LONDON — Pharmacy retailer Boots UK Ltd. has begun offering Prelox, a male sexual enhancement pill, in 600 stores across the United Kingdom.

Northumberland, U.K.-based Pharma Nord, which distributes Prelox in the United Kingdom, said Monday that the launch marks the first time that Boots has sold such a product, which is designed to improve the sex lives of men with erectile problems.

Prelox is being sold for £35.99 ($55.42 U.S.) for 60 tablets, Pharma Nord said.

"We’re delighted to be working with Boots to launch Prelox," a Pharma Nord UK spokesman stated. "Boots is very excited about this product and sees it as the cornerstone of a new direction for their family planning category."

Combining the natural ingredients pycnogenol and L-Arginine, Prelox is backed by years of scientific research showing its benefit in sustaining blood flow to the genital area, according to Pharma Nord.

L-Arginine is an essential amino acid found in many foods, and pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant obtained from the bark of French maritime pine trees. L-arginine is used in the body to form nitric oxide, which has a key role in normal blood vessel function and blood flow, while pycnogenol contains proanthrocyanadins, which are antioxidants that protect blood vessels against the damaging effects of free radicals produced within the body, the company said.

"One of the main reasons men get erectile problems is that the blood flow isn’t what it used to be. It can also be caused by cholesterol levels, poor diet, or stress due to busy, overactive lifestyles," nutritionist Gareth Zeal said in a statement released by Pharma Nord. "L-Arginine and pycnogenol in Prelox will help blood flow to the extremities, in this case the genitalia. Two to four capsules a day for about a month should produce a noticeable effect.

"As well as men with erectile problems," Zeal added, "Prelox may also work for people with overactive sex lives or who just want to boost a healthy sex life."

Boots UK has nearly 3,000 pharmacies in its 3,200 health and beauty stores in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Russia and Thailand.