It begins with a sachet. Small, honey-filled, and stamped with branding like “Royal Honey VIP” or “X-Rated Honey,” these male enhancement products have surged in popularity across TikTok and Instagram. Packaged to suggest natural wellness, they are presented as sexual stamina boosters that use only herbal and bee-derived ingredients. But behind the cheerful packaging lies a deeply concerning trend — one that involves misrepresentation, undeclared prescription drugs, and significant public health risks.
Marketed as food supplements, these honey-based sexual enhancers are widely available online and in petrol stations, off-licences, and convenience stores across the UK. Most troubling is their appeal to younger men, particularly those facing performance anxiety rather than a diagnosable health condition. Viral challenges and testimonials have created a false sense of safety, further amplified by hashtags and influencer promotions. But beneath the veneer of “natural” branding, the products often contain illegal and unlabelled pharmaceutical compounds.
Manufactured Appeal: The Natural Marketing Myth
The commercial success of these sachets rests on their portrayal as “100% natural.” Descriptions typically highlight honey, ginseng, maca root, and other herbs as the active ingredients. Yet, clinical analysis of these components shows a consistent pattern — their effects are either negligible, placebo-driven, or scientifically unproven. What these claims lack in evidence, they make up for in persuasive language and design, drawing unsuspecting consumers into a cycle of misinformation.
Among the most commonly cited ingredients are:
- Honey and Royal Jelly
- Panax Ginseng
- Tongkat Ali
- Maca Root
- Horny Goat Weed
- Tribulus Terrestris
While these substances are rooted in traditional medicine or folklore, their use in modern supplements often outpaces the science that would justify them. Some may offer general health benefits when used in larger or concentrated quantities, but none deliver the rapid-onset effects attributed to honey packs.
A Fun Fact that Feels Sweet But Isn’t:
In 2023, the US FDA found that over 80% of “natural” male enhancement honey products tested contained undisclosed pharmaceutical drugs like sildenafil or tadalafil.
Apiculture and Illusion: What the Bee Products Actually Do
The foundation of these supplements is honey, sometimes paired with bee pollen or royal jelly. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and widely accepted in nutrition for their health-supporting properties. However, their role in sexual enhancement is overstated.
Scientific reviews, including assessments by the European Food Safety Authority, find no robust evidence that honey or royal jelly improves erectile function or libido. Studies showing positive effects are generally confined to animal models or involve unrealistic dosages when compared to the small quantities found in these sachets. Essentially, the honey is a carrier, not a catalyst, chosen more for its perceived wholesomeness than its medical merit.
Ginseng and Its Limitations
Panax ginseng is frequently named as a natural aphrodisiac, with some data suggesting it may reduce fatigue or elevate mood. However, its effectiveness in treating erectile dysfunction remains modest at best. A high-standard Cochrane review in 2021 evaluated several trials and concluded that ginseng likely produces only a trivial improvement in erectile function.
Moreover, many of the trials studied were small, lacked consistent dosages, or were of poor methodological quality. As a result, while the ingredient might help some users feel more energised, it cannot credibly account for the sexual effects that honey pack consumers describe. The marketing oversells the impact and masks the true source of the product’s power.
Tongkat Ali: Reputational Power, Not Clinical Strength
Often promoted as a testosterone booster, Tongkat Ali (or Eurycoma longifolia) holds a strong position in the branding of many enhancement supplements. Its earthy name and Southeast Asian origins add to its exotic appeal. However, science tells another story.
Meta-analyses of clinical trials show little to no consistent benefit in terms of erectile function. Even more worrying is the potential for toxicity. The European Food Safety Authority has raised concerns about its effect on DNA, citing insufficient safety data. The herb is also frequently named in cases of adulteration, where undeclared pharmaceuticals are added to enhance its effects. This alone should raise red flags for consumers.
Maca Root: Ancient Claims, Modern Doubts
Maca, a root vegetable from the Peruvian Andes, is another ingredient marketed heavily in honey packs. Some studies have linked it to improved libido in men, but the evidence remains inconsistent. Most trials are small, short-term, or conducted without placebo controls. A 2023 trial of 80 participants reported a statistically significant improvement in erectile function, yet the effect was minimal and potentially attributable to psychological expectation rather than pharmacological action.
Even more telling is the lack of effect on testosterone levels — maca appears to act independently of hormonal pathways, undermining one of the main claims about its utility for men with low libido.
Exotic Herbs or Placebo Platforms?
Two other popular additives, Horny Goat Weed and Tribulus Terrestris, follow the same pattern. Laboratory studies show that icariin (from Horny Goat Weed) may inhibit the PDE-5 enzyme, the same biological target as Viagra. But this is only in vitro. No reliable human trials support its efficacy. Similarly, while Tribulus has been studied for its supposed effect on testosterone, a 2024 review concluded there is only weak, inconsistent evidence for its role in treating erectile dysfunction.
