New Zealand warns of 'natural Viagra' sold in China

A popular urban lichen in New Zealand is being promoted as a natural "miracle" to replace Viagra, but it may have a negative effect.

Botanists in New Zealand are warning people not to abuse lichens that grow on sidewalks and in shady rocks in the country.

The false rumors about the use of this geography are spreading "dizzy" on social networks, according to the Guardian.

The geographer of the University of Otago, Dr. Allison Knight, calls this popular lichen "a" sidewalk " after discovering it was promoted as " natural medicine " on Online trade sites, especially in China.

New Zealand experts have warned people not to consume "street sidewalks" because it could be contaminated with toxins.(Photo: AP).

According to Knight, the scientific name of this lichen is Xanthoparmelia scabrosa . Its composition contains a substance similar to Viagra but may also contain toxic ingredients.

Lichen growing on the road can be contaminated with urban pollutants such as urine and dog feces, car exhaust, arsenic, mercury and lead.

This lichen only grows in New Zealand and the Pacific, the most in urban areas.

There are hundreds of products in the form of pills and powder from this lichen sold rampant on popular Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba. They can also buy retail at $ 12-300 / kg.

Dr. Knight said most of the products available online are "made" from 80% Viagra and 20% grass.

According to her, the sidewalk lichen is not tested under any strict test of performance and safety .

"It's not really tested and contains some toxic substances. So don't consume it," Knight told the Guardian.

New Zealand botanist Dr. Peter de Lange also dismissed the therapeutic properties of this lichen. He even said that its effect on sexual ability may be contrary to what people hope.

Meanwhile, Knight also said that lichen can bring health benefits.

"This lichen [Xanthoparmelia scabrosa] is not available worldwide, or in China, where it is consumed in large quantities , " said Knight.

"But geography in general has great potential. There are many studies being conducted to see how they can be used for the next generation of antibiotics to replace the ones we are resistant to. drug".

At least 20,000 lichen species are known around the world, 2,000 of which grow in New Zealand, especially on shady sidewalks, fruit trunks and in primeval forests. Like most of New Zealand's most biota, some lichens and lichens have been threatened with extinction.