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ExtenZe
View on WikipediaThis article contains promotional content. (April 2017) |

ExtenZe is an herbal nutritional supplement claiming to promote "natural male enhancement", a euphemism for penis enlargement.[1] ExtenZe paid $6 million to settle a class-action false advertising lawsuit in 2010.[2]
Websites selling the product make several more detailed claims, including acquiring a "larger penis". Their enlarging effects are described as "temporary" while under the use of ExtenZe. Early infomercials featured a studio audience and porn star Ron Jeremy.[3] Former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Hurricanes head coach Jimmy Johnson has also appeared in an ExtenZe commercial.[4] ExtenZe makes pills and 2-ounce shots that are sold in over 75,000 retail stores.
The product is manufactured by BIOTAB Nutraceuticals, Inc.,[1] and marketed by Maximizer Health Products.
False advertising and side effects
[edit]In 2006, ExtenZe agreed to pay the Orange County, California, district attorney's office $300,000 in civil penalties for unfair business practices and false advertising. Susan Kang Schroeder of the DA's office said the company could not back up its claim that the pills caused users' penises to grow by 27%. After several customers in Laguna Beach, California complained to the Better Business Bureau that ExtenZe was making them sick, the district attorney investigated.[5]
ExtenZe maker, Biotab Nutraceuticals, Inc., settled a class action false advertising lawsuit in 2010 for $6 million.[2] The plaintiffs claimed that ExtenZe made deceptive marketing claims about the product enlarging a man’s penis despite lacking credible scientific evidence to support these claims.
ExtenZe's side effects are possibly associated with yohimbe extract. Potential side effects include increased body temperature, increased blood pressure, sweating, increased heart rate, nausea, and upset stomach. Other side effects can include aggression, pounding heart, restlessness, fever, feeling like fainting, hallucinations, muscle twitches or spasms, abnormal behavior, severe headache, bruising easily, shortness of breath, blurred vision, seizures, ringing in the ears, chest pain, confusion, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, insomnia, mild skin rash, nervousness, cold feeling in the feet or hands, tingling or numbness in the feet or hands and difficulty when sleeping.[6]
In 2018, ExtenZe came under scrutiny of the FDA as a certain production lot of ExtenZe and ExtenZe Plus was found to contain sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in Viagra.[7][8]
Sports
[edit]Doping
[edit]ExtenZe contains dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is considered a performance-enhancing drug and is banned by the Olympics and the World Anti-Doping Agency, and in the United States by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Football League, and the National Basketball Association.[9] In 2010, 400-meter Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt was banned from competition for taking ExtenZe.[10] Merritt apologized, saying that he did not realize that the formulation contained DHEA. Merritt provisionally accepted a two-year ban from competition, although he announced plans to appeal. Sports authorities, however, were not sympathetic:
"Any professional athlete in this sport knows that they are solely responsible for anything that goes into their bodies. For Mr. Merritt to claim inadvertent use of a banned substance due to the ingestion of over-the-counter supplements brings shame to himself and his teammates. Thanks to his selfish actions, he has done damage to our efforts to fight the plague of performance-enhancing drugs in our sport," USA Track and Field CEO Doug Logan said in a press release.[11]
Late in 2011, however, his ban ended and he was cleared to compete in the 2012 Olympics.[12]
Sponsorship
[edit]ExtenZe sponsored 2010 NASCAR Rookie of the Year Kevin Conway in both NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series from 2009 to 2011.[13] ExtenZe faced legal actions by both of Conway's Cup Series teams in 2010, Front Row Motorsports and Robby Gordon Motorsports, after ExtenZe allegedly paid neither team's sponsorship money.[14][15][16] Conway and ExtenZe would join NEMCO Motorsports in 2011. The deal, however, was very limited and unlike Front Row and Robby Gordon, NEMCO was not financially compromised.
Ingredients
[edit]It has been reported that the product website lists DHEA as an ingredient.
The following ingredients comprise ExtenZe, as reported on the images of labels on vendor websites:
- Folate (folic acid)
- Zinc (as oxide)
- Micronized DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
- Pregnanolone (3β-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one)
- Black pepper (seed)
- Piper longum (seed)
- Ginger (root)
- Yohimbe extract (bark)
- Tribulus terrestris extract (aerial part and fruit)
- Korean ginseng extract (root)
- Cnidium monnieri (seed)
- Eleutherococcus extract (root) standardized to .8% eleutherosides
- Xanthroparmelia scarbosa (aerial part)
- γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Velvet deer antler
- Horny goat weed (leaf)
- Damiana (leaf)
- Muira puama extract (stem)
- Pumpkin (seed)
- Stinging nettle (root)
- Astragalus (root)
- Licorice extract (root)
- L-arginine hydrochloride
- Ho Shou Wu extract (root)
- Boron (as chelate)
- Other ingredients include dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid, film coating (dextrin), titanium dioxide, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, brilliant blue FCF, aluminum lake, Macrogol/PEG 8000, dextrose monohydrate, lecithin, maltodextrin, Macrogol/PEG 400, magnesium stearate, and silica.
