Yohimbe Bark Benefits, Traditional Uses and Effects

Yohimbe bark extract is a traditional herbal remedy, derived from the Pausinystalia Johimbe tree, which grows in western and central Africa. The reddish-brown bark of this tree has been used locally as a medicine for centuries.

The extract contains an indole alkaloid called Yohimbine. It is extracted from the bark using a variety of extraction methods, most commonly with steam or alcohol.

Yohimbe bark extract has been used in veterinary medicine in the Western word for some time, as an agent to reverse sedation in dogs and deer. It is just now starting to be recognized as having potential medicinal benefits for humans.

However, indigenous Africans who lived near Yohimbe trees have known of its benefits to humans for a long time. In Africa, Yohimbe bark tea was an aphrodisiac and used to boost energy levels.

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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Yohimbe Bark Review

It is important to note the difference between yohimbine and yohimbe. Yohimbine is the chemical compound in Yohimbe bark that gives it its medicinal properties.

It has been extracted from the bark and used as a commercial medication, in the form of Yohimbine HCL. This is a synthetic chemical available only as a prescription drug in the US.

Yohimbe bark extract is an herbal extract made from the bark of the tree and sold as supplements. In the United States, all yohimbine supplements must be derived from the bark extract of this tree, and not from the man-made version of the chemical.

Yohimbe bark tablets, bulk powders or liquid tinctures are available online or from local herbalists. The raw bark may also be sold in some areas and used to prepare a tea.

Common Uses of Yohimbe Bark Extract

Yohimbe bark extract is now sold in health food stores in the United States. Some of its purported benefits for humans include:

Weight Loss: The natural stimulation caused by Yohimbe makes a person more active, which is purported to support weight loss results.

Some studies have shown that it can increase fat metabolization and promote fat loss, but other studies have found contradictory results. While many in the bodybuilding community use yohimbe supplements for this purpose, more research is needed to rate efficacy.

Energy: Yohimbe is sometimes used to increase energy levels, both for athletic performance and for mental focus and concentration.

It works by increasing the release of catecholamine hormones in the body, such as norepinephrine. It can also increase glucose release from the liver, which increases available energy for cells throughout the body.

However, due to its stimulatory effect, this supplement may not be safe for everyone. Some report feeling anxiety or agitated after taking this supplement, and it can also cause more serious side effects for the cardiovascular system at higher dosages.

Erectile Dysfunction: Yohimbe has been widely studied as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). There is some evidence that it may be effective for this disorder by acting as a vasoconstrictor.

This means that it may push the blood supply to the penis, and keep it there for longer periods, helping men achieve an erection.

Furthermore, since yohimbine acts as an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist, it causes endothelial tissue in the penis to relax. This allows for more blood to reach penile tissues.

While it may improve ED symptoms for some forms of this disorder, it may not be effective for all causes of ED. Some research suggests that it cannot improve the ability to achieve an erection in men with organic ED caused by poor circulation.

Increased Libido in Men and Women: Yohimbe bark was traditionally used to boost sex drive in both men and women. This use is still one of the most popular reasons for taking Yohimbe extract supplements today.

Yohimbine may work by increasing blood flow to the genitals in both men and women. This may result in increased sensitivity of nerve impulses in these regions.

Because of these effects, it is often used to increase libido and sexual enjoyment, especially in individuals suffering from sexual dysfunction due to prescription medication use. Some research suggests it can improve libido in patients taking SSRIs.

Yohimbe Bark Effects and Benefits

Yohimbe works primary as an, adrenergic antagonist. Andrenergic antagonists block the transmission of nerve signals to certain areas of the body, most commonly those areas that are responsible for smooth muscle contractions and glandular secretions.

This natural extract has also been shown to boost dopamine and serotonin levels, but only when used in high concentrations. Serotonin and dopamine are the “feel good” chemicals of the brain.

This may explain why some users feel intense pleasure or euphoria sometimes when taking these supplements. Many report increased motivation, confidence and mental clarity when using Yohimbe bark products.

If smoked, Yohimbe bark is a hallucinogen. It has been used in traditional Central African religious ceremonies for this purpose. However, tou will not be able to buy the bark in its natural form for smoking in the United States.

In addition to the Yohimbe bark benefits listed above, it also has been used in traditional African medicine to treat angina and high blood pressure. Smaller doses generally lower blood pressure, while higher doses raise it.

It has also been used for individuals who are subject to blood pressure-related fainting, or to bring someone around who has already fainted.

In other instances, it has been used to increase energy in people who are dehydrated or who have recently lost a lot of blood either due to injury or following blood donation.

Its use for many of these traditional applications has not been validated by clinical research trials. Many of the purported uses of yohimbe and yohimbine are based on historical tradition.

Yohimbe Bark Dosages

The recommended dosage for Yohimbe bark will depend on the form you buy it in and the alkaloid concentration of the specific product you are using.

You can take Yohimbe in several different forms. These include:

• Pure Yohimbe bark extract in liquid form, either with or without alcohol as a base
• Capsules with powdered Yohimbe bark
• Tablets made from a high concentration Yohimbe bark extract
• Yohimbe tea

Check with a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage of this supplement and follow doing guidelines closely. Taking too much yohimbe can have dangerous side effects.

Side Effects of Yohimbe Bark Extract

Yohimbe is associated with serious side effects, especially if used as excess dosages. In most cases, adverse effects are linked to taking high doses of yohimbine.

While yohimbe bark may be well tolerated by the majority of users, some individuals may be more sensitive than others. Some may experience side effects, even at low doses.
Some of the potential negative effects of Yohimbe bark supplements include:

• An increase or decrease in blood pressure, depending on the dosage
• Increased heart rate
• Hyperactivity
• Unstable blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Cold sweats
• Increased need to urinate

Yohimbe bark extract can interact with a number of medications and herbal supplements. It may also cause more serious side effects in individuals with medical conditions.

Before using yohimbe bark extracts with yohimbine alkaloids, check with a doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you.

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