Toxic Herb Alert - Xanthoparmelia scabrosa Esters are Unsafe

LANSING, MI -- The herb Xanthoparmelia scabrosa, found in several male sexual enhancement products sold as Viagra„¥ alternatives targeted to health food stores and marketed on the Internet, has been shown to contain a toxic ester.

Jim Lewis, president of National Nutritional Foods Association-Midwest Region (NNFA-MW) is calling on all dietary supplement suppliers and natural products retailers to investigate the products in their inventories that may contain the herb Xanthoparmelia scabrosa, and to seek legal advice to determine if they should continue to sell these products.

"As the market for male sexual health supplements continues its popularity among consumers, it is imperative to police ourselves and ensure that safe products are offered,¡¨ Lewis stated. ¡§Research on the herb Xanthoparmelia scabrosa has clearly demonstrated toxicity in specific low doses. To prevent another ephedra fiasco, it makes sense to respond accordingly to the science when that research demonstrates possible harm or adverse reactions."

According to Lewis, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) know this herb is toxic. Xanthoparmelia scabrosa has been researched since 1978, with additional discoveries on its potent cytotoxic properties first revealed in 1996. Australian National University¡¦s department of chemistry and its John Curtin School of Medical Research published articles on the cytotoxic activity of the esters of Xanthoparmelia scabrosa.