Hyderabad, Sept. 26: Red sanders is not only used for making furniture and showpieces, the Chinese apparently use an extract of the smuggled wood to make “sex” pills similar to Viagra.
The AP Biodiversity Board has alleged that the Chinese use Pterosibilin, an extract of the red sanders — locally known as Yerra Chandanam — that is smuggled out of the state, to make the medicine. The AP Biodiversity Board chairman, Dr R. Hampaiah, said, “Everyone thought that red sanders wood was only used for making furniture and musical instruments. But there is more to it. We have information that they are using it to make herbal sex pills. Each tablet of this aphrodisiac is sold at $25 each. They extract a kilogram of Pterosibilin from a tonne of red sanders. One mg of it is more powerful than Viagra.”
China is apparently buying small pieces of the wood as well as the red sanders’ powder. “They are paying ` 25 lakh per tonne. If it was for furniture why would they take the cut pieces? It is mentioned in Ayurveda also. The extraction patent is with China. If our researchers can find a new method of extraction we can make capsules and sell them world-wide,” said Dr Hampaiah. Earlier, the AP forest department had auctioned red sanders seized from smugglers.
The state has also applied for a Geographical Indicator status for red sanders.
“This is unique to the Seshachalam Hills. So, we are going to get a Geographical Indicator for it. The DNA map of red sanders will be made and this will help in its conservation,” said Dr Hampaiah.