Yohimbine Hydrochloride (HCL) Uses, Results, Doses and Dangers

Yohimbine HCL is a stimulant taken by bodybuilders, men who want to improve their sexual performance and women who want to boost their libido.

It is also used for medicinal purposes. Yohimbine hydrochloride is primarily prescribed by doctors for treating erectile dysfunction and as a mydriatic (pupil dilator). [1]

However, with the invention of Viagra and other ED drugs, yohimbine hydrochloride use has shifted from being used as an aphrodisiac (for both men and women) to a weight loss/energy booster for athletes and trainers.

In addition, yohimbine hydrochloride is used by veterinarians to reverse analgesic and/or sedative effects of medications in cats, horses and dogs. [2] Yohimbine HCL also exerts antidiuretic effects, may provide relief from angina pectoris symptoms and may be helpful in reducing atherosclerosis. [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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What is Yohimbine Hydrochloride?

Yohimbine is a a plant alkaloid known for its powerful, alpha-2-adrenergic blocking ability. It is derived from the bark of the Yohimbe tree and has been used as a traditional remedy in Africa.

Yohimbine hydrochloride is a synthetic version of this plant alkaloid, combined with hydrochloride – a salt commonly used in pharmaceutical drugs.

Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid that seems to promote release of catecholamines and norepinephrine present in the peripheral and central nervous system. Yohimbine hydrochloride may help people lose weight by expediting fat loss when accompanied by calorie-restricted diets.

It works by accelerating circulation of norepinephrine, a known activator of beta-adrenergic receptors on lipid and blocker of alpha-adrenergic receptors.

Yohimbine HCL may help mobilize stored fat to enhance metabolization of fatty acids. In addition, yohimbine hydrochloride could also be implicated in suppressing appetite due to its catecholaminic activity. [4]

Yohimbine Hydrochloride for Fat Loss

Several studies have shown yohimbine HCL to exhibit fat loss qualities via increasing metabolic rates, inducing catecholaminic action, suppressing appetite and improving release of fatty acids from lipid cells.

One study involving the effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on athletes found that “body fat percentage significantly decreased in athletes taking yohimbine HCL tablets”.

Furthermore, subjects did not report experiencing side effects from taking yohimbine nor did their performance indicators or muscle mass measurements change as a result of supplementing with yohimbine. [6]

However, other studies have found that this supplement did not promote weight loss and have found a higher rate of side effect frequency.

Yohimbine HCL works by boosting levels of catecholamine activity in the body. Catecholamines describe a group of plasma-bound hormones derived from dopamine – specifically adrenaline and norepinephrine.

These hormones suppress hunger, increase blood glucose by stimulating the liver to release sugar into the bloodstream, and boosting energy availability to the cells.

This naturally elevates metabolic rates and causes faster consumption of fat (energy) stores in the body.

Since yohimbine hydrochloride antagonizes alpha-2 receptors and increases secretion of catecholamines, it may be useful as a weight loss supplement for people adhering to program of exercise and reduced calorie diet. [7]

More research is needed to determine efficacy, however. Only a limited number of studies have been conducted so far.

Yohimbine Hydrochloride Benefits

Most studies involving the effect of yohimbine HCL on the human body focus on improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction in men.

Research not only shows that yohimbine hydrochloride offers therapeutic benefits to men suffering impotency but that it should be considered a “reasonable therapeutic option” for men opting for pharmacological intervention for ED. [8]

There have also been investigations into whether yohimbine may be useful in helping people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder successfully process strong, painful emotions and memories to minimize symptoms of PTSD. [9]

Yohimbine Hydrochloride Side Effects

Yohimbine HCL easily penetrates the peripheral and central nervous system to produce a series of complex responses. It affects blood pressure, heart rate, inhibition of fluid loss and motor cell energy.

As a result of stimulating CNS processes, yohimbine side effects reported by clinical trial subjects include the following:

• Anxiety and/or irritability
• Heart palpitations
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Skin warmness/flushing
• Bronchospasms similar to chronic bronchitis or asthmatic bronchospasms
• Increased blood pressure
• Runny nose/congestion
• Muscle tremors/uncoordinated movements

Yohimbine HCL side effects may worsen when it is taken with foods containing an amino acid called tyramine. Foods rich in tyramine include cheese, liver, salami, sausage, red wine and beer.

People with diabetes, nervous disorders, hypertension or kidney, heart and liver disease should always discuss taking yohimbine HCL capsules with their doctor to avoid suffering possibly harmful side effects. [10]

Yohimbine Hydrochloride Dosage

Men taking yohimbine HCL pills to treat erectile dysfunction need to take it every day for several weeks before noticing the benefits.

In addition, yohimbine HCL should be taken on an empty stomach to reduce the potential for side effects caused by undigested food.

When taking this compound for weight loss, spreading doses throughout the day enhances the medicine’s hunger-suppressing effects to help maximize the results of a diet/exercise weight loss program.

Although yohimbine hydrochloride dosage amounts are based on results of clinical trials, consulting with your doctor is highly recommended.

Typical dosage amounts range from two to five milligrams daily, with adjustments made accordingly to compensate for weight and physical activity variables.

Also, since individual body chemistries differ significantly, physical and cognitive responses to yohimbine hydrochloride doses will further dictate how much you should take to receive the benefits without the side effects.

Yohimbine Hydrochloride Results

Much more research needs to be performed to substantiate health benefits currently being attributed to yohimbine hydrochloride.

Although multiple studies examining the effectiveness of yohimbine HCL seem to uphold its ability to reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction, other test results indicate ambiguous information regarding its weight loss benefits.

What physicians do know is that yohimbine HCL directly interacts with the central nervous system to induce a cascade of chemical actions resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure and heightened metabolic activity.

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