Oscar’s ‘steroids’ boost sex drive

The “testosterone” found in Oscar Pistorius’ house is actually a herbal remedy that men use to give them extra energy in bed.

The state revealed in court this week a product called testocompasutium coenzyme was found with injection needles in the athlete’s home.

According to Pistorius’ lawyers, the product seized by police is the legal homeopathic remedy Testis compositum.

Well-known sports physician Dr Jon Patricios told City Press it is commonly used to combat flagging sexual energy, but athletes are advised not to use it because it may increase their testosterone levels.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has admitted that Warrant Officer Hilton Botha, the investigating officer who has since been withdrawn from the case, was overhasty when he testified that the product was testosterone.

“It is not clear what the product is until the forensic tests are completed,” said NPA spokesperson Medupe Simasiku, adding that they did not yet know whether it was legal or illegal.

Pistorius’ lawyers told the court that the medication seized was a legal herbal remedy.

It can be bought at health stores and some pharmacies without prescription.

“This is not an anabolic steroid and it is unlikely it will lead to irrational anger,” Patricios said.

However, athletes who take it run the risk of testing positive for testosterone.

The product consists of a combination of vitamins and herbal cures and is manufactured partly from animal organs such as the heart and testes, Patricios explained. It is administered as an injection.

In the past, the product was available over the counter, but for the past two years a prescription from a general practitioner or homeopath was required because the product is injected.

Pistorius’ legal team did not respond to questions about whether he had a prescription.

“Many athletes use it to counter exhaustion,” said Free State University sports medicine expert Dr Louis Holtzhausen.

Pistorius’ urine sample is now at the SA Doping Control Laboratory in Bloemfontein.

“We don’t know how long it will be before the results are ready; it’s quite a process,” laboratory head Dr Pieter van der Merwe said.

- Pieter-Louis Myburgh