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Rising sales of ayurvedic 'aphrodisiacs' cause concern in Kerala

D Jose in Thiruvananthapuram

Restrictions on the manufacture and sale of Viagra (pharmaceutical major Pfizer's drug for erectile dysfunction) in some countries has caused a spurt in demand for ayurvedic aphrodisiacs in Kerala. The development has caused concern among health circles in the state.

India's traditional systems of medicine recommend several herbal formulations for treating sexual weakness and for positive health.

The ayurvedic medicines mentioned in the ayurveda texts gained popularity in foreign countries thanks to a survey by Germany-based multinational company, International Market Statistics. The survey had projected immense market potential for Kerala's drugs.

Several varieties of "sex drugs" have found place on the shelves of even downmarket shops, and are selling like hot cakes. The advertisement blitzkrieg launched by drug companies through print and electronic media, has resulted in long queues before ayurveda shops.

Market circles said the business is "very good". Some of the "hot cakes" are Afrodet, Afrol capsule, Vigomax and Dhathupushti for heightened sexual pleasure.

An ayurveda outlet owner in Thiruvananthapuram said buyers were mostly aged people. There have also been bulk buyers.

Ayurvedic experts are not sure whether the different varieties of "aphrodisiacs" freely available in the market are the ones described in Ashtangahrudaya, the ancient text that is the base for the traditional system.

Dr Job Thomas of the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy said that there was a separate chapter in the text titled Vajeekaranam, which deals with sexual pleasures and their importance in life.

According to the text, consumption of Aswagandhathi Lehyam and Amruthapraba Grudam would make the offspring intelligent and healthy.

Dr Job said he was not sure whether the companies selling ayurvedic alternatives to Viagra are using the right ingredients.

K N Ajithkumar, lecturer, Thiruvananthapuram Ayurveda College, said, "Nobody knows whether some of the companies use steroids for more effect." There is no mechanism or law to check, said a source in the Kerala Drugs Controller's office.

"There is no law governing the sale of ayurvedic medicines without the doctor's prescription. We can take action only if doctors complain about adverse effect of any medicine," the source said.

There are instances when the Drug Controller's office had initiated action against some of the manufacturers of "aphrodisiacs" as per the Magical Remedies Act.

However, the manufacturers have claimed through advertisements that they have been strictly following the texts. They claim the following ingredients are used: Naikorana (Negretia Pruriens), Amukuram (Indian Winter Cherry), Iratti Mathuram (Glycorrhiza Glabra), milk and cardamom.

The medicines made with these ingredients apparently do not cause any side-effects. They promote positive health and cannot be strictly branded as stimulants. The manufacturers of the drugs, however, were highlighting the stimulant effect in order to attract the people.

Ayurvedic medical practitioners usually prefer Sahasrayogam, the traditional method of medicinal preparations for the treatment of sexual weakness, to aphrodisiacs.

Dr Job said people should consult a doctor rather than getting carried away by the sex drug advertisements. Manufacturers might try to make a fast buck by exploiting gullible people, especially the foreigners, who are generally not aware of the finer details of Indian medicinal systems. Continuous use of some of the aphrodisiacs can be harmful to health, he added.

In fact, there have been several cases of misuse of ayurveda. A 16-year-old girl, who took ayurveda drugs continuously for various ailments, developed renal failure. Analysis of some of the ayurveda drugs she used revealed that they contained mercury. Another patient who used ayurveda drugs for rheumatic complaints without consulting a doctor, was said to have suffered permanent damage to his kidneys.

An ayurveda practitioner, who chose to remain anonymous, said that units with little expertise in medicine have mushroomed in Kerala and neighbouring states to cash in on the growing popularity of the traditional system. They have been escaping the arm of law since there is no foolproof system to examine and prevent adulterations. Since a single ayurvedic drug can contain up to 60 ingredients, it is difficult to isolate, measure or prove adulteration, he added.

Kerala is yet to set up fully equipped laboratories to carry out the complex tests. The Kerala government is planning laws to prevent the misuse. The state tourism department has already started a system of warning foreign tourists against exploitation by unscrupulous elements.

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