IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF PHOSPHODIESTERASE-5 INHIBITORS AS ADULTERANTS IN DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS MARKED FOR SEXUAL ENHANCEMENT IN THE LEBANESE MARKET

Abstract

Objective: Ultraviolet Visible spectrophotometric was adopted to identify and quantify any adulteration with PDE-5 inhibitors (Sildenafil and Tadalafil) in selected dietary supplements used for sexual enhancement in the Lebanese marketMethods: Nine dietary supplements, randomly collected from Lebanese pharmacies, were screened for Sildenafil and Tadalafil using UV-spectrophotometry for both qualitative and quantitative detection.Results: Tadalafil was detected in one sample at a dose of 59 mg/dosage unit, with the maximal recommended dose being 20 mg. Sildenafil was detected in five samples at doses ranging from 11.7 to 188.2 mg/dosage unit, with the maximal recommended dose being 100 mg.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that regular analysis of supposed dietary supplements is needed for more effective quality control and health promotion. The method described for the extraction, identification and quantification of Tadalafil and Sildenafil would be useful for regulatory detection of adulterations.