Alpha Yohimbine (Rauwolscine) vs. Yohimbine HCL Review & Benefits

Alpha yohimbine is a supplement derived from the bark of the Pausinaystalia yohimbe tree found in western Africa. Alpha yohimbine, which may also be referred to as “rauwolscine,” is a diasteroisomer of yohimbine HCL.

Yohimbine is one of the primary alkaloid constituents of yohimbe bark. This means that it is an alternate form of yohimbine HCL with slightly different properties.

Like yohimbine HCL, alpha yohimbine is an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist. This chemical has a number of psychic and autonomic effects on the body.

The effects of this supplement include inhibition of fear, inhibition of platelet coagulation, reduction of blood sugar, increased prolactin production, increased sympathetic outflow, inhibition of monoamine oxidase, increased lipid mobilization and increased libido.

Yohimbine

Herbal Supplement

Weight Loss

Energy

Libido

How It Works:

• Helps promote fat loss
• Increases energy & suppresses appetite
• Promotes sex drive & performance

Dosage:

Between 5-50 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Unsafe

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How to Take Alpha Yohimbine

Alpha yohimbine is taken orally. It is available most commonly in the form of a capsule, tablet, or powder.

While alpha yohimbine capsules are swallowed with water, bulk powders can be mixed with a liquid and consumed in the form of a drink.

Compared to Yohimbine HCL, Alpha Yohimbine is more potent and therefore requires a smaller dosage.

Some experts recommend taking alpha yohimbine in combination with a low carbohydrate diet and/or on an empty stomach for maximum effect.

Users of this supplement should not take it in combination with high amounts of vasopressor or tyramine rich foods. Examples of vasopressor-containing foods that should be avoided include chocolate, fava beans, cola, coffee and tea.

Examples of tyramine-rich foods that should be avoided include red wine, fermented meat and aged cheese.

If you aren’t sure whether a given food is safe for consumption with alpha yohimbine, consult a medical professional.

Potential Uses of Alpha Yohimbine

Much like yohimbine HCL, alpha yohimbine has several potential uses. Patients may consume alpha yohimbine for:

• Sexual dysfunction – Alpha yohimbine may increase libido, especially when sexual dysfunction is associated with the consumption of an SSRI.
• Orthostatic hypotension – Alpha yohimbine may be used to increase systolic blood pressure and standing diastolic blood pressure in patients with orthostatic hypotension.
• Exercise performance – Some patients may use alpha yohimbine to increase exercise performance and build muscle mass.
• Fat burning – Because alpha yohimbine improves lipid mobilization, patients may use it to burn fat and boost weight loss.
• Erectile dysfunction – Alpha yohimbine may be beneficial to men with psychogenic, organic and mixed erectile dysfunction.
• Dry mouth – Alpha yohimbine may relieve the symptoms of dry mouth among patients on antidepressant medication.
• Depression – Some patients have taken alpha yohimbine to improve the symptoms of depression.
• Anxiety – Alpha yohimbine may reduce the severity of phobia-based anxiety.

Alpha Yohimbine Dose Recommendations

The recommended dosage of alpha yohimbine is dependent on the supplement’s intended purpose and the tolerance level of the individual patient.

In the past, yohimbine HCL has been consumed in dosages of up to 100 mg per day. It is more commonly used at dosages of between 5.4 – 10.8 mg per serving.

However, because some of the effects of alpha yohimbine may be more pronounced than those of yohimbine HCL, patients should take the smallest effective dose to avoid complications.

Alpha Yohimbine Side Effects

The side effects of alpha yohimbine are similar to the side effects of yohimbine HCL. This supplement works by antagonizing alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the body.

Alpha yohimbine has a more pronounced antagonistic effect on alpha-2 adrenoceptors, so some of these side effects and adverse reactions may be more noticeable or severe.

Some of the most worrisome adverse effects of alpha yohimbine include seizure, myocardial infarction, agitation and cardiac arrhythmia.

Isolated case reports have also indicated that alpha yohimbine could lead to changes in blood pressure, respiratory depression, heart attack and death.

People taking alpha yohimbine should use caution and report any side effects to a licensed physician. If severe side effects are noted, individuals should seek immediate medical attention.

Alpha Yohimbine Interactions

Alpha yohimbine may interact with a number of prescription medications and supplements. Patients consuming these supplements should talk to a medical professional before adding alpha yohimbine to their treatment regimen.

Prescription drugs that may interact with alpha yohimbine include tricyclic antidepressants, stimulant drugs, phenothiazines, naloxone, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and guanabenz.

Supplements that may interact with alpha yohimbine include ephedra, herbs and supplements that contain caffeine, berberine and herbs and supplements with anticoagulation properties.

Who Can Take Alpha Yohimbine?

Studies have shown that yohimbine HCL is safe when consumed under medical supervision for no more than 10 days at a time.

Because of the similarities of these two compounds, alpha yohimbine is likely safe when consumed in the same manner. However, potential consumers of this product should always consult a licensed physician before consuming alpha yohimbine.

Alpha yohimbine is not considered safe for children, pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. The effects of this supplement may be more pronounced in children.

In pregnant women, consumption of alpha yohimbine may lead to fetal toxicity.

Alpha yohimbine may also be unsafe for people who suffer from certain mental health conditions, liver disease, kidney disease, blood pressure disturbances, diabetes, heart disease, bleeding conditions and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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