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Published: Wednesday August 26, 2009 MYT 5:31:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday August 26, 2009 MYT 5:47:14 PM

Thai tennis star launches new herbal Viagra

BANGKOK (AP) - Thai tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan has launched a new product billed as a natural alternative to Viagra.

Yes, he uses it - twice a week. No, it doesn't mean his two-year marriage to former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova from Canada is faltering.

"If you ask me, 'Paradorn, do you need to use this kind of medicine,' I would say no.

But when I do use it, I feel a lot healthier," he said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "My marriage is going really well."

The product, Majic Iris, is a supplement that contains ginseng, oysters and black galangal, which resembles ginger and is believed in Thailand to act as a stimulant.

The product is only available in Thailand from his company, Magic Thai Herbs by Paradorn.

The 30-year-old Paradorn hasn't played professional tennis since March 2007 due to a wrist injury. He is the highest-ranked player in Thai history and was once No. 9 in the world.

Paradorn said his wrist is "getting a lot better but isn't good enough to play tournaments." He's trying his hand at business in the meantime.

He recently opened an Italian restaurant in Bangkok and is opening a tennis academy in the Thai capital next week.

The herbal supplement has existed for several years but under a poorly marketed Thai brand, which Paradorn said he bought and re-branded and repackaged.

His target customers are "married men who are struggling with sex and want to freshen things up," and single men who "like to party." But he says the supplement has benefits beyond the Viagra market.

"The main point is that it helps you feel stronger and gives you more energy in general," Paradorn said, adding that he also plans to launch a supplement for women.

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