This pattern of weak evidence and strong branding is not accidental. These herbs lend the product a sense of legitimacy while distracting from the central deception — the inclusion of illegal, undeclared pharmaceutical agents. The list of “natural” ingredients becomes a smokescreen, suggesting a safe herbal blend where none exists.
The Placebo Effect and Psychological Reinforcement
It is important not to underestimate the placebo effect. When a product is marketed as powerful, endorsed by peers, and sold in seductive packaging, users often experience real improvements. Confidence may rise, anxiety may fall, and performance may benefit temporarily. The danger lies in mistakenly attributing these effects to the herbal blend rather than to psychological factors or the presence of undeclared pharmaceuticals.
In many cases, this illusion of effectiveness becomes self-reinforcing. Online forums, social media videos, and anecdotal testimonials amplify belief in the product’s power, even as the scientific foundation remains weak or non-existent. This creates a viral feedback loop — one that trades on trust, exploits insecurity, and fuels demand for a dangerous product.
Natural Ingredients vs Scientific Support
| Ingredient | Claimed Benefit | Scientific Verdict | Strength of Evidence |
| Honey / Royal Jelly | Low/conflicting | No effect on human sexual performance | Lacking human trials |
| Panax Ginseng | Erectile function, stamina | Trivial improvement vs placebo, poor trial quality | Very low/inconclusive |
| Tongkat Ali | Libido, testosterone, ED | Weak evidence, possible DNA damage risks | Very low / safety concerns |
| Maca Root | Libido, erectile function | Limited benefit, does not affect testosterone | Very low/speculative |
| Horny Goat Weed | Erectile function | Weak PDE-5 activity in lab only, no quality trials | Very low/inconsistent |
| Tribulus Terrestris | Libido, testosterone | Minimal ED support, no proven testosterone boost | Very low / inconsistent |
When “Herbal” Masks Something Far More Dangerous
The takeaway from this section is stark. These honey-based enhancers are marketed using ingredients that, while familiar and mostly safe in isolation, are incapable of producing the fast, powerful effects they are credited with. The herbs offer a surface explanation — a way to reassure the consumer — but the real mechanism of action lies elsewhere. Behind the scenes, these products are frequently tainted with prescription drugs, offering unmonitored pharmacological impact and all the associated risks.
The illusion of natural enhancement is shattered when we examine what independent lab tests reveal.
The Undeclared Drugs Hiding in Plain Sight
If the herbal ingredients cannot explain the powerful effects claimed by users of honey packs, what can? The answer is both unsettling and well-documented. Multiple investigations by health authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), have repeatedly found that many of these so-called natural supplements are secretly adulterated with prescription-only medicines.
The two most frequently detected are sildenafil (commonly sold as Viagra) and tadalafil (sold as Cialis). These drugs are potent treatments for erectile dysfunction, but their presence in an unlabelled, unregulated product poses a serious threat to consumer safety.
What Are Sildenafil and Tadalafil?
Sildenafil and tadalafil belong to a class of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors, which work by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. In the UK, these medicines are legally classified as Prescription-Only Medicines (POMs) — except a specific low-dose formulation of sildenafil available at pharmacies following a clinical check.
These medications are not over-the-counter convenience products. Their use must be tailored to an individual’s health profile, as they can interact dangerously with other medications and pre-existing medical conditions. When consumed unknowingly, as is the case with adulterated honey packs, they pose a significant risk to the user of unpredictable side effects or interactions.
The Global Pattern of Deception
This is not a one-off incident or the result of poor manufacturing. The inclusion of undeclared pharmaceuticals is a widespread and deliberate practice. Between 2017 and 2022, the FDA issued more than a dozen public warnings about specific honey-based supplements found to contain hidden drugs. These included products such as Royal Honey VIP, Kingdom Honey, and Wonderful Honey, all of which were marketed using the same natural wellness language.
Regulators in New Zealand, Singapore, and other countries have issued similar warnings. One investigation revealed a single capsule that contained more tadalafil than the maximum licensed daily dose, in addition to sildenafil hidden within the gelatin shell. Such revelations suggest a deliberate effort by manufacturers to circumvent regulatory oversight while delivering effects similar to those of drugs, which would otherwise require medical supervision.
The Risks of Unknown Dosages
One of the gravest dangers posed by these products is the unpredictable dosage of the hidden drug. Because honey packs are not produced under pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, each sachet may contain a different amount — or even a dangerous combination — of active ingredients.
A person consuming such a product cannot know whether they are ingesting a standard dose, a sub-therapeutic quantity, or an amount that far exceeds safe limits. The risk is compounded by the absence of medical oversight. A doctor would normally adjust dosages based on age, liver function, and concurrent medications. With honey packs, none of these precautions exist.
This variability dramatically increases the likelihood of side effects and, in some cases, medical emergencies.
Serious Adverse Reactions
The side effects of PDE-5 inhibitors can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Common reactions include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness
- Back or muscle pain
More serious complications include:
- Sudden hearing or vision loss
- Irregular heartbeat
- Priapism (a prolonged and painful erection lasting over four hours)
- Severe low blood pressure when combined with nitrates
The last point is particularly critical. When sildenafil or tadalafil is taken by someone using nitrate medication — commonly prescribed for angina or other heart conditions — the combination can cause a drastic drop in blood pressure. This can lead to unconsciousness, a heart attack, or even death.
