Yohimbine

GENERAL INFO

Yohimbine is an alpha-blocker. It works by increasing certain chemicals in the body, which dilate the pupils of the eye. It also dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow in the penis, which helps to improve erectile function. Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you. [1]
Yohimbine is an active chemical (indole alkaloid) found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. [3]
Yohimbine is an effective therapy to treat organic erectile dysfunction in some men with erectile dysfunction. [4]
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 3.1 Origin of the substance Yohimbine is the principal indole alkaloid derived from the bark of the Yohimbe Tree (Pausinystalia yohimbe Corynanthe yohimbi) (Rubiaceae). [2]
Yohimbine is an active indole alkaloid constituent found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. [6]
Essentially, yohimbine is an extract from the bark of an African tree known as cortnanthe yohimbe, or sometimes referred to as pausinystalia yohimbe. [8]
Yohimbine also antagonizes several serotonin receptor subtypes: 1A (inhibitory, behavioral control), 1B (inhibitory, vasoconstriction), 1D (inhibitory, vasoconstriction), and 2B (smooth muscle contraction). Since yohimbine is an antagonist, it will decrease the effects of these receptors, thus causing excitation, vasodilation, and smooth muscle relaxation. Yohimbine is also said to increase dopamine and have some actions as an MAOI, although these mechanisms are unknown. [9]
Yohimbine is a specific extract from yohimbe bark. It is not clear whether the other alkaloids in yohimbe also have a pro-sexual effect. [10]
Yohimbine is an indolalkylamine alkaloid with chemical similarity to reserpine. [11]
Yohimbine is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West-African evergreen Pausinystalia yohimbe Pierre (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe ), family Rubiaceae (Madder family). [9]
SUMMARY 2.1 Main risks and target organs Yohimbine is a centrally acting alpha-2-adrenoceptor blocking agent. It may also interact with alpha-1-adrenoceptors and, in high concentrations, serotonin and dopamine receptors. Yohimbine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and has the potential to interact with tyramine-containing foods and stimulants such as phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine. [2]
The alkaloid known as yohimbine is the primary active constituent in yohimbe, although similar alkaloids may also play a role. Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, part of the sympathetic nervous system. 2 It also dilates blood vessels. [12]
Yohimbine is a prescription drug derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. It is sometimes considered a folk remedy that is available by prescription. It may increase blood flow to the penis or decrease blood flow from the penis, or both, and it may increase sexual desire. Yohimbine is used to help with erection problems erection problems (erectile dysfunction); however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for this use. [13]
Yohimbine is a crystalline alkaloid substance derived from the bark of the yohimbé tree ( Corynanthe yohimbe ) found in central Africa, where it has been used for centuries to increase sexual powers. [14]
Yohimbine is an adrenergic receptor antagonist and a serotonergic receptor antagonist. It reduces the affects of these receptors, which detect the presence of adrenaline, noradrenaline and serotonin, respectively. These receptors are supposed to tell the body to stop producing these hormones, but if they are antagonized by yohimbine, they would not carry out this function as well, thus causing excitation. [6]
Yohimbine is a 3a-15a-20b-17a-hydroxy yohimbine-16a-carboxylic acid methyl ester. [11]
Yohimbine versus Yohimbe Yohimbine is a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. [10]
Yohimbine is a mild MAO inhibitor, we've corrected the file which suggested that it wasn't. MAO inhibitors are a broad category, they do not all work in the same way or have the same effects or the same intensity; even chocolate contains MAO inhibitors. [15]
Accordingly, yohimbine can give a new potential and meaning to the lives of "older" men. The fact that yohimbine is a mainstay supplement of those in the X-rated adult video business probably speaks for itself. [8]
Because yohimbine is the most active component of yohimbe, the two names are often used interchangeably. They are not the same, however. [7]
Yohimbine is an alkaloid found in the inner bark of a tree that grows in southern Africa, Corynanthe yohimbe. Yohimbe has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac, and alkaloids derived from this tree have been studied in depth. [18]
9.4.12.2 Fluid and electrolyte disturbances No data available. 9.4.12.3 Others Yohimbine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and thus has the potential for reacting with tyramine-containing foods. [2]
First of all, yohimbine is an old drug. As such it does not enjoy patent protection or commercial viability. [19]
PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 7.1 Mode of action Yohimbine is a competitive antagonist selective for alpha 2-andrenoceptors, which are thought to be located on nerve terminals and receptors and to mediate inhibition of transmitter release. [2]
Yohimbine is a 3alpha-15alpha-20beta-17alpha-hydroxy Yohimbine-16alpha-carboxylic acid methyl ester. [22]
7.1.2 Pharmacodynamics Yohimbine is an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist. It increases the heart rate and blood pressure and causes CNS stimulation and anti-diuresis (Reynolds et al., 1989). [2]
Yohimbine is an indolalkylamine alkaloid with chemical similarity to reserpine. It is a crystalline powder, odorless. [22]
Yohimbine is a prescription drug derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. It is sometimes considered a folk remedy that is available by prescription. It may increase blood flow to the penis or decrease blood flow from the penis, or both, and it may increase sexual desire. Yohimbine is used to help with erection problems (erectile dysfunction); however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for this use. [23]
As stated earlier, yohimbine is known to increase heart rate and sometimes blood pressure, therefore persons suffering with heart conditions should avoid yohimbine use. This caution should also be extended to any individuals who are suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. It is also known that yohimbine is contraindicated with MAO inhibitors, which are often to be found in the action of many anti-depressants. [8]
Since yohimbine is a mild MAO inhibitor, a dangerous rise in blood pressure may result if it is taken with any food or drink containing tyramines. [7]
Erectile Dysfunction: As stated at the very beginning of the article, long before Viagra® was available, yohimbine was the drug of choice to help treat erectile dysfunction (ED). [8]
Yohimbine, also known under the antiquated names quebrachin, aphrodin, corynine, yohimvetol and hydroergotocin, is a purported aphrodisiac. [9]
Yohimbine is derived from the bark (of the trunk and branches) of an evergreen tree native to West Africa (Congo, Zaire, Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon). [6]
For the reasons above, we refused our 2nd hypothesis that the antagonistic actions of atipamezole and yohimbine were similar. [5]
Yohimbe and yohimbine are believed to affect levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to other cells. Antipsychotic drugs used to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia also alter the levels of neurotransmitters. [7]
Due to its effects on blood pressure, yohimbe and yohimbine are believed to interfere with the effects of drugs that lower blood pressure. [7]
Base tumescence activity unit scores of the responders who were taking high doses of yohimbine were significantly higher ( P 0.009). [4]
Yohimbe and yohimbine may affect the balance of neurotransmitters involved in maintaining emotional status. Therefore, individuals who have or who have had anxiety, depression, or mental illnesses should not take yohimbine. Although yohimbe and yohimbine are not generally used by women, they may cause the uterus to relax, if taken by a female. [7]
Receptors with high affinity for yohimbine were detected in the aorta, whereas low affinity receptors were observed in the vas deferens. The affinity for yohimbine in these two tissues differed by over 50-fold. [16]
Ex vivo platelet aggregation in response to epinephrine was inhibited during yohimbine, showing that non-innervated alpha 2-adrenoreceptors were inhibited. Central effects of yohimbine were evaluated through use of linear analog mood rating scales which showed a shift from calm toward excited ends of these scales. If yohimbine is acting through blockade of alpha 2 receptors, then these receptors tonically suppress sympathetic outflow in humans. [17]
Some authors have questioned the effect of yohimbine on penile activity, but either inadequate doses of yohimbine were used or only tumescence was measured, 21, 32 32 often in an office setting where anxiety and embarrassment might affect results. [4]
As a veterinary preparation, yohimbine is used to reverse xylazine-induced anaesthesia in animals including deer, steers, dogs, cats and horses. [2]
In veterinary medicine, yohimbine is used to reverse anesthesia from the drug xylazine in small and large animals. [9]
Yohimbine is used so often as a treatment for erectile disfunction caused by antidepressants. [6]
Yohimbine is used to increase peripheral blood flow. It is also used to dilate the pupil of the eye. [20]
Yohimbine is used to treat and diagnose some types of impotence. Yohimbine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. [21]

