Identification of benzamidenafil, a new class of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, as an adulterant in a dietary supplement

A sample labeled to be a natural herbal supplement for the enhancement of sexual function, was sent to Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore for testing. An unknown compound was detected and isolated from the product. The structure of the unknown compound was identified using LC-UV, high-resolution MS, ESI-MS/MS, IR, and NMR. The compound was characterized as a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, benzamidenafil. This is the first report of benzamidenafil, representing a new class of PDE-5 inhibitors, as an adulterant of a dietary supplement.