Quebracho Blanco Bark Extract
Also known as: Quebracho blanco, white quebracho, Quebracho Blanco Bark Extract, Aspidosperma quebracho blanco
Overview
Aspidosperma quebracho blanco, commonly known as Quebracho blanco, is a South American tree native to northern Argentina. Its bark extract is traditionally used for respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, and as a testosterone synthesis booster. The extract contains pharmacologically active alkaloids, notably yohimbine, aspidospermin, aspidospermine, aspidosamin, and quebrachine. While traditionally used for various ailments, its primary modern applications are in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and as an anti-inflammatory agent for respiratory issues. Much of its observed pharmacological activity is attributed to its yohimbine content. Research directly on the whole extract is limited, with most robust evidence stemming from studies on yohimbine itself.
Benefits
The primary benefits of Quebracho Blanco Bark Extract are largely attributed to its yohimbine content. It shows promise for **Erectile Dysfunction (ED)**, with yohimbine monotherapy demonstrating significant efficacy over placebo in a meta-analysis (odds ratio of 3.85, 95% CI 2.22 to 6.67). This suggests a strong benefit for ED, though this evidence is for yohimbine rather than the whole extract. For **Respiratory Health**, the extract has shown anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs, reducing edema and cellular infiltration, improving oxygenation, and antagonizing smooth muscle spasms, supporting its traditional use in asthma and bronchitis. While classified as a **testosterone synthesis booster**, direct clinical evidence in humans for this effect is limited. Other anti-inflammatory properties have been observed in animal and in vitro studies, but human clinical data are sparse.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Quebracho Blanco Bark Extract is linked to its alkaloid content, particularly yohimbine. Yohimbine acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, which increases sympathetic nervous system activity. In the context of erectile function, this blockade of alpha-adrenoceptors enhances penile erection. Other alkaloids like aspidospermin may also contribute by stimulating testosterone synthesis and inhibiting alpha 1 and alpha 2 adrenoceptors, further supporting erectile function. The anti-inflammatory effects observed in the lungs are mediated by reducing edema, promoting vasodilation, and inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Specific absorption and bioavailability data for the whole extract are not well-characterized, but yohimbine's pharmacokinetics are better understood.
Side effects
Due to its yohimbine content, Quebracho Blanco Bark Extract shares a similar safety profile and potential side effects. At therapeutic doses, yohimbine is generally safe, but it can cause side effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety, nervousness, tremors, and hypertension in some individuals. Serious adverse reactions are infrequent and typically reversible. Specific safety data for the whole quebracho blanco extract are lacking, so caution is advised, especially given the variability in yohimbine content across preparations. Contraindications include pregnancy, lactation, and individuals with cardiovascular disorders due to its stimulant effects. It may interact with antihypertensive medications, MAO inhibitors, and other central nervous system stimulants, potentially leading to adverse reactions. Users should consult a healthcare professional before use, particularly if they have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing established for Quebracho Blanco Bark Extract. Doses of yohimbine used in clinical trials for erectile dysfunction typically range from 6 mg three times daily up to 30-50 mg daily. For traditional respiratory use, a common recommendation is approximately 10–15 drops of a 1/10 ethanolic extract, taken 3-4 times daily. However, the optimal dosage for the bark extract depends heavily on the standardization of its active alkaloids, which can vary significantly between different preparations. Due to the potential for side effects, especially from yohimbine, it is crucial to start with the lowest effective dose and monitor for adverse reactions. Upper limits and safety thresholds for the whole extract are not well-defined, emphasizing the need for professional guidance.
FAQs
Is quebracho blanco effective for ED?
Yes, it is likely effective for ED, primarily due to its yohimbine content. Yohimbine has demonstrated efficacy in multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses for treating erectile dysfunction.
Is Quebracho Blanco Bark Extract safe?
It is generally safe at recommended doses, but caution is advised. It may cause cardiovascular and CNS side effects similar to yohimbine, such as increased heart rate and anxiety, especially in sensitive individuals.
How quickly does it work for ED?
While yohimbine's effects on ED can be observed within weeks, specific data on the onset of action for the whole quebracho blanco extract are currently lacking.
Can it be used for asthma?
Traditional use and some clinical observations suggest benefit for asthma by reducing inflammation and bronchospasm. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically on the extract for asthma are still needed.
Research Sources
- https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1016/S0022-5347(01)63942-9 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials concluded that yohimbine monotherapy is superior to placebo for erectile dysfunction, with an odds ratio of 3.85. It also noted a low incidence of serious adverse events, supporting yohimbine's efficacy and safety for ED.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9845097/ – This review, which includes clinical observations, suggests that Quebracho blanco tincture can improve lung oxygenation and reduce inflammation and bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. It highlights traditional uses and some clinical reports, though it notes a lack of robust randomized controlled trials.
- https://www.nel.edu/userfiles/articlesnew/NEL340613R03.pdf – This narrative review discusses various herbal treatments for ED, classifying Quebracho blanco bark as containing yohimbine and aspidospermin. It identifies the extract as a potential testosterone booster and alpha-adrenoceptor inhibitor, though it points out the absence of direct RCTs on the whole extract.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/yohimbe.html – This source provides a comprehensive overview of yohimbe (containing yohimbine), detailing its known safety profile. It highlights potential side effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and hypertension, and lists contraindications including pregnancy, lactation, and cardiovascular disorders, due to its stimulant effects.