The NHS specifically warns against using PDE-5 inhibitors with nitrates, yet this safeguard is completely undermined when the medication is consumed unknowingly through an unlabelled supplement.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to the risks posed by hidden pharmaceuticals in honey packs:
- Men with cardiovascular conditions
- Those on nitrate or blood pressure medications
- People with liver or kidney impairment
- Men with anatomical or haematological risk factors for priapism
- Anyone with hereditary eye disorders like retinitis pigmentosa
These are precisely the groups who should receive personalised medical advice, not off-the-shelf, unregulated treatments from convenience shops or TikTok ads.
A Dangerous Detour from Diagnosis
Another consequence of using honey packs is the delay or avoidance of proper medical diagnosis. Erectile dysfunction is not always a standalone issue. It can be a warning sign of broader health problems such as:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Low testosterone
- High blood pressure
- Depression or anxiety
When men bypass a GP and self-medicate using illicit supplements, they miss the chance to uncover these serious, often treatable conditions. This not only affects individual health outcomes but also places unnecessary strain on NHS emergency services when things go wrong.
The Legal Picture in the United Kingdom
The sale, supply, or distribution of these honey-based sexual enhancers is illegal in the UK under multiple layers of legislation. Their illegality is not due to a technicality or regulatory grey area, but rather a clear violation of well-established rules.
Food Supplement or Unlicensed Drug?
UK law defines a medicinal product not just by its ingredients but also by its intended purpose. Suppose a product is marketed to treat a medical condition, such as erectile dysfunction. In that case, it automatically falls under the remit of the MHRA.
When that product also contains undeclared prescription drugs, it becomes an unlicensed medicine, which is strictly prohibited for sale to the public. Manufacturers who fail to obtain a Marketing Authorisation (MA) are violating the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Food Standards and Novel Ingredients
Even from a food safety standpoint, these products are in breach. The Honey (England) Regulations 2015 prohibit the adulteration of honey and mandate proper labelling. The inclusion of undeclared substances and misleading claims puts the product in direct violation of food law.
In some cases, the inclusion of obscure herbs like Tongkat Ali may also breach Novel Food Regulations, which apply to ingredients not widely consumed in the EU or UK prior to 1997. These must undergo a safety assessment and approval process — something illicit honey pack manufacturers do not undertake.
UK Enforcement Actions
UK authorities have taken active steps to combat the flow of these illegal products. The MHRA, working in partnership with the UK Border Force, has seized millions of doses of unauthorised medicine. In 2023 alone, over £30 million worth of illegal products were confiscated, many of which were sexual enhancement supplements.
The global nature of the trade — with manufacturing often based in India, China, or Singapore — makes enforcement difficult. Large online marketplaces such as Amazon have implemented bans, but many sellers continue to use loopholes and rebranded packaging to relist items.
Consumer awareness, therefore, remains a vital line of defence.
Safe and Effective Alternatives
Fortunately, men in the UK have access to safe, regulated, and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. The NHS provides confidential advice and treatments that are backed by science and tailored to the patient’s medical history.
Lifestyle Measures
In many cases, erectile function can be improved without medication through changes such as:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Stopping smoking
- Managing stress and mental health
These interventions help address root causes like poor circulation or low testosterone.
NHS-Approved Medical Treatments
When lifestyle changes are not enough, a range of treatments are available, including:
- Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis) on prescription
- Alprostadil as a cream, pellet, or injection
- Vacuum pumps, often NHS-supplied
- Penile implants for complex cases
- Psychosexual therapy through COSRT- or BACP-accredited therapists
Importantly, a pharmacist or GP will ensure that these treatments are appropriate and safe for the individual, eliminating the guesswork and danger inherent in unregulated products.
Protecting Yourself Online
With many of these illegal supplements sold through e-commerce platforms, it is essential to verify the credibility of online pharmacies. In the UK:
- Pharmacies must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
- Online doctor services must be approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- All prescribing doctors must be on the General Medical Council (GMC) register
Products described as “herbal Viagra” should be avoided altogether. This phrase has no scientific basis and is commonly used to disguise the sale of illegal, adulterated supplements.
A Clear and Final Verdict
Honey packs are not harmless, natural remedies. They are illegal, unlicensed medicines sold in disguise, often containing dangerous levels of undeclared pharmaceutical drugs. While the packaging suggests safety and convenience, the health risks are substantial and well-documented. No legitimate medical body in the UK recommends or approves their use.
The responsible pathway for anyone concerned about sexual health is to speak to a GP or visit a sexual health clinic. This ensures access to safe, regulated treatments and opens the door to diagnosis and treatment of any underlying issues.
Relying on anonymous sachets bought online or at the corner shop is not only dangerous — it could prove fatal.
