Yohimbe Extract vs. Yohimbine Effects, Doses and Dangers

Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe ) is a West African evergreen tree from which yohimbe extract (yohambine) is derived.

Currently, yohimbe is the only herb designated in the Physician’s Desk Reference for relief of erectile dysfunction. It is also a U.S. FDA-approved medicine for treating impotency. [1]

By blocking pre-synaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors involving epinephrine and noradrenaline in the peripheral and central nervous systems, yohimbe extract promotes vasodilation, or widening and relaxing of blood vessels.

Chemical constituents extracted from Yohimbe bark include indole alkaloids and tannins beneficial to overall health. Yohimbe bark extract contains six percent total alkaloids, with yohimbine representing nearly 15 percent of these alkaloids. [3]

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 Extract Benefits

Yohimbe extract has been validated as a treatment for psychogenic erectile dysfunction in men, though it is not considered effective for organic ED symptoms.

Prior to the invention of Viagara, yohimbine HCL was used as a first-line therapy for ED and sexual dysfunction. It has largely been replaced by Viagara and other PDE-5 inhibitors as a medical treatment, but yohimbe remains popular as a dietary supplement in the US.

Yohimbe extract may also help women suffering sexual issues that occur when taking selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

By increasing production of nitric oxide in women via inhibition of alpha-adrenergic effects, yohimbe extract seems to improve libido and sexual response.

A study involving postmenopausal women found that one hour after taking a combination of arginine glutamate and yohimbe, the control group had “statistically significant increases in vaginal pulse amplitude and subjective responses to erotic stimuli”. [2]

In addition to treating ED and female sexual dysfunction, yohimbe bark extract uses include: [4]

• Bodybuilding, weight training and improving athletic performance (due to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system)
• Expediting fat loss by increasing muscle mass, consuming adipose tissue and elevating metabolism
• Relieving mild to moderate depression when used in combination with antidepressants
• Reducing dry mouth syndrome by Increasing saliva production
• Improving orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure upon standing)

Yohimbe Extract vs. Yohimbine

Users should be aware that yohimbe bark extract is not the same as the prescription medication yohimbine hydrochloride.

Yocon (yohimbine hydrochloride) is recognized as a mydriatic (substance that dilates pupils) and a sympathicolytic (an inhibitor of adrenergic nerve activity). Yocon is available through physician prescription only. [5]

Herbal supplements that contain yohimbine are derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. These supplements can be purchased without a prescription in the US.

Yohimbe supplements come in a number of different forms, including pill capsules, tablets, liquid yohimbe extract and a bulk powder.

All of these forms exert the same health effects when taken as directed, but there many be differences in terms of dosages, alkaloid concentrations and additional ingredients.

Some liquid yohimbe extract may contain water and natural vegetable glycerin while other supplements are made with deionized water, caramel coloring and fructose.

All bottles of liquid yohimbe supplements should come with droppers to facilitate placing drops of the liquid on or under the tongue. [6]

Yohimbe powder extract can be sprinkled on food or drank as a tea, although the taste is bitter and unpleasant. Some bodybuilders will mix the powder into their pre or post-workout protein shakes.

No research exists comparing the effectiveness of different forms of yohimbe extract. In theory, all forms should block alpha-2 adrenergic activity and elicit identical responses from applicable physiological systems.

Yohimbe Extract Dosage

Dosing instructions are primarily based on results of available clinical trials involving humans only. Most dosages are stated in milligrams of yohimbine per serving, as opposed to raw yohimbe bark extract.

For example, a yohimbe extract dosage containing six milligrams of yohimbine, three times a day, has been used to investigate its ability to relieve xerostomia (chronic dry mouth).

Subjects participating in erectile dysfunction studies have taken up to 50 milligrams of yohimbine HCL daily without suffering adverse effects. Research studies on the effects of for body mass and weight loss gave subjects 20 milligrams of yohimbine without receiving reports of unwanted side effects from study subjects. [7]

Yohimbe extract should not be given to anyone under 18 years old or pregnant women. Since yohimbe extract capsules may interact negatively with different medications and herbal supplements, individuals should always consult with their doctor before starting to use this supplement.

Possible Yohimbe Extract Side Effects

Yohimbe supplements are typically well tolerated by individuals who follow dosage instructions and are under medical supervision.

Commonly reported side effects include the following: [8]

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Reduced appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Headache
• Sleep disturbances

Yohimbe extract also has mild, anti-diuretic properties. Researchers think this arises from stimulation of the hypothalamus which, in turn, causes the release of posterior pituitary hormone.

In most people, this effect minimally reduces urination and does not pose a health risk. However, those with kidney problems should discuss the potential for yohimbe extract to retain water, interfere with normal urination and promote kidney malfunctioning.

While extremely rare, it is possible for more serious side effects to happen when taking yohimbe supplements. Seek emergency medical attention if seizures, paralysis or difficulty breathing occur.

Signs of an impending allergic reaction include skin rash, swelling of the tongue, throat and face and severe dizziness. Reports of yohimbe extract side effects can be made to the U.S. FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. [9]

Yohimbe Extract Contraindications

People diagnosed with kidney, liver or cardiac disease should not take yohimbe extract.

As an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), yohimbe could react negatively with foods rich in tyramine and stimulants such as phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine.

Sudden spikes in blood pressure could reach stroke level and require immediate medical treatment. [10]

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