Although the company claims that the product is completely natural, FDA testing confirmed that at least two of ExtenZe's variants, including ExtenZe Plus, contain traces of sildenafil, a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction.[7][8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Haldane, David (25 July 2006). "Enhancement Marketer Is Fined for False Advertising". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ a b Edwards, Jim (December 1, 2010). "Extenze Settles a False Advertising Suit; Now the FTC Should Go After Jimmy Johnson". CBS. Moneywatch. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ Ahrens, Frank (September 26, 2004). "Miracle Infomercials: TV's Hard Sells Are a $256 Billion Business". The Washington Post.
- ^ "Jimmy Johnson, ExtenZe Spokesman! Coach To Pitch 'Male Enhancement' Pills". The Huffington Post. 2010-02-05.
- ^ Haldane, David (July 25, 2006). "Enhancement Marketer Is Fined for False Advertising". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
- ^ "Additional ExtenZe Unauthorized Sexual Enhancement Products Removed from Sale". Health Canada. Retrieved 2019-07-20.
- ^ a b "Public Notification: Extenze Nutritional Supplement contains hidden drug ingredient". FDA. August 31, 2018.
- ^ a b "Public Notification: Extenze Plus contains hidden drug ingredient". FDA. August 31, 2018.
- ^ Kornblut, Anne E.; Wilson, Duff (April 17, 2005). "How One Pill Escaped the List of Controlled Steroids". New York Times. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
- ^ "Olympics Blog". The Los Angeles Times. 2010-04-22.
- ^ "USATF - News". www.usatf.org.
- ^ Longman, Jeré (20 December 2011). "Sprinter Leaves Humiliation Behind". The New York Times.
- ^ Tyler, Marty (September 29, 2009). "Kevin Conway And Extenze Ink A Multi-Year Deal". Catchfence.com. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
- ^ Pockrass, Bob (September 14, 2010). "Front Row sues former driver Kevin Conway, Extenze over portion of $5.4 million sponsorship deal". scenedaily.com. Archived from the original on 2010-09-18. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
- ^ Pockrass, Bob (August 14, 2010). "Kevin Conway out at Front Row Motorsports as sponsor Extenze cuts ties with team". scenedaily.com. Brooklyn, Michigan. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
- ^ Menzer, Joe (March 8, 2011). "CONWAY, RGM IN WAR OF WORDS AFTER ALTERCATION". NASCAR.com. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
External links
[edit]ExtenZe
View on GrokipediaOverview and Product Details
Description and Availability
ExtenZe is an herbal nutritional supplement marketed as a natural male enhancement product, specifically aimed at temporary penis enlargement and improved sexual performance. It is formulated as a dietary supplement containing a blend of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, and other compounds intended for oral consumption.[1][3] The product is available in several physical forms, including standard and extended-release pills (typically in 30-count bottles), as well as 2-ounce liquid shots for faster absorption. These variants are designed for daily use, with the extended-release option providing prolonged effects over several hours.[7][8] ExtenZe is produced and distributed by Leading Edge Health, a company specializing in natural health supplements. It is widely available in the United States through major retail channels, including pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS, grocery chains such as Kroger, convenience stores, and gas stations, as well as online retailers like Amazon. Pricing generally ranges from $30 to $50 for a one-month supply, depending on the form and retailer.[4][3][8][9][10][11] As of November 2025, ExtenZe continues to be commercially available without interruption, though it has faced regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including a 2018 public notification regarding undeclared ingredients in certain lots; no major recalls have been issued since that time.[5][3]Marketing Claims
ExtenZe's marketing emphasizes its role as an all-natural supplement designed to provide temporary enhancements to male sexual performance. Core promotional assertions include temporary increases in penis size through bigger and firmer erections, improved erection quality for harder and longer-lasting results, boosted stamina and endurance during sexual activity, and heightened overall sexual pleasure via increased libido and satisfaction.[4][12] The product is positioned as a non-prescription alternative to pharmaceuticals like Viagra, targeting adult males, particularly those over 40 experiencing concerns with low testosterone, erectile function, or sexual vitality.[4][1] Promotions highlight the supplement's all-natural composition with effects on blood flow and testosterone levels, distributed primarily through television infomercials, online advertisements, and retail packaging.[4][13] Early infomercials from the 2000s featured adult film actor Ron Jeremy, while later campaigns around 2006-2010 included endorsements from former NFL coach Jimmy Johnson to promote the product's benefits.[14][15] Over time, advertising evolved from early 2000s assertions of up to a 27% penis size increase to mid-2010s focuses on temporary enhancement effects, available in forms like pills.[12][16]History and Development
Founding and Early Promotion
