Yohimbine Overview for Sexual Performance, Fat Loss & Energy

Yohimbine is an active indole alkaloid constituent that is derived from the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. It is an ingredient in dietary supplements designed to support sexual health and weight loss.

The standardized form, yohimbine hydrochloride, which is sometimes colloquially known as yohimbine HCL, is prescribed by healthcare professionals in the United States as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. (1)

Additional uses for this form of yohimbine include the treatment of female hyposexual disorder, xerostomia and the sexual side effects that are caused by antidepressants such as SSRIs.

In the US, synthetic Yohimbine HCL is available only as a prescription medication. However, natural yohimbine which has been extracted from the yohimbe tree can be purchases as an herbal supplement without a prescription.

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?

Traditionally, yohimbe bark tea was used to improve erectile function and as an aphrodisiac.

It works by increasing blood flow to the genitals and promoting dilation of blood vessels in the penis, which makes it easier to achieve an erection.

In addition to being used for general sexual dysfunction in both men and women, yohimbine has also been used to address erectile dysfunction, impotence and the sexual dysfunction that can occur when taking selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Other, non-sexual uses, uses of oral yohimbine include improving athletic performance, aid in weight loss, as an addition to conventional antidepressants when treating refractory depression and for combating exhaustion.

Hypertension, angina, postural hypotension and diabetic neuropathy are medical conditions that have been treated with oral yohimbine.

Yohimbine hydrochloride is also used as a probe for noradrenergic activity and as a pressor agent in cases of autonomic failure.

Yohimbe bark has also been documented for its hallucinogenic effects. As a hallucinogen, it was traditionally used by either snuffing the extract or smoking it.

Other names that yohimbine supplements might be known as include:

• 11-hydroxy Yohimbine
• Alpha Yohimbine HCL
• Coryanthe Yohimbe
• Johimbi
• Corynanthe Johimbe
• Yohimbine HCL
• Yohimbine Cortex
• Yohimbinum Muriaticum
• Yohimbehe

Yohimbine HCL User Reviews

While yohimbine has been documented as effective for fat loss and sexual performance, it carries a high risk of adverse effects.

The vast majority of more than 100 user reviews of yohimbine HCL noted that they experienced unwanted side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, bloodshot eyes and more.

While some reviewers noted that this extract did help them maintain an erection, lose weight or increase their energy level, many noted that the side effects they experienced outweighed any benefits they received.

It should be noted that some reviewers admitted to taking a dosage that was considered to be too high according to the directions on the package. This could account for some of the side effects mentioned.

Some, however, took a dosage that was considerably lower than recommended and still had unwanted side effects. (2)

Yohimbine HCL Side Effects

Yohimbine has been rated as Possibly Unsafe by the Natural Medicines database.

It has been used safely for up to 10 weeks in patients under medical supervision. However, use by individuals who are not medically supervised is not recommended due to the risk of dangerous side effects.

In some cases, severe side effects including seizure, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmia and agitation have occurred. Overdoses of this supplement have been linked to two fatalities.

In addition to the side effects noted by users above, caution should be exercised when taking yohimbine HCL in conjunction with certain medications. These include tricyclic antidepressants and stimulant drugs.

In addition, this extract could cause the risk of bleeding when used in conjunction with herbs and supplements that affects ability of the platelets to congeal correctly.

Yohimbine HCL Dosage

To determine the appropriate dosage of yohimbine for you, it is important to speak to a doctor. Always follow dosage guidelines closely and do not excess the recommended dose per day.

A common standardization seen with yohimbine HCL tablets is a formulation of 5.4 milligrams.

In order to increase athletic performance, studies have shown that 20 mg, taken in two 10 mg. doses, has benefits. (3)

Men saw improvements with their orgasms after taking 20 mg of yohimbine with a gradual increase to 50 mg.

In the case of erectile dysfunction, studies have shown that taking between 5 and 100 mg of yohimbine HCL on a daily basis has improved this condition.

It is administered most often in one to four doses divided along the course of a day. A typical duration was between two and eight weeks in length. (1)

Yohimbine HCL Results

Results from research studies on yohimbine have shown effects on anxiety, cortisol levels, blood pressure, diuresis, heart rate and fat metabolism.

One of the most commonly cited studies on Yohimbine HCL examined the effects of this supplement for fat loss in competitive athletes.

This study involved 20 top-level male soccer players who were given 20 mg per day in the form of two dose of 10 mg each for 21 days.

The study found that the participants did not have any improvement in their athletic performance and that they did not suffer from any side effects.

However, the supplement did result in a reduction of average body fat levels. These dropped from 9.3 percent to 7.1 percent. (3)

In another study, the physiological effects of yohimbine were recorded. A group of 24 men, 12 of whom were active and 12 who were not, were given 0.4 mg of yohimbine per each kilogram of their body weight.

All participants showed an increase in heart rate, cortisol levels, blood pressure and anxiety. By increasing blood pressure, this supplement could help men achieve an erection. (4)

Yohimbine for Sexual Health

Many men turn to yohimbine supplements as a non-prescription alternative to Viagara. While this supplement can boost sexual performance in some cases, yohimbine has been found less effective than Viagara in research studies.

A double blind, crossover study undertaken in Europe sought to study the effects of combining yohimbine hydrochloride with L-arginine glutamate on participants with erectile dysfunction.

L-arginine glutamate is an amino acid that the body typically makes enough of it on its own. As a semi-essential amino acid, though, dietary supplementation could be necessary if the body is not able to generate adequate amounts.

During this study, the participants who were given a regimen of yohimbine HCL with L-arginine glutamate showed a statistically significant improvement in erectile function when compared to those who were taking a placebo. (5)

There is a significant body of evidence that shows that yohimbine HCL offers a certain segment of the population benefits in the arena of sexual dysfunction. However, each individual must weigh the potential for yohimbine side effects to decide if it is the right supplement for them.

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