Banned 'aphrodisiac' in UAE groceries

An herbal 'aphrodisiac' banned by the Indian government is available in some supermarkets and groceries in the UAE.

Musli Power Xtra, produced by South India-based Kunnath Pharmaceuticals,claims to offer the complete solution for sexual problems in both men and women. The company currently sells the product online as Indian ginseng.

The medicine is quite popular among Non-Resident Indians, said a market source. It is available in some grocery shops and some pharmacies that sell such medicines. It is illegally smuggled into the country and sold at a high premium as Indian Ginseng. As prices in India have crashed, traders are cashing in on the Gulf markets," said another source.

While approving Musli Power Xtra formulation for commercial production, the main ingredient indicated was the seed of ‘Nilappana’ (Curculigo orchioides). However, Kunnath Pharma made the formulation with the extracts of Safed Musli, violating the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which clearly states such raw ingredients cannot be used for making any kind of medicine formulations, according to an official.

Advertisements such as “Musli Power Xtra makes first night the best night,” have helped the company make a fortune by selling the brand in India and abroad within six years of its launch.

The Kerala Drug Regulatory Authorities have filed cases against the company under Spurious Drugs Act, and another under Drugs and Magic Remedies (objectionable advertisement) Act, 1955.

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