The New Straits Times, April 4, 1997
Q: Recently I received from a mail-order outlet a brochure advertising 'a complete natural product' called 'Libid'. It comes in capsule packs and is claimed to be 'the tonic for men' and to 'increase male vitality'. Apparently studies have been conducted in Norway, the country where it is produced, and the brochure states that 'Libid stimulates directly the production of testorones (sic), hormones that are known to be responsible for male activities." Is this product safe and effective?
A: It is difficult to gibe a one-word answer to your question based on the limited information given. This is because to ascertain safety and effectiveness, much more in-depth information is required.
We are unable to find any medication by this name in Malaysia; most probably, it has not been registered. This means that we cannot vouch for its safety and effectiveness.
Although such products are normally passed as 'food' rather than 'medicine' to avoid scrutiny upon registration, their alleged health effects should be of concern to consumers.
On further checking with our associates in Norway, we were told that there is no such product on sale there, although there is one called 'Libido'. It is likely to be a similar preparation since it is not uncommon for the same product to have different names when marketed in different countries.
'Libido' is a term ironically used to describe 'sexual drive', and in fact the Norwegian product is allegedly used to 'increase sexual power'. Thus it is not difficult to see the closeness between what 'Libid' has to offer, because as claimed, by simulating testosterone (which is probably misspelt in the brochure as 'testorones'), it too could result in increased sexual desire.
Assuming that these two products are related, if not the same, then it is important to note that 'libido' is made of a concoction of fertilised chicken eggs, and other unspecified ingredients like herbs as well as vitamins and minerals. You may want to check if this is also what is meant by a 'completely natural' product for 'Libid'.
If so, the fact that materials from eggs are used should serve as a warning of the possibility of allergies to egg-based and egg-derived products. Moreover, such products are quite susceptible to samonella bacterial contamination which could lead to severe poisoning.
It is therefore imperative that they are thoroughly tested and certified by the relevant authorities before they are allowed to be marketed. Unless documentation to this effect is produced and authenticated, it is best to stay away from them.
On the claim that the product can stimulate the hormone testosterone, a few things deserve to be mentioned, namely the possible adverse effects when improperly used.
Testosterone-induce effects would include the deepening of voice, excessive hair growth and even exaggerated sexual development, especially on long-term use. Jaundice, difficulty in passing urine, and abnormal erection have also been reported on chronic use of testosterone. For those above 60 years of age, there may be an increased risk of prostate problems.
Because of such reasons, the hormone is usually used for specific cases where its production is deficient due to an abnormality of the testicles or the inadequate production of the pituitary hormone which normally stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone.
As such, it is generally use for adolescents suffering from delayed puberty as a treatment to stimulate secondary male sexual characteristics, and at times for adult men who suffer from inadequate production of the male hormone to increase libido (sex drive).
The effects, however, may begin to be felt only within a few weeks. And it does not increase sperm production in men with normally developed testicles.
In view of the potential risks involved, it is best that you first seek professional medical advice before opting to use such drugs. Monitoring and regular checks of the effects of testosterone may also be necessary, more so if you have impaired liver function, heart problems, prostate trouble, diabetes or are taking other medications like anti-coagulants and anti-diabetic drugs.
Thus it is ill-advised to obtain products like 'Libid' via any mail-order catalogue or its distributor that lacks professional qualifications. In addition, to date, there is no known hormone called 'testorones' as stated in the brochure. It is, therefore, not surprising that in Norway the product 'Libido' is not recommended for sale at pharmacies, according to our associates.
