Yohimbe and its subset yohimbine are fat-burning compounds that are mainly used to lose fat during short-term fasting.
Yohimbine is a general stimulant, and also an aphrodisiac that can aid erectile dysfunction.
Yohimbine works by increasing adrenaline levels in the body, as well as inhibiting a regulatory process in fat cells. This subsequently suppresses fat burning.
The effects of yohimbine are partially affected in a negative way, by food intake, which is why it is often taken in a fasted state.
Yohimbe bark extract contains bioactive alkaloids like Corynanthine, raubasine, and yohimbine. Of these alkaloids, yohimbine demonstrates the most active in the body.
Yohimbine is used in prescription medications for erectile dysfunction, and studies suggest that high doses of Yohimbe can cause serious side effects.
It is important to follow dosage guidelines closely to prevent or reduce the likelihood of unfavorable effects.
Uses of Yohimbe
Yohimbine has been used primarily in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, body fat loss, and dry mouth.
It has also been studied for use in treating autonomic failure and orthostatic hypotension.
Yohimbe bark extract is taken orally as a tea or a pill and is also available as a liquid tincture or a bulk powder.
Yohimbe is traditionally used for low sex drive in women and erectile dysfunction in men, and Yohimbine HCL is a standardized formulation used as a prescription medication.
Other uses of Yohimbine include:
- Body fat loss
- Exhaustion
- Hypertension
- Athletic performance enhancement
Benefits of Yohimbe
One of the most common reasons for taking Yohimbe is to improve erectile function, being that the supplement exhibits pro-sexual effects that can increase erectile hardness, and may even increase penile girth.
In studies, Yohimbine containing supplements have been found to increase blood flow to the penis as well as promoting dilation of blood vessels.
This makes it easier for tissues in the penis to become engorged with blood.
Yohimbine is also effective for improving erectile dysfunction, and seems to be effective for psychogenic erectile dysfunction, but not so for organic ED.
Studies have also demonstrated that combining yohimbine hydrochloride with L-Arginine glutamate can improve erectile function in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Despite the effectiveness of yohimbine, it has largely been replaced as a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction by modern PDE5 inhibitor medications, such as Viagra.
In that regard, under FDA regulations, Yohimbe supplements cannot be promoted as treatments for ED.
Things to Note
Yohimbe is highly stimulatory, and there is a high chance of yohimbine interacting with neurological medication.
Many supplements containing yohimbine either do not list its dose, or its dose is accurately listed by up to 150%
Yohimbe Dosage Guide
Dosages of 0.2mg per kilogram of body-weight have been successfully used to increase fat burning without significant implications on cardiovascular parameters like heart rate and blood pressure.
Supplementation is most impressive between meals or during short-term fasting.
Caution should be exercised at higher body weight, and one should always start with a half-dose and assess tolerance before proceeding when supplementing yohimbine for the first time.
Caution
Caution should be exercised since many supplements containing yohimbine either do not list how much yohimbine is included or if they do, the actual dose ranges from 25-150% of the dose listed.
As a result of these inaccuracies, the dosage may be higher than listed. This is an extra reason to start with a lower dose.
When combining yohimbine with other stimulatory agents, it is best to half-dose both supplements and work up to the recommended dose cautiously, since the two supplements can interact negatively.
Generally, individuals should start with a low dosage of 4 to 5 mg per day for erectile dysfunction and then work to a higher dosage of 10 mg per day as per the doctor’s recommendation.
Women taking Yohimbe dosages for weight loss or libido enhancement will often require smaller amounts in comparison to the male folks.
Such women are advised to start with half the lowest effective dosage, to gauge tolerance and personal sensitivity.
For those who might want to use Yohimbe bark powder, a different dosage will be required depending on the concentration of alkaloids in the specific product being used.
Always ensure to read the specific suggestions on the packaging for detailed dosage recommendations.
When made into a tea, Yohimbe bark usually requires 5 to 10 teaspoons per 1 pint of water, and dosages for Yohimbe tea will be less precise than those for dietary supplements. This could increase the risk of negative side effects.
Health Risks and Side Effects
Yohimbe does have potential side effects and health risks, especially, when taken in high doses.
The supplement may cause high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and increased heart rate.
In severe cases, the supplement may cause seizures, paralysis, hallucinations, and even death.
Individuals should always discuss the supplement with a medical professional before using the bark extract as part of any treatment.
As advised above, never take the supplement while using other medications until after discussing potential risks with a doctor.
It is also potentially dangerous when taken by individuals with certain forms of bipolar disorder because it contributes to manic effects.
In summary, the side effects of Yohimbe are dose-dependent, and while it is well tolerated at low doses in the majority of users, taking too much could result in long-term health problems.