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GUT HEALTH

Yohimbe

Pausinystalia johimbe

also known as yohimbine bark

Moderate (erectile function) — but a real cardiovascular safety concern

Bark from a West African tree, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac for centuries before reaching Western markets. Yohimbe contains alkaloid in yohimbe bark. Acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor blocker, which raises norepinephrine and increases blood flow to certain tissues — including erectile tissue, but also raising blood pressure and heart rate.">yohimbine, a compound that became one of the first prescription medications for erectile dysfunction in the 1970s — long before sildenafil. The herb works, but the same mechanism that helps with erectile function also raises blood pressure and heart rate, sometimes dangerously. Multiple national agencies have flagged yohimbe products for emergency room visits.

Eases erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the genitals — alkaloid in yohimbe bark. Acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor blocker, which raises norepinephrine and increases blood flow to certain tissues — including erectile tissue, but also raising blood pressure and heart rate.">yohimbine has documented effects
alkaloid in yohimbe bark. Acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor blocker, which raises norepinephrine and increases blood flow to certain tissues — including erectile tissue, but also raising blood pressure and heart rate.">Yohimbine hydrochloride was a prescription erectile dysfunction medication (Yocon, Aphrodyne) from 1986 to the launch of sildenafil (Viagra) in 1998
May modestly support fat loss when combined with exercise — alkaloid in yohimbe bark. Acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor blocker, which raises norepinephrine and increases blood flow to certain tissues — including erectile tissue, but also raising blood pressure and heart rate.">yohimbine targets fat cells in resistant areas
Long traditional West African use as an aphrodisiac
Standardized prescription alkaloid in yohimbe bark. Acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor blocker, which raises norepinephrine and increases blood flow to certain tissues — including erectile tissue, but also raising blood pressure and heart rate.">yohimbine has predictable dosing; herbal yohimbe products vary enormously

Raises blood pressure and heart rate — has caused emergency room visits, heart attacks, and seizures

Skip with high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety disorders, or kidney disease

Skip with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or PTSD — yohimbine can trigger panic attacks and worsen psychiatric symptoms

Skip with prostate problems

Strong interaction with antidepressants — particularly MAOIs (potentially fatal), tricyclics, and SSRIs

Strong interaction with stimulants and ADHD medications

Strong interaction with blood pressure medications

Cannot be combined with alcohol

Multiple FDA warnings about yohimbe-containing supplements; product yohimbine content varies by hundreds of percent between brands and even between batches

Skip during pregnancy and nursing

Stop two weeks before surgery

Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of cardiovascular disease — provider evaluation matters more than self-treatment

NCCIH — Yohimbe · MedlinePlus Herbs & Supplements · NIH NCCIH Herbs at a Glance

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