An article on GhanaWeb.com criticized herbal energy drinks, quoting ACSH:
These legal substances, which produce appealing, steroid-like effects, are marketed heavily to college-age athletes, club-goers, dancers, and party animals. The energy drink and herbal industry's vast marketing presence has created an environment where students understand little about these products' adverse effects.
Herbal companies often misinform consumers about the actual ingredients and dosages in their products. Incorrect labeling may be more widespread than consumers realize. For instance, the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) reported that one product, "wild Chinese ginseng," lists ginseng as its only ingredient, yet [contains] caffeine and 45 milligrams of ephedra in each tablet, a substance that has been banned.