Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe)

What is it?

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree native to central and western Africa. The bark of the Yohimbe tree contains the active compound yohimbine, which has been used traditionally and in modern herbal medicine for its potential to enhance sexual health, boost energy, and improve physical performance.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Yohimbe works by blocking alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which increases the release of norepinephrine. This action leads to increased blood flow, enhanced energy levels, and improved sexual function. Yohimbine also has stimulant properties, contributing to its effects on physical performance and weight loss.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The primary active ingredient in Yohimbe is:

• Yohimbine: An alkaloid that enhances blood flow, improves sexual function, and acts as a stimulant.

What forms does it come in?

• Bark extract powder
• Capsules or tablets
• Tinctures and liquid extracts

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

Yohimbe is not typically used to address specific nutrient deficiencies but rather to support sexual health, energy levels, and physical performance. Its primary role is to enhance blood flow and energy, which can improve overall vitality.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Yohimbe has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries by indigenous tribes in Africa. It has been traditionally employed to treat erectile dysfunction, enhance libido, and boost physical performance.

What does Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe) help with?

Yohimbe is the bark of a tall tree from West Africa. Healers there have used it for a long time. Its main active compound is called yohimbine.

• Trouble getting or keeping an erection
  Good evidence — several placebo-controlled trials in men. In several controlled trials, men who took yohimbine did better than men on placebo. The gain was clearest when stress or worry was part of the cause. In lab work, yohimbine blocks receptors that narrow blood vessels, which raises blood flow to erectile tissue.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T2
• Low sex drive in men and women
  Early evidence — small human studies, with much less work in women. Studies have noted more sexual desire in both men and women. The research base in women is much smaller. In lab studies, yohimbine raises noradrenaline, a body signal tied to blood flow in genital tissue.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T2
• Sex problems caused by antidepressants
  Early evidence — some clinical data in men taking SSRIs. Some clinical data in men on SSRI antidepressants showed part of their desire and erections came back. The studies are small. Yohimbine can interact with these drugs, so this use is watched by a doctor.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T2
• Dry mouth from drugs or Sjogren's syndrome
  Early evidence — clinical studies in people with dry mouth. Yohimbine has been studied in people whose dry mouth comes from medicines or Sjogren's syndrome. In that work, saliva flow went up. Researchers tie this to its effect on the nerves that feed the salivary glands.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T2
• Dizziness when you stand up (low standing blood pressure)
  Early evidence — clinical studies showing modest change. Yohimbine raises noradrenaline and can push blood pressure up. It has been studied for the blood pressure drop that comes with standing. Some clinical work found a modest rise in standing blood pressure.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T2
• Losing stubborn belly or thigh fat
  Early evidence — human research pairing it with exercise. Research found real fat loss when people took yohimbine and also trained. On its own, it did not give big results. In lab work, it blocks alpha-2 receptors on fat cells, which frees stored fat.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T2
• Low energy and tiredness
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — no human trial on file; lab work only. No human trial on file tested yohimbine for energy or fatigue. Lab work shows it raises adrenaline in the blood. Some athletes take it before a workout, but that is habit, not proof.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T2
• Nerves before a performance or before sex
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — experimental work only, highly dose-dependent. Low doses have been explored for stage fright and sex-related worry. This work is experimental, and the dose seems to matter a lot. Yohimbine is a stimulant, and it makes anxiety worse in some people.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T2

What Yohimbe (Pausinystalia johimbe) has not been shown to do

• It has not been shown to strip off fat on its own, without a set exercise plan.
• It has not been shown to calm everyday anxiety, and it can make anxiety worse in some people.
• Its use for low sex drive in women rests on a much smaller base than the work in men.

How to read this:

Grades run from A down to insufficient. A means many good human trials agree. B means at least one strong human trial. C means small, mixed or early human work. D means the human results are weak or clash. Insufficient means no human study at all, just lab work, animal work or custom. Every grade here names the studies it rests on. This page is a summary of what studies found, not advice. It lays out options, and your doctor can help you weigh them.

Which conditions and symptoms does it help prevent?

Yohimbe can help prevent:

1. Sexual Dysfunction (Men): Maintains healthy erectile function, preventing erectile dysfunction.
2. Low Libido (Men and Women): Supports healthy sexual desire and function.
3. Chronic Fatigue (Both): Boosts energy and reduces fatigue, preventing chronic low energy.
4. Obesity (Both): Supports weight management by promoting fat loss and increasing metabolic rate.
5. Circulatory Issues (Both): Enhances blood flow, preventing circulatory problems.

Which foods are rich in it?

Yohimbe itself is not found in foods and is primarily consumed as an herbal supplement. However, maintaining a diet rich in nutrients that support overall health and vitality can complement the effects of Yohimbe. Such foods include:

• Lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish)
• Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale)
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains
• Fruits and vegetables

What are possible side effects?

Yohimbe is generally safe for most people when used appropriately, but possible side effects include:

• Common (10-30%): Increased heart rate; Elevated blood pressure; Anxiety or nervousness; Nausea or vomiting
• Less Common (1-10%): Dizziness; Headaches; Sweating
• Rare (<1%): Severe allergic reactions; Severe hypertension; Heart palpitations.

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of Yohimbe varies depending on the form and individual health needs, but a common dose is:

• Capsules or tablets: 5-20 mg of yohimbine per day
• Tincture: Follow the dosage instructions on the product label, typically 5-10 drops taken 1-2 times daily

For treating erectile dysfunction:

• Yohimbine Hydrochloride: 5.4 mg to 10.8 mg, three times daily, or 15-30 mg per day in divided doses.
• Yohimbe Bark Extract: Ensure a standardized extract providing 2-6% yohimbine, with total daily intake not exceeding the equivalent of 15-30 mg yohimbine.

How many days does it take to work?

Some benefits of Yohimbe, such as improved energy levels and enhanced sexual function, can be noticeable within a few days to weeks. Long-term benefits, such as increased physical performance and weight loss, may take several weeks of regular use to become apparent.

What time of day is best to take it?

Yohimbe can be taken at any time of day, but it is often recommended to take it in the morning or early afternoon to avoid potential restlessness or insomnia at night due to its stimulant effects.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Yohimbe can be taken with or without food. Taking it with meals may help minimize any potential gastrointestinal discomfort. For optimal absorption and efficacy, follow the instructions provided on the product label.Erectile dysfunction: 250-1000 mg daily