Yohimbe Hcl
Also known as: Yohimbine hydrochloride, YHM, Yohimbe, Yohimbine HCl, Yohimbine
Overview
Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia johimbe), native to West Africa. It is primarily known for its traditional use as an aphrodisiac and has been marketed for enhancing athletic performance, weight loss, and energy. Yohimbine acts as a selective α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, increasing norepinephrine release and sympathetic activity. While it was historically prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED), its use has been partially supplanted by PDE5 inhibitors. Research on yohimbine varies; studies support its efficacy for ED, but evidence for athletic performance and weight loss is less robust. The quality of evidence ranges from systematic reviews and meta-analyses for ED to smaller studies for other applications. It is available in oral and topical forms.
Benefits
Yohimbine's primary documented benefit is in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that yohimbine improves ED symptoms compared to placebo. Secondary benefits include potential fat loss, with some studies suggesting a lipolytic effect, although evidence is limited. Some research indicates potential benefits in athletic performance, but findings are inconsistent. The benefits of yohimbine are primarily documented in men with ED, with less clear evidence for other populations. Effect sizes for ED are generally modest, and long-term efficacy and safety data are limited. A study by Ostojic et al. (2006) found that yohimbine decreased fat mass over 21 days, but did not improve performance.
How it works
Yohimbine functions primarily as a selective α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist. This antagonism enhances the release of norepinephrine (NE) from the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased sympathetic activity. Yohimbine affects multiple organ systems, including the adrenal glands, heart, vasculature, skeletal muscle, and neural activity. It increases blood supply to the cavernous body tissue and enhances nitric oxide-mediated smooth muscle relaxation, which is beneficial for erectile function. The primary molecular target is the α2-adrenergic receptor, where yohimbine competes for norepinephrine binding sites, leading to increased NE release and spillover. It is rapidly absorbed and eliminated, with an elimination half-life of 30-40 minutes, primarily metabolized by the liver.
Side effects
Yohimbine can cause several side effects, ranging from common to rare and severe. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) include insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, chest pain, sweating, blurred vision, and hypertension. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, nervousness, urinary frequency, diarrhea, and manic symptoms. Rare but severe side effects (<1%) include hypertensive urgency, acute neurotoxic effects (malaise, vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures), skin eruptions, renal failure, lupus-like syndrome, and severe priapism. Yohimbine can interact with cardiovascular and nervous system medications and is contraindicated in patients with severe cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or a history of anxiety or psychiatric disorders. Caution is advised in older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with kidney or liver disease.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for erectile dysfunction is typically 5-10 mg, taken three times a day. For athletic performance and fat loss, doses range from 2.5 mg to 20 mg, often taken 20-30 minutes before exercise or activity. The maximum safe dose is generally considered to be ≤0.2 mg per kg of body weight. Yohimbine should be taken as directed, usually before exercise or activity for performance enhancement, and as needed for erectile dysfunction. It can be administered orally or topically. Rapid absorption and elimination suggest that timing of ingestion relative to meals may not significantly impact its efficacy. Its use should be monitored due to potential interactions with other medications.
FAQs
How safe is Yohimbine?
Yohimbine can be safe at recommended doses but has a high potential for side effects and toxicity at higher doses. It should be used under medical supervision, especially in individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
When and how should I take Yohimbine?
Yohimbine should be taken as directed, typically before exercise or activity for performance enhancement, and as needed for erectile dysfunction. Follow specific dosage guidelines based on the intended use.
What results can I expect from Yohimbine?
For erectile dysfunction, improvements can be seen within a short period. For athletic performance and fat loss, the evidence is less clear, and results may vary widely among individuals.
What are common misconceptions about Yohimbine?
Yohimbine is often mistakenly believed to significantly enhance athletic performance or promote muscle growth, but the evidence for these claims is weak and not consistently supported by research.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2035-8377/16/6/131 – This article likely discusses recent research or applications of yohimbine, potentially covering its effects on various health conditions or its mechanisms of action. Further review of the full text would be needed to provide a more detailed summary of its findings and conclusions.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548703/ – This resource from the National Center for Biotechnology Information likely provides a comprehensive overview of yohimbine, including its pharmacology, uses, and potential side effects. It serves as a reliable source for understanding the scientific basis and clinical considerations of yohimbine.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/yohimbe – The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides information on yohimbe, focusing on its uses, potential benefits, and side effects, particularly in the context of cancer care. This resource offers a balanced perspective on yohimbe, emphasizing safety and evidence-based usage.
- https://examine.com/supplements/yohimbine/ – Examine.com offers an evidence-based analysis of yohimbine, summarizing the research on its effects on various health outcomes, such as fat loss and erectile dysfunction. The site provides a detailed overview of the available scientific literature, helping users make informed decisions about yohimbine supplementation.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-759/yohimbe – WebMD provides general information on yohimbe, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety concerns. This resource offers a consumer-friendly overview of yohimbe, highlighting important considerations for those considering its use.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9815280 – Ernst and Pittler's systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that yohimbine had a significant but limited effect on erectile dysfunction symptoms. The review included 7 trials with 419 patients and showed that yohimbine was more effective than placebo in improving ED symptoms.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9098658 – A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 86 men with erectile dysfunction found that yohimbine was effective in improving ED symptoms. However, side effects occurred in 30% of yohimbine recipients compared to 10% in the placebo group.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16444661/ – This RCT found that yohimbine decreased fat mass over 21 days but did not improve athletic performance. The study involved 20 mg of yohimbine taken daily for 21 days.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/10/1/16 – This study found that 2.5 mg of yohimbine taken 20 minutes before cycling sprints increased power and epinephrine levels but did not affect performance or perceived exertion.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7924299 – This report highlighted the potential risks of yohimbine, including severe side effects and the lack of quality control in yohimbine-containing supplements. It emphasized the need for proper labeling and warnings.
Supplements Containing Yohimbe Hcl
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