Determination of sildenafil and tadalafil adulteration by LC-MS/MS and 23 elements by ICP-MS in food supplements

Abstract

Background and Aims: Since the increasing prevalence of erectile dysfunction disease, the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors is widespread in the current era. The first and the most known molecule of PDE-5 inhibitors is sildenafil. It is widely used in the market. The second and more developed one is tadalafil. It is known that these substances are found in sexual stimulant food supplements as adulteration. In addition, food supplements can contain metals that can cause hazardous activity by accumulating. In our study, 11 randomly chosen sexual stimulant known products are studied which were bought from different stores in Edirne. Methods: Adulteration with sildenafil and tadalafil was determined by LC-MS/MS because of the enhanced accuracy and precision, general applicability, and higher selectivity. Also, the determination of 23 metals, including known heavy metals, was made with ICP-MS. Results: In the study, 7 of 11 samples detected at least 1 compound of sildenafil (up to 92.44 mg in one serving) or tadalafil (up to 23.62 mg in one serving). Neither of the samples exceeded the limits of metal daily intakes that are shown in Table 4. Conclusion: In past studies, adulteration was determined in food supplements, and it is still detected today. The results we obtained are engrossing for the regulations of sexual stimulant food supplement sales. Their additional effects on total daily intake raise health concerns. The data obtained from this study will contribute to inform consumers and health professionals about the status of food supplements in the market.

Keywords

• Adulteration
• dietary food supplements
• metals
• PDE-5 inhibitors
• sildenafil
• tadalafil

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