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Herbal supplements that are being used nowadays to address obesity and erectile dysfunction for instance, are believed to contain several hidden pharmaceutical content that are unlicensed and may pose a risk when consumed.

A research team from the Queen's University Belfast and the Kingston University in London revealed that herbal supplements do not have enough proof as to the benefits that it claims to have towards its users and also contains illegal ingredients that could lead to low blood pressure and increased risk of heart attacks as reported by The Guardian.

Unlicensed substances that are present in these food supplements was identified as sibutramine. Although licensed as the medicine Reductil in 2010, it was withdrawn from Europe and the United States of America due to the risk of strokes and heart attacks that are associated with the use of the drug.

Meanwhile, food supplements used to address erectile dysfunction contains sibutramine and tadalafil. When taking other medications that contain nitrates, this can lead to lowered blood pressure and cause other serious health problems.

Experts suggest that consumers are being deceived in taking beneficial health supplements when the truth is they are taking a hidden drug that poses dangers to their health. A total of 63 incidences recorded for supplements containing sibutramine from 2009 to 2016.

Another negative aspect that comes with taking in these supplements is that consumers tend to reveal to their medical doctors that they have taken such supplements. If remained undeclared, side effects that are caused by the consumption of these supplements are not properly addressed and can lead them into a very dangerous situation, The Sun UK reports.

Yohimbine is also found as one of the ingredients in the 30 supplements included in the study. This substance can increase blood pressure and induce anxiety. However, the list of the supplements containing such dangerous ingredients is not well-accounted for since they do not have access to every health food shop and herbalist in the country.