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See alsoYohimbe for Sports & Fitness
Botanical name
Botanical name
Pausinystalia yohimbe
Parts used and where grown
Yohimbe is a tall evergreen forest tree native to southwestern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo. The bark of this African tree is used medicinally. There are concerns, however, that the tree may be endangered due to over-harvesting for use as medicine.
Yohimbe has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Erectile dysfunction
** - Weight loss
* - Depression
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Parts used and where grown
Yohimbe is a tall evergreen forest tree native to southwestern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo. The bark of this African tree is used medicinally. There are concerns, however, that the tree may be endangered due to over-harvesting for use as medicine.
Yohimbe has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
*** - Erectile dysfunction
** - Weight loss
* - Depression
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Historically, yohimbe bark was used in western Africa for fevers, leprosy, and coughs.1 It has also been used to dilate pupils, for heart disease, and as a local anesthetic. It has a more recent history of use as an aphrodisiac and a hallucinogen.
Active constituents
The alkaloid known as yohimbine is the primary active constituent in yohimbe, although similar alkaloids may also play a role. Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, part of the sympathetic nervous system.2 It also dilates blood vessels. Yohimbine inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and therefore may theoretically be of benefit in depressive disorders. However, it does not have the clinical research of other herbs used for depression, such as St. John’s wort.
Yohimbine has been shown in double-blind trials to help treat men with erectile dysfunction.3 4 Although, negative studies have also been reported.5 6
How much is usually taken?
Standardized yohimbe products are available. A safe daily amount of yohimbine from any product is 15–30 mg.7 Yohimbine should be used under the supervision of a physician. Traditionally, a tincture of the bark, 5–10 drops three times per day, has been used.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Patients with kidney disease, peptic ulcer or pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use yohimbe.8 Standard amounts may occasionally cause dizziness, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, increased blood pressure, and rapid heart beat,9 though all of these are rare.10 Using more than 40 mg of yohimbine per day can cause dangerous side effects, including loss of muscle function, chills, and vertigo. Some people will also experience hallucinations when taking higher amounts of yohimbine.11 Taking 200 mg yohimbine in one case led to only a brief episode of hypertension, palpitations, and anxiety.12 People with post-traumatic stress disorder13 and panic disorder14 should avoid yohimbe as it may worsen their condition.
Foods with high amounts of tyramine (such as cheese, red wine, and liver) should not be eaten while a person is taking yohimbe, as they may theoretically cause severe high blood pressure and other problems. Similarly, yohimbe should only be combined with other antidepressant drugs under the supervision of a physician, though at least one study suggests it may benefit those who are not responding to serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac®).15
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Historically, yohimbe bark was used in western Africa for fevers, leprosy, and coughs.1 It has also been used to dilate pupils, for heart disease, and as a local anesthetic. It has a more recent history of use as an aphrodisiac and a hallucinogen.
Active constituents
The alkaloid known as yohimbine is the primary active constituent in yohimbe, although similar alkaloids may also play a role. Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, part of the sympathetic nervous system.2 It also dilates blood vessels. Yohimbine inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and therefore may theoretically be of benefit in depressive disorders. However, it does not have the clinical research of other herbs used for depression, such as St. John’s wort.
Yohimbine has been shown in double-blind trials to help treat men with erectile dysfunction.3 4 Although, negative studies have also been reported.5 6
How much is usually taken?
Standardized yohimbe products are available. A safe daily amount of yohimbine from any product is 15–30 mg.7 Yohimbine should be used under the supervision of a physician. Traditionally, a tincture of the bark, 5–10 drops three times per day, has been used.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Patients with kidney disease, peptic ulcer or pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use yohimbe.8 Standard amounts may occasionally cause dizziness, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, increased blood pressure, and rapid heart beat,9 though all of these are rare.10 Using more than 40 mg of yohimbine per day can cause dangerous side effects, including loss of muscle function, chills, and vertigo. Some people will also experience hallucinations when taking higher amounts of yohimbine.11 Taking 200 mg yohimbine in one case led to only a brief episode of hypertension, palpitations, and anxiety.12 People with post-traumatic stress disorder13 and panic disorder14 should avoid yohimbe as it may worsen their condition.
Foods with high amounts of tyramine (such as cheese, red wine, and liver) should not be eaten while a person is taking yohimbe, as they may theoretically cause severe high blood pressure and other problems. Similarly, yohimbe should only be combined with other antidepressant drugs under the supervision of a physician, though at least one study suggests it may benefit those who are not responding to serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac®).15
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with yohimbe: Some interactions may increase the need for yohimbe (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate yohimbe should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Brimonidine (-)
Bupropion (+)
Fluvoxamine (+)
Certain medicines interact with yohimbe: Some interactions may increase the need for yohimbe (+), other interactions may be negative (-) and indicate yohimbe should not be taken without first speaking with your physician or pharmacist, others may require further explanation (?). Refer to the individual drug article for specific details about an interaction.
Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines index.
Brimonidine (-)
Bupropion (+)
Fluvoxamine (+)
Source: www.cncahealth.com
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