Food supplements using yohimbine hydrochloride as their active ingredient are banned in the USA. Hence, this article focuses on yohimbe supplements that use yohimbe bark extract or yohimbine. In the next section, let us understand how yohimbe works.
How Does Yohimbe Work?
Yohimbine, the most important bioactive alkaloid in yohimbe bark, is an alpha-2-adrenoceptor antagonist that works on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Alpha-2 adrenoceptors are located at various places within the body and play a role in managing heart rate, blood pressure, and central nervous system functions, among others (1). They also may contribute to erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe blocks the alpha-2-adrenoceptor and may help treat erectile dysfunction. However, further studies are essential to completely understand the mechanism of action and its efficacy (2). Yohimbe also may block the alpha-2-adrenoceptors in fat cells. It helps break down stored fat and makes it readily available as fuel for the body (3), (4). Studies on yohimbe bark extract and yohimbine in food supplements are still nascent. But yohimbe does seem to have some benefits. Let us understand them in detail.
Benefits Of Yohimbe: Looking At Claims And Evidence
Yohimbe has been used in traditional medicine for ages. While the most widely claimed benefit is its action as a stimulating tonic for men, it may have other potential uses.
1. May Resolve Sexual Problems Arising From Certain Medications
Some medications that are used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anxiety, often cause sexual impotence as a side effect. A study supports the effectiveness of yohimbine as a treatment for improving libido and sexual function. However, more controlled studies are required to accurately understand the dosage and safety of yohimbine in this regard (5). Also, while the study mentions yohimbine, it is unclear if it is yohimbine in its organic form or yohimbine hydrochloride that is used. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information in this regard.
2. May Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction
You have probably heard about yohimbe supplements as a solution for erectile dysfunction. While supplements are not regulated by the FDA and may vary in terms of their yohimbine content, there is some evidence to suggest that yohimbine could be a potential solution to this problem. Studies suggest that the benefits of yohimbe medication can outweigh its risks. Serious adverse effects were rare, and they could be reserved even if they occurred (6). Yohimbe extracts in the form of yohimbine hydrochloride are available as prescription medications for treating erectile dysfunction. Speak to a healthcare professional before taking any such medications.
3. May Support Weight Loss
Combining exercise with yohimbe may promote weight loss. This because yohimbine, a natural alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist present in yohimbe supplements, helps break down the stored body fat so that it gets used up. This holds true especially if you are in a fasted state (where your body is looking for fuel to feed on) or when you are involved in physical exercise (4). A study conducted to observe the changes in body composition (and performance) in soccer players found that those taking a specific dose of yohimbine saw significant body fat loss (6). On the contrary, another study found a lack of efficacy in yohimbine for the treatment of obesity (8). Hence, more concrete research is warranted to understand the role of yohimbe in aiding weight loss.
4. May Improve Performance In Athletes
Yohimbe extract and bark and the over-the-counter supplements are commonly used for their potential action as an energy enhancer (9). However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that yohimbe can improve athletic performance. A study conducted on soccer players given specific doses of yohimbine revealed that there was no marked difference in their performance as compared to the group that received a placebo (7). Also, an article published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements suggests that there is no conclusive evidence for the drug to enhance physical performance (10). Yohimbe has potential as medicine with certain benefits that you may be interested in. However, yohimbe dietary supplements are unregulated and may be inconsistent with their labels, ingredients, composition, safety, and efficacy. Let us look at some of the reported yohimbe side effects.
Yohimbe Side Effects and Potential Allergies
Yohimbe may cause some side effects when used to reduce sexual side effects of depression medications. These may include (5):
an increase in anxiety excessive sweating a wound-up feeling
Excess intake of yohimbe as a drug for treating erectile dysfunction may cause (11):
increased frequency of urination high blood pressure mild anxiety
In a study, a young girl taking yohimbe for weight loss experienced a few severe side effects that included (12):
alcohol and cocaine-seeking behavior changes in defensive behavior suicidal tendencies
Another case study looking at two yohimbe-related deaths compiled some more reported side effects of the drug. These side effects were observed at different doses of yohimbine, beginning with as low as 0.2 g. The side effects included (13):
anxiety hypertension or high blood pressure tremors nausea headache rash dissociative reaction drowsiness confusion retrograde amnesia atrial fibrillation unconsciousness priapism, or prolonged erection not connected to sexual stimulation seizures sinus tachycardia renal failure death
Allergic reactions to yohimbe bark extract and yohimbe medication have been reported (1). Immediately consult a doctor in case you experience the following severe allergic reactions after taking yohimbine:
rash breathing difficulty swelling in face/throat/tongue severe dizziness
These are the potential risks of yohimbe. Avoiding the supplement altogether or follow certain precautions to reduce the risks of side effects. Let us understand more in the following section.
What Are The Precautions To Consider Before Using Yohimbe?
Yohimbe is very commonly available as a street drug, over-the-counter pill, and herbal supplement. It is often used without prescription as an aphrodisiac and weight loss pill. Research on yohimbe bark extract used in dietary supplements is insufficient and the supplements themselves are unregulated by the FDA. Yohimbe extract, purified in the lab to form yohimbine hydrochloride, has some research to support its use as a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction. Given the potential adverse effects of yohimbe, you need to consider certain precautions before using it personally:
Yohimbe Drug Interactions
Yohimbine may adversely interact with certain prescription drugs. According to a scientific opinion on the evaluation of the safety of yohimbe, some interactions are listed here (1), (16).
You should not take yohimbe supplements with MAO inhibitors. Yohimbine may interact with drugs for hypertension. Yohimbe may interact with tricyclic antidepressants and phenothiazines.
Yohimbe is also known to interact with alcohol. Mixing the two may impair one’s driving ability (17). With the important precautions taken into consideration, here is some more information if you want to proceed with yohimbe.
How To Use Yohimbe
Yohimbe is available as prescription pills and an intravenous drug, as well as in the form of herbal supplements for oral use. For use as a fat loss aid, you may use it in a fasted state or before exercise (4). There is no standardized yohimbe dosage as it is a dietary supplement not regulated by the FDA. Use caution and your doctor’s advice before using any product containing yohimbe extract. Yohimbe is a plant that produces an alkaloid called yohimbine, which can potentially help improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction and may aid weight loss. While yohimbine hydrochloride, a processed form of yohimbine, is approved for use as a prescription medicine to treat erectile dysfunction, the herbal supplements containing yohimbe extract have not been studied widely. The potential adverse effects of yohimbe, some of which are severe, have raised questions regarding its safety and efficacy. Hence, always consult your doctor before using yohimbe. Does yohimbine increase dopamine? As per research, yohimbine increases dopamine release in the brain and affects the serotonin system as well (19). Does yohimbine increase heart rate? Yes, as per studies, yohimbine is known to cause a dose-dependent increase in heart rate (20). Does yohimbine affect sleep? Yes, studies on men suggest that yohimbine can affect the sleep-wake cycles (21).
