Analysis of Sildenafil in Food Supplements and Energy Drinks by Laboratory Methods

Sildenafil Analysis in Food Supplements and Energy Drinks

As sildenafil is a prescription-only drug, it is specifically prohibited in unlicensed food products. Therefore, various methods of analysis are used in laboratories to determine the presence and amount of sildenafil. Sildenafil is a compound originally used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction), which acts by dilating blood vessels. It should be used in moderation and can cause serious side effects, especially in people with heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. The presence of sildenafil in energy drinks and food supplements may pose the following dangers:

1. Risk of Lowering Blood Pressure: Sildenafil can lower blood pressure through its dilating effect on blood vessels, which can have fatal consequences, especially for heart patients.
2. Drug Interactions: Interacting with many medications, sildenafil can cause serious side effects such as dizziness, chest pain and even heart attack.
3. Risk of Unconscious Consumption: The presence of sildenafil in energy drinks and food supplements can lead users to unknowingly ingest this compound, which means uncontrolled and unhealthy consumption.

Laboratory Methods Used for Sildenafil Detection

Analyzing sildenafil in food supplements and energy drinks is essential both to ensure the safety of the products and to prevent its illegal use. The main laboratory methods used for the detection of sildenafil are the following:

1. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

High Performance Liquid Chromatography is one of the most widely used methods for analyzing compounds such as sildenafil in food products. HPLC enables the separation and precise quantification of compounds. The sample is fed into the HPLC instrument and special solvents are used so that the compounds can be separated. Sildenafil is detected by the detector at a specific wavelength. It provides high sensitivity and reliability; even small amounts of sildenafil can be detected.

2. Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry is an advanced method used especially for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. GC-MS enables the separation of compounds and the determination of their molecular structure. The sample is separated in gas chromatography, followed by molecular weight analysis in the mass spectrometer. The molecular signature of sildenafil is confirmed by the analysis. It provides very high sensitivity and structural confirmation of sildenafil can be performed.

3. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)

Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography provides faster and higher resolution results than HPLC. UPLC separates using a liquid phase, similar to HPLC, but with faster results. Samples are fed into the UPLC instrument and sildenafil is determined. It is characterized by high sensitivity, short analysis time and low solvent consumption.

4. Capillary Electrophoresis (CE)

Capillary Electrophoresis is a method based on the separation of samples in an electric field. It is widely used, especially in drug analysis. An electric current is applied as the sample is passed through the capillary tube. Sildenafil and other compounds are separated according to their electrical charge and detected by the detector. Effective in analyzing low amounts of compounds, minimal use of solvents.

5. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

ELISA is a method for detecting molecules in biological samples based on antigen-antibody interactions. Antibodies are used to detect the presence of sildenafil. Antibody is added to the sample and a color change occurs in the presence of sildenafil. It is a fast, low-cost and practical method; used for screening purposes.

Nano-lab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Sildenafil Analysis in Food Supplements and Energy Drinks. We also provide services in Food Supplement Analysis.

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