Steve Warshak, founder of Enzyte, the Erectile Dysfunction Treatment, Stands Trial on Federal Charges of $100 Million Conspiracy to Defraud Customers.

The renewed warnings are being issued as Steve Warshak, founder of Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals in Forest Park, stands trial on federal charges of heading up a $100 million conspiracy to defraud customers of Enzyte, a supplement that promised men with impotence, small genitals, and erectile dysfunction better sex and bigger genitals. A former executive for Enzyte testified last week that employees made up data about how well Enzyte works, and created fictitious doctors to endorse the product. Warshak has denied the allegations.

Health experts have many concerns with both male enhancement and erectile dysfunction supplements, said Ahmad Hamidinia, a University of Cincinnati urological surgeon. “We have no idea what’s in these capsules to begin with. We have no idea what the side effects of these substances are. We don’t know, and even the manufacturers don’t know, how many of these capsules to recommend a day, because we don’t know what the dosage levels are,” he said. “Most of these ingredients are labeled enhancers, but what are they enhancing? Are they enhancing the organ size or the man’s performance?” Hamidinia asked. Supplements aren’t tested or strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA has issued recalls and warnings on many erectile dysfunction products in the last several years. In December, the FDA warned consumers that several products in the “Shanghai” line marketed to treat erectile dysfunction actually contained prescription drugs approved to treat impotency, but the medication wasn’t listed on the product label. Prescription drugs like Viagra and Cialis are effective at treating erectile problems, said Hamidinia, but men with some health conditions shouldn’t take them, and they can have dangerous interactions when mixed with some commonly prescribed medications. Some supplements have been found to be contaminated with illegal drugs, including cocaine, Hamidinia said.

To be sure, there are effective natural ED treatments available on the market. Still, anyone looking for a natural protocol should do some diligence; making sure the "Natural" product they are considering has been tested in an independent lab for all potential pharmaceutical ingredients. Most credible companies make free samples available to interested parties. One such company that stands behind their efficacy and purity is HBC Protocols. For a minimal shipping and handling charge they will send you a free sample.