Is Yohimbe a Testosterone Booster? Review of Study Results

Yohimbe supplements are taken for many different purposes, ranging from fat loss to the improvement of erectile dysfunction. This supplement is also used by some to boost testosterone levels, but there is no evidence that it is effective for this purpose.

Men who take yohimbe for sexual health often hope that it will increase the concentration of testosterone in the bloodstream. This could have benefits for erections and sexual function, increased muscle mass and other related goals.

While there is evidence that yohimbe can support sexual health and performance, it does not work by increasing testosterone levels. Instead, it is an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist and can boost blood flow to penile tissue.

How does yohimbe affect sexual function and sex hormone levels? Also, what are the benefits of this natural extract for men?

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 Supplements for Men

Yohimbe bark extract is obtained from the bark of Africa’s Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, a tall evergreen.

It contains an active ingredient known as “yohimbine,” which is a mild MAO inhibitor and alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist.

This chemical acts on the body in a number of ways to produce effects that aid in the treatment of different conditions.

Some of the conditions that may be treated by yohimbine drugs include anxiety, depression, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, orthostatic hypotension and erectile dysfunction.

Many people also take yohimbe bark extract in hopes of improving sexual experiences and/or boosting their performance during a workout. It seems to have gained a reputation as a testosterone booster, even though this has not been demonstrated in studies.

Yohimbe is available in the form of a pill, a powder and a tea. The pill form of yohimbe supplements is swallowed with water like any other pill.

The powdered form of the supplement can be mixed with a drink and consumed orally. Yohimbe tea can be made from the raw bark of the tree or brewed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Does Yohimbe Increase Testosterone?

At this point, researchers have not been able to find clear evidence indicating that yohimbe can raise testosterone levels measurably.

The connection between Yohimbe and testosterone levels has only been investigated in one study, published in 2002 in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

This study examined the effects of this supplement on organic erectile dysfunction by measuring nocturnal penile tumescence, hormone levels and by pasting participants about their sexual behaviors.

According to the published results, there was no recorded influence on testosterone levels in the men given yohimbine supplements.

However, this study did find a positive effect on penile girth and erectile function in men with slightly elevated levels of testosterone in the blood.

This very preliminary result suggests that testosterone could play a role in mediating the benefits of yohimbine supplements. However, more research is needed to demonstrate any link conclusively.

Yohimbe Supplement Effects for Men

Yohimbe may not be a testosterone booster for men. However, studies have shown that it produces other desirable effects in men. Some of these effects include:

Improvement of erections – Yohimbine ingestion produces a noticeable improvement of erections. This is thought to occur because of the compound’s ability to relax penile tissue and allow engorgement, as well as the compound’s ability to bring about an increase in blood pressure.

Reduction of fat mass – Ingestion of yohimbe has been shown to reduce fat mass in a small number of studies.

Increase of penile girth – A minor increase in penile growth has been observed among some male users of yohimbe supplements.

Alleviation of erectile dysfunction – A study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research showed that consumption of yohimbe can improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction in men with less severe ED.

Yohimbe produces other beneficial effects in the body that aren’t specific to men, including reduction in the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension and a reduction in symptoms of phobias and fear-related anxiety.

Yohimbe Cautions

Whether you are taking yohimbe for male sex drive or in hopes of improving the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, you should always exercise caution.

Even though yohimbe is a naturally-occurring substance, it is still powerful and capable of producing side effects if it isn’t used carefully.

Some of the more serious side effects that have been connected to yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe, include:

• Seizure
• Agitation
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Myocardial infarction
• Respiratory depression
• Blood pressure changes

If you notice any of these severe side effects, seek immediate medical attention. In rare cases, ingestion of high doses of yohimbe has led to fatalities.

Side Effects for Men Using Yohimbe

Yohimbe may also produce some less serious side effects in men when taken as directed. Some reported side effects of yohimbe supplements include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Bloating
• Stomach upset
• Tremor
• Sleep issues
• Headache
• Irritability
• Sinus pain
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat

If the any of the side effects above are persistent and/or bothersome, stop taking yohimbe supplements until you have spoken with your doctor.

Yohimbe Contraindications

Yohimbe may interact with certain medications, other supplements and foods.

Medications that may interact with yohimbe supplements include Naloxone, Guanabenz, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, stimulants and phenothiazines.

Other supplements that may interact with yohimbe include those that contain caffeine, ephedra or berberine, as well as those supplements with anticoagulant properties.

Foods that may interact with yohimbe include those containing vasopressors, such as coffee and tea, as well as those that contain tyramine.

There have not been any research studies looking at the effects of yohimbine when combined with Testosterone Replacement Therapies (TRT) or other testosterone-boosting supplements.

If you have low testosterone levels, consult with a doctor before using yohimbine. Results from the 2002 study in the International Journal of Impotence Research suggest that this supplement may be less effective for men with low T.

Buying a Yohimbe Supplement

If you are interested in purchasing yohimbe produce some of the beneficial effects mentioned above, it is important to first check with a doctor to determine whether this product is appropriate for you.

To find the best yohimbe supplement brand, compare the specifications listed on the product’s packaging and consult reviews written by other consumers.

Keep in mind that the concentration of yohimbine in yohimbe supplements varies widely, so exercise caution when choosing a product. According to some reports, yohimbe supplements may contain anywhere from 0 – 150% of the stated yohimbine dosage on the product label.

Some supplements may combine yohimbine with other testosterone boosters, such as Maca, Tribulus Terrestris or Mucuna Pruriens.

Make sure to review safety information for all ingredients included in any yohimbe supplements designed to boost testosterone levels.

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