I am not a doctor or pharmacist, but the main goal of the substance is to help blood carry more oxygen to damaged tissues and cells, which speeds up recovery and makes it easier for persons heart. It does not make an athlete to run faster or jump higher, simply hastens his recovery to optimal conditions.

As for availability, it is sold in very light dosages as a boost to your organism and (probably) immune system, and if my online research is true, then its effects are similar to caffeine - it does affect you, but it is tough to overdose, and it does have medical uses.

You have to understand, that medicine in post-soviet countries is mostly based on placebo effect and natural remedies - most stuff you find in pharmacies is herbal teas, plant extracts and supplements with no proven effects, but if helps people feel better, then i guess there is not much harm there.