What is Yohimbe/Yohimbine?
Yohimbe [pronounced yoh‐him‐bey, ‐bee] Pausinystalia yohimbe is a noun that refers to a tropical
African tree, Corynanthe johimbe, whose bar is a source of the alkaloid yohimbine. The origin is from
Zaire, Cameroon – where specimens were first procured. The bark of the tree contains the active
compounds called alkaloids. The principle alkaloid is called yohimbine. Because of the naturally found
stimulant and aphrodisiac effects found in Yohimbine, the substance has been used as both an over‐thecounter
dietary supplement in herbal extract form and prescription medicine in pure form for the
treatment of sexual dysfunction (ED). Yohimbine has also been recently associated as a remedy for type
2 diabetes mellitus in animal and human models carrying polymorphisms of the alpha2A‐adrenergic
receptor gene (Rosengret et al epublushed Science, November 19, 2009).
Indications:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Yohimbine HCL is the standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription medicine in the
United States, and has been shown in human studies to be effective in the treatment of male
impotence. Yohimbine has been found to relax and dilate blood vessels in the penis, resulting in
increased blood flow and erection. It may also stimulate areas in the brain involved in sexual desire.
*Controlled studies suggest that it is not always an effective treatment for impotence, and evidence of
increased sex drive (libido) may be anecdotal only.
Sexual Problems Caused by SSRIs
There is evidence from many studies that yohimbine can improve sexual problems associated with this
class of depression. However, this benefit has not been described specifically for the yohimbe bark.
Weight Loss in Athletes
Yohimbine has been found to increase lipolysis by increasing the release of norepinephrine available to
fat cells and blocking alpha‐2 receptor activation. Some internet shops sell expensive formulations of
yohimbine for transdermal delivery to effect a local reduction of adipose tissue, although there is no
experimental evidence to support the effectiveness. Demand for products of this kind is frequently
found in the bodybuilding community.
It cannot be excluded that orally administered yohimbine can have a
beneficial effect in some patients with ED. The conflicting results
available may be attributed to differences in drug design, patient
selection, and definitions of positive response – However, generally,
available results of treatment are not impressive.
Depression
Yohimbe has been promoted as an herbal remedy for depression, because it blocks an enzyme called
monoamine oxidase. However, this is only found in higher doses (> 50mg qd), which is potentially
unsafe.
Therapeutic Settings
Yohimbine has been used to facilitate recollection of traumatic memories is the treatment of
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Use of yohimbine outside therapeutic settings may not be
appropriate for persons suffering from PTSD.
Side Effects & Cautions
Schizophrenia: Use yohimbe with caution. The yohimbine in yohimbe might make people with
schizophrenia psychotic
Prostate problems: Yohimbe might make the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
worse
Liver disease: Liver disease may change the way the body processes yohimbe
Kidney disease: There is a concern that yohimbine might slow or stop the flow of urine.
High Blood Pressure/Low Blood Pressure: Small amounts of yohimbine can increase blood
pressure; large amounts can cause dangerously low blood pressure
Chest pain/heart disease: Yohimbine can seriously harm the heart
Anxiety: Yohimbine might make anxiety worse
Depression: Yohimbine might bring out manic‐like symptoms in people with bipolar depression
or suicidal tendencies.
Diabetes: Yohimbe might interfere with insulin and other medications used for diabetes and
cause low blood pressure
Major Drug Interactions – Do not take with the following substances: Clonidine, Guanabenz (Wytensin),
Tricyclic antidepressants, Antihypertensive drugs, Naloxone (Narcan), Phenothiazines, and Stimulant
drugs
Yohimbe Dosing ‐ For problems with sexual performance, 15‐30mg daily of yohimbine, the active
ingredient in yohimbe. Doses of up to 100mg of yohimbine daily have been used. However, significant
side effects, some quite dangerous (including the possibility of death), would be expected at such a high
does.
This compilation was made using the following:
Yohimbine | Define Yohimbine at Dictionary.com
Yohimbine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alternative Medicine - By Category
Yohimbe (yohimbine) medical facts from Drugs.com
Yohimbe Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings
www.webmd.com/.../ingredientmono‐759‐YOHIMBE.aspx?...
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