Home Supplement-Knowledge-Base Yohimbe
 

Yohimbe

Overview

Yohimbe is the name of an evergreen tree found in parts of central and western Africa. The bark of yohimbe contains a chemical called yohimbine, which is used to make medicine. Yohimbine hydrochloride (Aphrodyne, Yocon) is a form of yohimbine that is a prescription drug in the US.

Yohimbe supplements often list yohimbe bark extract or yohimbine as the active ingredient. However, some of these products might not provide accurate information about the amount of yohimbine in the supplement. Also, some yohimbe supplements list yohimbine hydrochloride as an active ingredient. Yohimbe products containing man-made yohimbine hydrochloride as an ingredient are not legal to sell as a dietary supplement in the US.

Yohimbe is taken by mouth arouse sexual excitement, for erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual problems caused by medications for depression called selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and general sexual problems in both men and women. It is also used for athletic performance, weight loss, exhaustion, chest pain, high blood pressure, low blood pressure that occurs when standing up, diabetic nerve pain, and for depression along with certain other medications.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Tree

Primary Functions:

Erectile dysfunction

Also Known As:

Yohimbehe, Yohimbehe Cortex, Yohimbine

How Does It Work?

Yohimbe contains a chemical called yohimbine which can increase blood flow and nerve impulses to the penis or vagina. It also helps counteract the sexual side effects of certain medications used for depression.

Uses

  • Anxiety. There is mixed evidence about the effectiveness of yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe, for treating anxiety related to phobias. Some research suggests that it does not improve anxiety when combined with therapy. However, other research suggests that it reduces fear related to certain phobias.
  • Depression. Early research suggests that taking yohimbine, the active ingredient of yohimbe, daily for 10 days does not improve depression symptoms.
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED). There is evidence that yohimbine, the active ingredient of yohimbe, can be helpful for ED. Some herbalists suggest that the yohimbe bark actually works better than the yohimbine ingredient alone. However, so far yohimbe bark has not been evaluated in research studies.
  • Exercise performance. Early research suggests that taking yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe, daily for 21 days does not improve exercise performance or build muscle mass in soccer players.
  • Head rush (orthostatic hypotension). Early research suggests that taking a single dose of yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe, increases blood pressure in people with a head rush due to low blood pressure. However, other early research suggests that it does not improve blood pressure.
  • Sexual problems caused by selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There is evidence from many studies that yohimbine, the active ingredient of yohimbe, can improve sexual problems associated with this class of medications used for depression. However, this benefit has not been described specifically for the yohimbe bark.
  • Dry mouth. Early research suggests that taking yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe, improves symptoms of dry mouth in people taking antidepressants. The effect of the yohimbe bark on dry mouth is not clear.
  • Exhaustion.
  • Chest pain.
  • Diabetic complications.
  • Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For problems with sexual performance: 15-30 mg daily of yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe. Doses of up to 100 mg of yohimbine daily have been used. However, significant side effects, some quite dangerous (including the possibility of death), would be expected with such a high dose.

Yohimbe Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of yohimbe?

Benefits of Yohimbe

Because of the effect it has on the sympathetic nervous system, Yohimbe helps to improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body (this is why some people also use it to help treat erectile dysfunction). Yohimbine can act as a vasodilator (meaning it causes the blood cells to expand).

Is it safe to take yohimbe everyday?

Doses of up to 100 mg of yohimbine daily have been used. However, significant side effects, some quite dangerous (including the possibility of death), would be expected with such a high dose.

Why is yohimbine banned?

The FDA removed yohimbine from prescription status in mid-90s because of its potential for harm, he said. But it was never banned in the United States, and “it has found its way back onto the market in herbal supplements and dietary aides,” Berman said.

When should I take Yohimbe?

Take Between Meals and Before a Workout

Yohimbe appears to be most effective when it's consumed while in a fasted state. It also yields the best results when it's paired with consistent exercise (which is why it's included in many pre-workout supplements).

How quickly does yohimbe work?

