Tanzania‘s health authorities have outlawed the use of Hemsha, a well-known traditional herbal remedy that was promoted as improving male sexual performance.
The restriction was decided upon after recent market surveillance, according to Prof. Hamisi Malebo, chairman of the Traditional and Alternative Health Practice Council.
He said that analysis of the herbal medicine in the lab revealed sildenafil, popularly known as Viagra, was present. He said that Hemsha was dangerous and that its manufacturer disregarded council rules.
Typically, the bark, roots, and leaves of an East African tree called a Mkongo are combined to create the herbal powder.
Other manufacturers sell it under various brand names. The makers of the Hemsha medication have been ordered to remove it from stores right away.
Prof Malepo said promotion of traditional medicines, herbs or alternative drugs without “having the registration and certification of the council is an offence”.
Tanzania promotes the use of traditional medicine and legalised the market sale and usage of five traditional medications to improve sexual function in 2020.