek, Josipa Kosić-Vukšić, Daniel Granato, Danijela Bursać Kovačević, Predrag Putnik

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual disorders among men, with large number of patients worldwide. This is a multifactorial disease with (non)organic causes while main oral drugs for the treatment are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is). Currently, sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil, udenafil, mirodenafil, lodenafil and avanafil are used. Worldwide use of herbal and dietary supplements for alleviating this problem is on a rise, as many consumers perceive these products as ‘healthier’ and safer as compared to conventional pharmaceutical preparations. However, adulteration of food supplements with PDE5Is and/or its analogues is very common and represents serious public health concern. This review address the issues with pharmacological and toxicological health risks of food supplements adulterated with erectile dysfunction medications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9-15
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent Opinion in Food Science
Volume24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2018
Externally publishedYes

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