Yohimbe is a tree from central and western Africa. Yohimbine, a chemical found in the bark of this tree, is used to make herbal teas, medicines, and supplements. It is also a common active ingredient found in some sexual enhancement products.
Although not many studies have been done on the effects of Yohimbe natural extract, there is evidence that it can be used to treat certain conditions.
Yohimbine is recommended for sexual problems at a daily dose of mg.
Histories
The Pausinystalia Yohimbe Tree was discovered in West Africa by the Pygmies. It is used as a common treatment for fevers, coughs and leprosy.
This tree was praised by some African tribes as a powerful aphrodisiac. Others use it as mild hallucinogen or as a local anesthetic.
The European missionaries who discovered the tree in 1903 in Germany first noticed this ingredient. It was quickly popularized in Europe, and later became known as the “love tree”. It was used in candies that contained bark, later called “love candy” and quickly became a favorite among lovers.
Yohimbine is a stimulant which induces euphoria, confidence.
This ingredient is commonly found in male enhancement pills. It increases blood flow to the genitals, making it sexually stimulating.
It’s also an effective oral medication that is commonly used for:
* increasing sexual desire;
* treating erectile dysfunction;
* Treating sexual problems caused by taking SSRI (selective serum reuptake inhibitors).
* assisting with general sexual health problems experienced by both men and women
* Enhancing athletic performance
* weight loss;
* fatigue;
* Low/high blood pressure
* chest pains;
* depression;
* for diabetic nerve pain.
Yohimbe and Weight Loss
Yohimbine is a weight loss supplement that promotes fat loss. However, other weight loss products do not work by increasing the time taken to burn stored fats. The thermogenic effect of this supplement is that it raises body temperature, which results in faster weight loss.
This is a great option for those who are slimmer and have a low fat percentage.
Yohimbe should be used with caution as it can cause serious side effects. These are some of the side effects:
* A rapid and irregular heartbeat
* Seizures
* Heart attack
* Kidney failure
Even if you take the recommended dosage, there may be mild side effects.
* Tremors
* Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, bloating
* Insomnia
* Anxiety, agitation, irritability
* Rapid heartbeat
* Drooling
* Headache
* Sinus pain
* Rash
* Excessive sweating
This ingredient can lead to panic attacks, breathing problems, low blood pressure, heart problems, paralysis, and even death if taken in large quantities.
California Poison Control received over 200,000 calls between 2000 and 2006. It was found that Yohimbe-related calls are more likely to result in medical emergency than those who call about other ingredients.
Clinical Toxicology described a case in which a bodybuilder suffered repeated seizures and lost consciousness after taking 5 grams Yohimbe during a contest for bodybuilding.
Some male enhancement pills contain Yohimbine as an active ingredient. Supplements with Yohimbine are not recommended for long-term use due to their serious side effects.
Safety precautions
* Yohimbine long-term usage can prove to be dangerous
* Not recommended for children.
* Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
It is not recommended for people with bleeding conditions, as it could increase the chance of bleeding. It is dangerous for people who have recently had surgery. It is recommended that you stop taking this supplement two weeks prior to your scheduled surgery.
* This is not recommended for people with schizophrenia because it can worsen psychosis.
BPH sufferers should avoid Yohimbe as it can worsen their condition.
* The chemicals found in yohimbine may worsen symptoms such as depression, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), and anxiety.
* Yohimbe chemicals can also be affected by liver disease.
Yohimbe can reduce or stop the flow urine for people with kidney disease.
* Not recommended for people with low or high blood pressure.
* This ingredient should not be used by people with heart disease.
* This ingredient is not recommended for diabetics as it can cause blood sugar and insulin levels to rise.
Interaction
Yohimbe may increase the chance of side effects from certain medications. Yohimbe may reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs in certain cases. It is not recommended to take this supplement with any of the following:
* Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs, prescription drugs used to treat depression, are called MAOIs. Yohimbine is similar to MAOIs, so taking both will increase your risk of side effects. Tranylcypromine, phenelzine are two examples of MAOIs.
* Antidepressants like Elavil or Tofranil. Both can cause heart problems if taken at the same time.
* Medicines that lower blood pressure. These medications can be rendered ineffective if Yohimbe side effects are observed.
* Opioid antagonists. Naloxone (Narcan), a drug similar to Yohimbine, can also affect the brain. Both substances can cause side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, trembling and hot flashes if taken at the same time.
* Antipsychotics. Yohimbine can cause side effects similar to Prolixin, Thorazine and Stelazine.
* Stimulants. Stimulants such as nicotine, coffee and nicotine can increase blood pressure and speed up the heart rate. If stimulants are combined with Yohimbine, these side effects may be worsened.
Yohimbine Hydrochloride
Yohimbine hydrochloride is the man-made form of yohimbine. This chemical is often found in prescription drugs to treat erectile dysfunction. Supplements containing yohimbine hydrochloride are not considered natural.
It isn’t clear if yohimbine hydroxychloride offers the same benefits as natural Yohimbe bark extract. These benefits are supported by studies of yohimbine hydrchloride.
* Weight loss: Yohimbine hydrochloride was proven to be effective in reducing body fat in a 2006 study. The study involved 20 top soccer players, who were given 20mg of the chemical over 21 days. The subjects did not experience any side effects during the study.
* Erectile dysfunction treatment: The study found that yohimbine chloride can be used to treat both delayed ejaculation and erectile disorder. Manufacturers of male enhancement pills began to include yohimbine hydrchloride as an active component. The natural Yohimbe extract is still not well researched so it cannot be compared to yohimbine chloride.
Although yohimbine chloride is a powerful ingredient, it is still on the FDA’s list as a poisonous plant.