Suffice to say this is like a crude Viagra: kicks in at about 20 mins and lasts for the purpose most would use it for for about an hour. But the elevated pulse and body heat (sweating) and adrenaline rush go on for about 3 hours.

Does yohimbe boost testosterone?

Yohimbine is a herbal preparation from the bark of the Pausinystalia and Corynanthe yohimbe trees that purportedly enhances plasma testosterone levels and promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy, sexual vigor, and decreased body fat (Galitzky, Taouis, Berlan et al.

Does yohimbe help erectile dysfunction?

Yohimbe is a popular herbal supplement marketed to help with erectile dysfunction and improve body composition and weight loss. Yohimbine is the main active ingredient in yohimbe supplements, and there is evidence that it can effectively improve erectile dysfunction.

How long does yohimbe last?

Yohimbine. Yohimbine is found in a variety of botanical sources and is the principal alkaloid extracted from the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration with a peak plasma concentration occurring at 30 minutes and a half-life of 5 hours [2].

Can yohimbe cause heart attack?

Yohimbe has been linked to reports of severe side effects including irregular or rapid heart beat, kidney failure, seizure, heart attack, and others. Taking high doses can also cause other severe problems, including difficulty breathing, paralysis, very low blood pressure, heart problems, and death.

Does Yohimbine burn fat?

Yohimbe, especially when it's combined with other stimulating ingredients, can also increase one's heart rate. This, in turn, helps the body to burn more calories both at work and at rest. As a result, you may lose more weight and more body fat when using a supplement that contains Yohimbe.

Does yohimbe increase dopamine?

Effect of yohimbine on brain monoamines: an in vivo study. Dopamine (DA) was not detected in ventricular fluid either before or after yohimbine administration. Yohimbine administration did, however, increase intracellular DA levels in the corpus striatum.

How much yohimbe should I take for Ed?

There are no standard dosing guidelines for yohimbe supplements. Some sources have suggested taking no more than the equivalent of 30 mg of yohimbine hydrochloride per day, or around 10 mg three times daily (10). Other studies have used 0.09 mg/pound/day (0.20 mg/kg/day) in study participants.

Can yohimbe be taken at night?

Yohimbe appears to be most effective when it's consumed while in a fasted state. If you workout in the afternoon or evening, you can still see benefits from taking a supplement that contains Yohimbe.

Can females take Yohimbe?

Given its serious risks, yohimbe should not be used by children or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Does yohimbe give you energy?

Increased energy levels can help you push yourself farther during workouts (especially when Yohimbe is combined with other stimulants like caffeine).

Can yohimbe cause erectile dysfunction?

Therefore, yohimbine is thought to help alleviate erectile dysfunction by blocking the receptors responsible for preventing erections. Yohimbine may also promote the release of nitric oxide. This could lead to the dilation of blood vessels and an increase in blood flow to sexual organs.

Can I take yohimbine with caffeine?

Many athletes like to use a combination of Yohimbe and caffeine before their morning fasted cardio. You could also take it later in the day, but you should make sure you've had plenty of time to digest your food beforehand.

How do you take Yohimbe?

Take Between Meals and Before a Workout

Yohimbe appears to be most effective when it's consumed while in a fasted state. It also yields the best results when it's paired with consistent exercise (which is why it's included in many pre-workout supplements).

How long after taking Yohimbine can I eat?

If you are going to eat take 1-2 30min BEFORE your meal. Or take 20-30 min before a gym work out. You need to eat better and work out to lose weight, but these help!

Does yohimbe have side effects?

Common side effects of Yohimbine include: Anxiety. Irritability. Headache.

Can yohimbe cause depression?

Depression: Don't use yohimbe. Yohimbine might bring out manic-like symptoms in people with bipolar depression or suicidal tendencies in individuals with depression. Diabetes: Don't use yohimbe. Yohimbe might interfere with insulin and other medications used for diabetes and cause low blood sugar.

What foods contain yohimbe?

There are no natural food sources of yohimbe. The bark extract is sometimes used to make a tea.

Clinical Studies