Royal Honey has surged in popularity as a natural sexual enhancer, but what does royal honey really do sexually? Marketed as a potent libido booster derived from nature’s sweet nectar, these honey-based supplements promise enhanced sexual performance and desire. However, recent investigations and warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have unveiled a darker side to these seemingly innocuous products, suggesting that the “buzz” they deliver may not be as natural—or safe—as advertised.
FDA Uncovers Hidden Drugs in Royal Honey Supplements
The FDA has taken a firm stance against several companies marketing honey-based sexual enhancement supplements, issuing warning letters after discovering undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients. These ingredients, specifically tadalafil and sildenafil, are the very drugs found in prescription medications like Cialis and Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction. This revelation casts a shadow over the purported natural origins of these products, including brands like “Royal Honey for Him” and “X Rated Honey for Men,” which lab tests confirmed contained these prescription drugs.
This discovery is not just a matter of misleading labeling; it poses significant health risks. The FDA emphasizes that these hidden drugs can be particularly dangerous for individuals taking nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, or medications for diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. The combination can lead to a drastic and dangerously low drop in blood pressure.
“Consumers are unknowingly facing serious health risks because they’re unaware of these hidden prescription drug ingredients and how they might negatively interact with other medications or supplements they are taking,” stated Judy McMeekin, Pharm.D., FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, in a public release. Beyond drug interactions, the undisclosed presence of these substances also raises the risk of allergic reactions in unsuspecting consumers.
The FDA has identified companies like Thirstyrun LLC (US Royal Honey LLC), MKS Enterprise LLC, Shopaax.com, and 1am USA Incorporated dba Pleasure Products USA as being involved in the distribution of these tainted supplements. These products are often sold online through platforms such as Amazon and Etsy, and potentially in retail stores. The companies receiving warnings have been given a 15-day window to address the FDA’s concerns or face potential legal repercussions, including product seizures. Notably, Shopaax.com initiated a voluntary recall of its Kingdom Honey Royal Honey VIP after it was found to contain sildenafil.
Erectile Dysfunction: Why Hidden Drugs are a Problem
The fact that Royal Honey supplements are being found to contain drugs meant to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) highlights a crucial point: ED is a medical condition that should be addressed with proper medical guidance, not through unregulated supplements promising quick fixes.
PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil, the drugs discovered in Royal Honey, are effective treatments for ED. However, they are prescription medications for a reason. They require a doctor’s supervision to ensure safe and appropriate use, considering individual health conditions and potential drug interactions. Secretly including these drugs in supplements bypasses this crucial safety net and misleads consumers into believing they are experiencing the benefits of “natural” ingredients when, in reality, they are ingesting pharmaceutical substances without their knowledge or consent.
The Illusion of “Natural”: Unregulated Supplements and Misleading Marketing
The appeal of Royal Honey and similar products lies in their “natural” marketing. “Royal Honey for Men,” for example, boasts of providing “ultimate power” and being “the most potent and natural source of sexual power and testosterone.” The listed ingredients often include herbs like tribulus terrestris, tongkat ali, and ginseng, all commonly associated with testosterone boosters and sexual enhancement in the supplement industry.
However, this “natural” image is deceptive. The supplement industry operates in a largely unregulated space, meaning products are not rigorously vetted by the FDA before reaching consumers. As Dr. Franklin Lowe, vice chairman of the Department of Urology at Montefiore Medical Center, explained to NBC News, “People should be very leery taking many of the products and supplements, because they’re unregulated, and most people don’t know what’s actually in them.”
Dr. Lowe further emphasized the disconnect between marketing and reality: “What is on the label doesn’t necessarily correlate to what’s actually in the bottle or pill. And this is a perfect example of that.” This lack of regulation and potential for mislabeling means consumers cannot be certain of what they are actually consuming when they choose these supplements.
Better Sex: Focus on Real Solutions, Not Risky Supplements
While the promise of enhanced sexual performance is alluring, achieving better sex and addressing sexual health concerns requires a more informed and health-conscious approach than relying on unregulated supplements. If you are experiencing issues like low libido or erectile dysfunction, the first and most important step is to consult with a healthcare professional.
A doctor can properly diagnose the underlying causes of your concerns, which may range from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions. Erectile dysfunction, for example, can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease or other health issues. Seeking professional medical advice ensures you receive appropriate treatment, which might include prescription medications, lifestyle changes, or other therapies tailored to your specific needs. This approach is not only safer but also more likely to be effective in the long run compared to the uncertain and potentially dangerous path of using unregulated supplements.
A Growing Danger: The FDA’s Expanding List of Tainted Products
The FDA’s recent actions are part of a broader effort to combat the growing problem of tainted sexual enhancement products. The agency maintains an expanding list of such products, and in April alone, warned about 18 other honey-based sexual supplements found to contain hidden drugs. Warnings about online sexual enhancement pills containing undisclosed ingredients like sildenafil date back to 2019, demonstrating this is an ongoing and persistent issue.
Dr. Jack Jeng, Chief Medical Officer at Hone Health, underscores the importance of seeking professional medical help for erectile dysfunction: “It’s extremely important for men experiencing erectile dysfunction to talk to a doctor about their symptoms. Erectile dysfunction is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease and may be caused by underlying problems like low testosterone. A doctor can review your medical history and order lab tests to determine the best course of action. If medication is appropriate, your doctor will provide a prescription and monitor for side effects and efficacy.”
Report Side Effects and Prioritize Your Health
If you suspect you have experienced negative side effects from using a supplement like Royal Honey, it is crucial to report them to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. This reporting helps the FDA monitor and regulate the supplement industry more effectively, protecting public health.
Ultimately, when it comes to sexual health and overall well-being, transparency and informed decisions are paramount. Instead of seeking quick fixes from supplements with questionable ingredients and misleading marketing, prioritize open communication with healthcare professionals and evidence-based solutions. Your health and safety are worth more than the fleeting buzz promised by unregulated “natural” supplements.
