Nutritional Supplement
Yohimbe
Men's Health
Erectile Dysfunction
Yohimbe appears to increase blood flow and dilate blood vessels.Erectile DysfunctionYohimbine (the primary active constituent in yohimbe) has been shown in several double-blind trials to help treat men with ED;6,7 negative results have also been reported, however.8,9 Yohimbe dilates blood vessels and may help, regardless of the cause of ED. A tincture of yohimbe bark is often used in the amount of 5 to 10 drops three times per day. Standardized yohimbe extracts are also available. A typical daily amount of yohimbine is 15 to 30 mg. It is best to use yohimbe and yohimbine under the supervision of a physician.
Sexual Health
Erectile Dysfunction
Yohimbe appears to increase blood flow and dilate blood vessels.Erectile DysfunctionYohimbine (the primary active constituent in yohimbe) has been shown in several double-blind trials to help treat men with ED;10,11 negative results have also been reported, however.12,13 Yohimbe dilates blood vessels and may help, regardless of the cause of ED. A tincture of yohimbe bark is often used in the amount of 5 to 10 drops three times per day. Standardized yohimbe extracts are also available. A typical daily amount of yohimbine is 15 to 30 mg. It is best to use yohimbe and yohimbine under the supervision of a physician.
Weight Management
Obesity
Yohimbine, a nervous system stimulant found in yohimbe bark, may help weight loss by raising metabolic rate, reducing appetite, and increasing fat burning.ObesityThe ability of yohimbine, a chemical found in yohimbe bark, to stimulate the nervous system and promote the breakdown of fat tissue has led to claims that it might help weight loss by raising metabolic rate, reducing appetite, and increasing fat burning. A placebo-controlled trial that included 20 women on a low-calorie weight-loss diet found those taking 5 mg of yohimbine four times per day had increased energy expenditure and greater weight loss after three weeks.14 However, a similar trial that included 47 men, taking 43 mg per day of yohimbine for six months resulted in no effect on weight loss.15 Because of its effects on the nervous system, yohimbine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and impulsivity16; therefore, it is recommended those wishing to use yohimbine for weight loss first consult their health care practitioner.Fitness
Athletic Performance
Yohimbine has shown an ability to stimulate the nervous system, promote the release of fat from fat cells, and affect the cardiovascular system.Athletic PerformanceThe ability of yohimbine, a chemical found in yohimbe bark, to stimulate the nervous system,17,18 promote the release of fat from fat cells,19,20 and affect the cardiovascular system 21 has led to claims that yohimbe might help athletic performance or improve body composition. However, a double-blind study of men who were not dieting reported no effect of up to 43 mg per day of yohimbine on weight or body composition after six months.22 No research has tested yohimbe herb for effects on body composition, and no human research has investigated the ability of yohimbine or yohimbe to affect athletic performance. Other studies have determined that a safe daily amount of yohimbine is 15 to 30 mg.23 However, people with kidney disorders should not take yohimbe, and side effects of nausea, dizziness, or nervousness may occur that necessitate reducing or stopping yohimbe supplementation.
Stress and Mood Management
Depression
Yohimbine (the active component of yohimbe) inhibits monoamine oxidase and therefore may be beneficial in treating depression.Depression
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Historically, yohimbe bark was used in western Africa for fevers, leprosy, and coughs.24 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.