ExtenZe was launched in the early 2000s by Maximizer Health Products, Inc. (also known as Dish Direct, Inc.), a company with roots in the nutraceutical industry. The product emerged as an herbal supplement targeted at male vitality, developed by principals experienced in supplement formulation and marketing. Limited public records detail the specific founders, but the company's focus from inception centered on direct-to-consumer distribution of lifestyle enhancement products. Ownership and manufacturing later transitioned to BIOTAB Nutraceuticals, Inc.[12][17] Early promotion emphasized late-night infomercials starting around 2002, featuring adult film star Ron Jeremy as the primary spokesperson to create immediate buzz among late-night viewers. These infomercials, often aired on television channels targeting adult audiences, highlighted the product's natural formulation and urged immediate purchases via phone orders or online. The strategy leveraged Ron Jeremy's notoriety to build credibility in the male enhancement niche, driving initial consumer interest through sensational presentations.[18][19][20] By 2003–2004, the infomercial campaign had expanded, solidifying ExtenZe's presence in direct-to-consumer sales channels while preparing for broader market entry. This aggressive advertising approach, rooted in the company's supplement marketing expertise, fueled rapid adoption and positioned the product for retail availability starting in 2005. Sales grew substantially through these efforts, reflecting the effectiveness of the early promotional tactics up to 2006.[21][22]Key Milestones and Expansions
In 2010, ExtenZe enlisted former NFL coach and broadcaster Jimmy Johnson as its primary spokesperson, featuring him in a series of television advertisements that emphasized the product's benefits for male performance and aimed to broaden its appeal beyond late-night infomercials.[23] This partnership marked a strategic shift toward mainstream media exposure, aligning the brand with a high-profile sports figure to enhance credibility and visibility.[15] Between 2009 and 2011, ExtenZe expanded into sports marketing by sponsoring NASCAR driver Kevin Conway, providing primary funding for his No. 37 car in the Sprint Cup Series and additional support in the Nationwide Series.[24] This multi-year deal, valued in the millions, represented the brand's initial foray into motorsports sponsorships and helped associate ExtenZe with high-energy racing events.[25] Product line expansions began with the introduction of ExtenZe liquid shots in 2008, offering a convenient, fast-acting beverage format in a 2-ounce serving that complemented the original tablet version.[26] Subsequent variants, such as the Extended Release soft gels and a testosterone-boost formula, further diversified the offerings, incorporating pharmaceutical-grade compounds to support ongoing performance claims.[7] Initially developed and marketed by Maximizer Health Products (also known as Dish Direct Inc.) in the mid-2000s, ownership and manufacturing transitioned to BIOTAB Nutraceuticals, Inc., which oversaw production and distribution from around 2007 onward.[12][17] By the mid-2010s, ExtenZe had achieved widespread retail availability, with products stocked in major chains such as Walgreens and CVS, contributing to sales exceeding 1 billion pills globally.[7] The post-2020 surge in e-commerce, driven by broader market shifts, amplified online accessibility through platforms like Amazon and the official website, sustaining growth amid changing consumer shopping habits.[27][11] As of 2024, ExtenZe is owned and distributed by Leading Edge Health, which oversees its sales primarily online and in retail pharmacies. The brand remains actively available with refreshed packaging and variant options, including the original formula and shots, supported by ongoing digital marketing efforts on social media to engage a modern audience.[3][4]Ingredients and Composition
Primary Components
ExtenZe formulations primarily feature a core herbal blend designed to support blood flow and libido, including folium zingiberis rhizoma (ginger root), tribulus terrestris, horny goat weed (epimedium or barrenwort), yohimbe extract, Korean red ginseng, and maca. Ginger root is included for its purported role in enhancing circulation and arousal through vasodilation effects. Tribulus terrestris extract, derived from the fruit, is incorporated to promote libido and sexual satisfaction as a traditional aphrodisiac. Horny goat weed, from the aerial parts of the epimedium plant, contributes by potentially improving blood flow to the genitals via inhibition of certain enzymes. Yohimbe extract, sourced from the bark, is added to increase nerve impulses and blood flow to sexual organs, aiding purported erectile function and desire. Korean red ginseng is included for enhancing erection quality and sexual desire. Maca is added to support libido and stamina. The hormonal element in ExtenZe is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a micronized prohormone serving as a precursor to testosterone production, intended to support overall vitality and libido levels. This component is typically blended with pregnenolone in a male prohormone mix totaling around 60 mg per serving.[28] Other additives include L-arginine hydrochloride for nitric oxide production to enhance vascular relaxation and blood flow, zinc (as oxide) at 25 mg to aid testosterone synthesis, and vitamins such as folate (folic acid) at 400 mcg for general energy and metabolic support. These elements contribute to the supplement's focus on vitality without dominating the herbal profile. A typical ExtenZe tablet contains approximately 600 mg of the sexual response enhancement blend encompassing the core herbals, alongside smaller amounts of bio-enhancement components like ginger and peppers (25 mg total), resulting in approximately 625 mg overall herbal mix per serving, though exact compositions vary by batch and product variant. The ingredients are primarily plant-based extracts marketed as natural, but DHEA is synthetically produced and micronized for bioavailability.[29] Supplement Facts Overview (based on a standard 30-tablet formulation):| Component | Key Ingredients | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamins & Minerals | Folate (folic acid), Zinc (oxide) | 400 mcg, 25 mg |
| Prohormone Blend | DHEA, Pregnenolone | 60 mg total |
| Bio-Enhancement Blend | Ginger root, Black/White pepper | 25 mg total |
| Sexual Response Blend | Yohimbe extract, Tribulus extract, Horny goat weed, L-arginine HCL, Korean red ginseng, maca, others | 600 mg total |