Booming Market of Sanda Oil: Between Hype and Harm

In Pakistan, a controversial yet booming alternative to conventional sexual health treatments has emerged—Sanda Oil. Due to the societal taboos, religious constraints, and the ban on Viagra, many Pakistani men are turning to this oil as a solution to erectile dysfunction and other sexual performance concerns.

What is Sanda Oil and How Is It Made?

Sanda Oil is extracted from the fat of an endangered Indian spiny-tailed lizard (Saara hardwickii), often prepared in makeshift roadside stalls by local healers. The lizards are brutally killed alive—spinal cords crushed and organs removed—before the fat is fried to produce the oil. This is then mixed with herbal ingredients like ginseng, saffron, dried ginger, cinnamon, and sometimes even musk obtained from endangered musk deer.

Demand, Claims, and Application

Locally applied on the male organ, Sanda Oil is believed to enhance length, girth, and firmness, and help delay ejaculation. Its popularity is deeply tied to the ban on Viagra in Pakistan, making it a go-to option for men seeking discreet solutions. Dr. Asim Khan, a urologist in Islamabad, claims nearly 60% of his patients have tried such unregulated remedies.

Medical Concerns and Lack of Scientific Evidence

Medical experts are highly skeptical. They point out the lack of clinical data on safety and long-term health effects of this oil. “Without proper testing, we don’t know the impact on kidneys, liver, or hormonal systems,” Dr. Khan warned. Real sexual dysfunction can result from a mix of psychological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that Sanda Oil fails to address.

Market Price and Distribution

Sanda Oil’s price varies widely—from 300 PKR for a small vial to 10,000 PKR in remote tribal areas where medical access is limited. According to credible sources, Punjab province is the hub of its trade.

Animal Cruelty and Poaching Crisis

The oil trade has led to rampant illegal poaching. Saara hardwickii is listed on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Thousands of lizards have been seized by Pakistan’s wildlife departments. Wildlife authorities remain the only regulatory force, while other agencies like drug regulators and police have failed to act.

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Socio-Cultural Pressures Fueling the Trend

Anthropologist Abdul Qadir states that societal pressure on men to perform sexually drives demand. Sex therapist Tahira Rubab adds that men often feel emasculated by cultural expectations, seeking Sanda Oil as a symbol of restored masculinity.

Widespread Misbelief and Consumer Deception

Many believe Sanda Oil helps, but many are deceived. A senior civil officer spent 45,000 PKR with no results. Countless stories echo similar frustrations among users misled by unverified claims.

International Demand and Pakistan’s Health Challenge

Interestingly, Pakistani expats from Canada, USA, and UK also seek the oil, often referred by relatives. Despite partial monitoring by the Drug Regulatory Authority, the market remains largely unregulated and harmful both to health and biodiversity.

Sanda Oil is not just a traditional remedy; it’s a reflection of medical desperation, cultural stigma, and commercial exploitation. A science-backed, humane approach is urgently needed to replace such harmful alternatives.

FAQs

• What is Sanda Oil? It is an herbal oil made from lizard fat and traditional herbs, claimed to enhance male sexual performance.
• Is Sanda Oil safe? Its safety is unverified due to lack of scientific research. Health risks remain unknown.
• Why is Sanda Oil popular in Pakistan? Due to the Viagra ban, social taboos, and lack of access to sexual health care, many prefer discreet alternatives like Sanda Oil.
• Does Sanda Oil provide permanent results? Experts say any effect is temporary and doesn’t address underlying causes of sexual dysfunction.
• Where is Sanda Oil available? It is sold widely on streets, traditional medicine shops, and even reaches international buyers through informal channels.