Banned herbal Viagra spawns illegal trade

A herbal Viagra, coveted by many for its sexual prowess, has spawned a full-fledged illicit network of the banned drug across India and its neighbouring countries.

The demand for 'Yarsha Gomba,' also known as 'Keera Jhar,' banned under the Bio-Diversity Act is so huge within the country and among foreigners that large quantities are illegally procured from small farmers in Uttarakhand for trade in the Chinese market, an investigation revealed.

Security agency officials say they are aware of the existence of network operations which export the drug at very high prices to different countries.

"Last December, we broke a racket which was trying to export 74 kilogram of Yarshs Gomba to China. They procured it from parts of Uttarakhand and revealed to us that the demand of this product in China is huge," Bhim Sen Tuty, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Leh told PTI.

The fact of the matter is that not many enforcement agencies have a clue about this business which is spread across India, China, Tibet and Nepal. 

"We are in touch with a local Adivasi community in Nepal, which sends this drug to us at prices as low as Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per kg. We have a clientele in India who are ready to purchase it at Rs 4-5 lakh per kg," says Mohan Singh (name changed), a Jodhpur based businessman.

Experts attribute the demand of such medicine to the surge in sexual impotency cases. 

Around 10-15% of all males and more than 52% of men above 40 years in India suffer from sexual impotency, says Sunjay Chug, a psychiatrist.

Apart from Nepal, China and Tibet, 'Keera Jhar', Yarsha Gomba is found in the pure form in the meadows of Pithoragarh, Nandadevi, Hahul and other parts of the Leh and Ladakh.

The medicinal product is the result of a parasitic interaction between a caterpillar and a fungus and is highly sought after in the international market and can be sold for a very high price, says Dr Shahid Sami Siddique, who has done extensive research on the herb.

"Yes, it is proven cure of sexual impotency and other diseases like asthma and joint pains. I have tested this herb in Aligarh Muslim University through Yartsa Gumba tea and soup. It is very effective remedy for joint pains due to its one chemical property of the cordycepins. It is also known as an anti-ageing drug," he says.

Not limited to just remote and regional areas, the drug can be easily found even in the national capital. While most of the ayurvedic, yunani and herbal shops are unaware of its existence, certain shops sell it clandestinely. 

"We only have 5 gm but if you want more, we will have it by evening. No one else in Delhi can provide this drug," says Sunil, who owns a herbal shop in Khari Baoli market of Old Delhi area, which is a hub of spices and dry fruits.