Pausinystalia Yohimbe Powder
Also known as: Pausinystalia yohimbe, Yohimbe, Yohimbine, Yohimbine HCl, Pausinystalia johimbe
Overview
Yohimbe is an evergreen tree native to Central and West Africa, whose bark contains the primary bioactive compound, yohimbine. Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid and a selective antagonist of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which modulates sympathetic nervous system activity. It is most commonly marketed as a herbal supplement for erectile dysfunction (ED), and to a lesser extent, for weight loss and athletic performance. While there is moderate research supporting its use for ED, evidence for other applications is limited or inconclusive. The quality of evidence for ED includes several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, though some studies have modest sample sizes and methodological limitations. Yohimbe is available as crude bark or as standardized yohimbine HCl.
Benefits
Yohimbine has demonstrated modest efficacy in improving erectile function, particularly in men with mild to moderate ED of organic origin. Meta-analyses indicate that yohimbine is superior to placebo for improving erectile function, with odds ratios (OR) for improvement ranging from 2.08 (95% CI 1.30–3.32) for yohimbine alone to 6.35 (95% CI 3.01–13.41) when combined with other agents. Another meta-analysis reported an OR of 3.85 (95% CI 2.22–6.67). However, yohimbine alone did not significantly improve overall sexual function (p = 0.07). The effect sizes are modest, and combination therapies tend to show larger effects than monotherapy. Limited and inconsistent evidence suggests possible secondary effects on anxiety and impulsivity, but these are not clinically significant for most populations. Benefits are most consistent in men with mild to moderate ED of organic (non-psychological) origin. Onset of effect typically occurs within a few weeks of daily use.
How it works
Yohimbine primarily functions as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist. By blocking these receptors, it reduces sympathetic inhibition of erectile tissue, thereby promoting vasodilation in the corpus cavernosum and facilitating erections. This action primarily affects the autonomic nervous system. Yohimbine also has secondary effects on mood and anxiety through its influence on central noradrenergic pathways. After oral administration, yohimbine is absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1–2 hours. However, its bioavailability and pharmacokinetics in humans are variable and not fully characterized.
Side effects
Yohimbe is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, but side effects are common and can be significant at higher doses. Common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, include anxiety, increased blood pressure, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, and headache. Less common side effects (1–5%) include insomnia, irritability, sweating, and tremor. Rare but serious side effects, typically occurring at high doses or in susceptible individuals, can include severe hypertension, arrhythmias, and hallucinations. Yohimbe is contraindicated with antidepressants (especially MAOIs), stimulants, and other medications affecting blood pressure or heart rate, as it may potentiate their effects. It should not be used during pregnancy or lactation, or by individuals with severe cardiovascular disease or psychiatric disorders (especially anxiety/panic disorders). Caution is advised for elderly, hypertensive, or psychiatric patients, and long-term use should be medically supervised.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for yohimbine is not well established, but most studies for erectile dysfunction (ED) use 15–30 mg/day of yohimbine HCl. The optimal dosage range for ED is typically 15–30 mg/day, administered in divided doses. Higher doses increase the risk of adverse effects without providing clear additional benefits. The maximum safe dose is considered to be 50 mg/day; exceeding this significantly increases the risk of serious adverse events. Dosing is usually in divided doses (e.g., 5–10 mg three times daily) and taken with meals to help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Standardized yohimbine HCl is preferred over crude yohimbe bark due to the latter's variable alkaloid content and potential for contamination. Absorption may be influenced by food, so consistent dosing practices are important. No specific cofactors are required, though combination with other agents like L-arginine may enhance efficacy for ED.
FAQs
Is yohimbe safe for everyone?
No, yohimbe is not safe for everyone. It should be avoided by individuals with cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, or those taking certain medications like MAOIs or stimulants. Medical supervision is recommended, especially for those with health conditions.
How long does it take for yohimbe to work for ED?
The effects of yohimbe for erectile dysfunction may take several weeks of consistent daily dosing to manifest. It is not an immediate-acting supplement like some prescription medications for ED.
Can yohimbe be used for weight loss or athletic performance?
While sometimes marketed for weight loss or athletic performance, the evidence supporting these uses is limited, inconclusive, or lacking. Its primary research-backed benefit is for erectile dysfunction.
Is yohimbe a 'natural Viagra'?
Yohimbe is often marketed as such, but its efficacy and safety profile are generally inferior to prescription phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil). It offers modest improvements for ED, but with a higher risk of side effects compared to modern ED drugs.
What is the difference between yohimbe bark and yohimbine HCl?
Yohimbe bark is the raw plant material, which has variable amounts of the active compound yohimbine. Yohimbine HCl is a standardized, isolated alkaloid, offering more consistent dosing and reduced risk of contamination compared to crude bark.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9612744/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs found that yohimbine, both alone and in combination with other agents, improved erectile function compared to placebo. However, yohimbine monotherapy did not significantly improve overall sexual function. The study noted moderate quality of evidence, with some limitations due to small sample sizes and methodological issues in included studies.
- https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1016/S0022-5347(01)63942-9 – A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs concluded that yohimbine monotherapy was superior to placebo for treating erectile dysfunction, with an odds ratio of 3.85. The study reported that adverse events were infrequent and reversible. It highlighted that while study quality was satisfactory, the sample sizes in the included trials were modest.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/yohimbe.html – This source provides a comprehensive review of clinical data on yohimbe, noting that a 20 mg/day dose for 21 days in athletes reduced body fat but had no effect on body or muscle mass, nor exercise performance. It emphasizes that evidence for weight loss and other uses beyond ED is inconclusive and highlights the safety profile and potential side effects of yohimbe.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/yohimbe – This article provides an overview of yohimbe, defining it as an evergreen tree whose bark contains yohimbine, the primary bioactive compound. It discusses yohimbine's mechanism as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist and its primary uses for erectile dysfunction, while noting the limited evidence for weight loss and athletic performance.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9649257/ – This PubMed entry likely corresponds to one of the meta-analyses cited, reinforcing the finding that yohimbine is superior to placebo for erectile dysfunction. It supports the conclusion that yohimbine has a modest but statistically significant effect on improving erectile function in men.