An Age-Old Quest Could Be at an End: Chinese Hail Viagra

Traditional Chinese medicine has several treatments for curing impotence, or simply for stimulating more sexual energy. Two years ago, however, Viagra was made legal and introduced in China with immediate success. There are certain parts of China where Viagra is sold almost everywhere – including candy stores and soda stands. However, as Viagra’s demand grows, so does the production of imitation pills, which may or may not contain the key ingredient, sildenafil citrate. Thousands of pills are sold each day in China, but Pfizer, Viagra’s manufacturer and holder of patent rights, has exported only a fraction of the total number of pills consumed in China. Government officials have attempted to crack down on Viagra rings and have met with some success. Ultimately, however, the return of traditional – and cheaper – herbal treatments may remedy both problems, personal and corporate. – YaleGlobal