The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, under the Ministry of Health, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding the consumption of certain herbal products.

The cautionary statement specifically mentions popular items such as Coco Samba, Oga Abeg E Don Do, Good Time Natural Herbal Formula, among others, claiming to boost energy for men.

The Pharmacy Board previously expressed concerns about the safety and quality of Coco Samba, citing preliminary tests conducted in their laboratory. The public was advised to refrain from using the product until further confirmatory tests could be conducted in collaboration with regulatory authorities in the sub-region.

Latest findings from the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of Ghana reveal alarming results. Laboratory analysis indicates that each bottle of Coco Samba contains a heavy dose (193 mg) of Sildenafil Citrate, exceeding the prescribed dosage of 50-100 mg. Sildenafil Citrate is a prescription drug primarily used for treating erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Further investigations have unveiled similar adulteration in other herbal products, including Olekoko Akson Bitters, Oga Abeg E Don Do, and Good Time Natural Herbal Formula. The presence of Sildenafil Citrate in varying strengths poses serious health risks, such as a significant drop in blood pressure, visual disturbances, headache, dizziness, chest pain and painful, prolonged erections that may result in permanent damage to the male reproductive organ.

The Pharmacy Board urged the public to cease the consumption of these harmful products immediately. Individuals or institutions marketing these products should be reported promptly.