Yohimbe is a plant that is native to West Africa. The bark of the tree contains an active compound known as yohimbine, which is an alkaloid that is mostly credited for the main benefits to be gotten from the Yohimbe plant.
It has historically been used to promote sexual health and treat erectile dysfunction.
Terms such as Yohimbe HCL and Yohimbe supplement are quite different and should not be confused with each other.
The Yohimbe bark extract supplements are available over the counter as dietary supplements, and contain some yohimbine in them but only to some extent.
They can be used for general enhancement, including more athletic performance output, sexual enhancement, and improving mental prowess.
Yohimbe HCL, on the other hand, is a prescription medication and cannot be accessed over the counter. It needs a user to have a prescription for the best experience and results.
Unregulated supplements claiming to contain some amount of Yohimbe HCL that has not been regulated should be avoided.
Concise Review of Yohimbine
Yohimbine has been used primarily as an aphrodisiac in traditional African medicine, and as stated earlier, is a chemical substance extracted from an evergreen tree native to western Africa, known as Yohimbe.
This substance is used in dietary supplements for a number of purposes, most notably to treat erectile dysfunction.
Yohimbine works by increasing blood flow throughout the body, especially, to the genital region, which may be able to counteract sexual side effects associated with certain prescription drugs.
Yohimbine falls into the category of compounds known as alpha-blockers, which are compounds that work by increasing the activities of a certain part of the nervous system known as the sympathetic nerves.
When the activities of the nerves are increased, brain chemicals such as adrenaline also tend to appear in larger quantities in the blood circulatory system.
Adrenaline is the brain chemical that stimulates more energy release and aids in fighting emergencies (fight or flight mechanism).
It is this adrenaline that results in the increased energy that seems to have come out of the blues when one is under attack or in the presence of an anxious situation.
The most notable effects of yohimbine are dilated blood vessels that also helps lower blood pressure, which is also another reason that Yohimbe bark extract is used for male enhancement, especially by promoting erections.
Metabolism and the fat burning process are also boosted by the use of Yohimbe. It has also been observed to reverse the barrier that usually prevents excess fats from being metabolized in the body.
All these factors establish the Yohimbe supplement as a perfect weight loss and athletic performance boosting remedy.
Medical Uses
Yohimbine has been rated as “possibly effective” for treating erectile dysfunction and sexual problems related to anti-depression drugs.
But due to a lack of research, all other potential uses for yohimbine have been inconclusive and rated as “insufficient evidence.”
Uses of Yohimbe bark extract
The main uses of Yohimbe bark extract include:
Erectile Dysfunction treatment
Many studies support the claim that yohimbine can effectively treat erectile dysfunctions, and has been touted as an effective supplement that can increase sperm count.
Athletic performance
Metabolism and the fat burning process are also boosted by the use of Yohimbe, and more metabolism in the body means more available performance energy.
Being that yohimbine works by increasing the presence of adrenaline in the body, this ensures that athletic performers are supplied with the required energy for their exercises.
Treating anxiety
Freedom from anxiety and depression is vital for sexual enhancement, especially for women.
When under stress, it is hard for women and even men to engage in good sexual activities.
Although pieces of evidence are inconclusively surrounding the effectiveness of Yohimbe in relieving stress, it has been used for the same in quite a number of cases.
Antidepressants are also known to cause sexual issues and other related problems, and Yohimbine has been shown to combat such side effects, particularly the ones associated with the use of SSRIs.
Treats hypertension
Yohimbine lowers blood pressure by acting as a vasodilator and giving a vasodilation effect on blood arteries that carry blood under high pressure.
This is good news for patients suffering from orthostatic hypertension, as some reports suggest that the Yohimbe dosage can improve the situation.
Aids in treating dry mouth
Although not enough evidence supports this claim, dry mouth is yet another main side effect of antidepressants, and some evidence has it that yohimbine can lessen the side effect.
At home, Yohimbe pills can be used as sex pills for enhancement, and in such cases, it is wise to ensure that you are familiar with the potential dangers, short- and long-term use effects as well as the recommended dosage.
Suggested Dosages
For Yohimbine’s uses, the recommended dosage varies depending on varying factors. When taking it for erectile dysfunction, the amount is 5 to 100 mg, taking in divided doses of up to 4 times of Yohimbine HCl daily.
The dose for sexual dysfunction resulting from taking antidepressants is, 15 to 18 mg, in divided doses, daily, and the dosage to improve energy for athletic performance is given as 20 mg twice a day.
User reviews of yohimbine HCL supplements caution against taking high dosages, especially for first-timers of the supplement.
You should always start with the lowest effective dosage to determine individual sensitivity level and look out for any adverse side effects.
To determine the best dosage for your needs, it is best to consult with a qualified doctor who knows one’s medical history.