Analytical perspectives of chemical adulterants in herbal sexual enhancer drugs

Context: Detection of active pharmaceutical ingredients in herbal drugs has been described in numerous studies. However, few reports have been published in relation to the analysis of counterfeit herbal supplements for the detection of synthetic drugs in Iran. Aims: To analyze herbal drugs used as sexual performance enhancer from forensic and analytical toxicology point of view. Methods: Eighty herbal drugs gathered from herbal shops in Bushehr city, Iran were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used for detecting and identifying the chemical structures of probable active pharmaceutical ingredients as adulterants. Results: Among 80 samples, 23% contained only sildenafil. Three samples contained sildenafil, tramadol, and diazepam in combination with each other reported for the first time. Conclusions: This study substantiates regular analysis of purported herbal drugs is needed for more effective quality control and health promotion.