KEY TOPICS

Section Contents:

* Controlled studies suggest that it is not always an effective treatment for impotence, and evidence of increased sex drive (libido) is anecdotal only.(More…)

* Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Yohimbine for more than 10 weeks without checking with your doctor.(More…)

* Yohimbine hydrochloride has also been used for the treatment of sexual side effects caused by some antidepressants ( SSRIs ), female hyposexual disorder, as a blood pressure boosting agent in autonomic failure, xerostomia, and as a probe for noradrenergic activity.(More…)

* Yohimbine, an alkaloid, is the primary active ingredient of yohimbe.(More…)

* USES: USES: Yohimbine has been used to increase low blood pressure, to widen (dilate) the pupil of the eye and for certain cases of male impotence.(More…)

* Yohimbine is an indolalkylamine alkaloid with chemical similarity to reserpine.(More…)

* If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.(More…)

* Yohimbine is a crystalline alkaloid substance derived from the bark of the yohimbé tree ( Corynanthe yohimbe ) found in central Africa, where it has been used for centuries to increase sexual powers.(More…)

* A physician's advice should be sought before starting on yohimbine, if you are taking any form of anti-depression therapy.(More…)

Controlled studies suggest that it is not always an effective treatment for impotence, and evidence of increased sex drive (libido) is anecdotal only. It cannot be excluded that orally administered yohimbine can have a beneficial effect in some patients with ED. [9] Yohimbine also antagonizes several serotonin receptor subtypes: 1A (inhibitory, behavioral control), 1B (inhibitory, vasoconstriction), 1D (inhibitory, vasoconstriction), and 2B (smooth muscle contraction). Since yohimbine is an antagonist, it will decrease the effects of these receptors, thus causing excitation, vasodilation, and smooth muscle relaxation. Yohimbine is also said to increase dopamine and have some actions as an MAOI, although these mechanisms are unknown. [9]

According to the Mayo Clinic, yohimbine can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts. Higher doses of oral yohimbine may create numerous side effects such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and overstimulation. It causes insomnia and sleeplessness. [9] The levels of yohimbine that are present in yohimbe bark extract are variable and often very low. Therefore, although yohimbe bark has been used traditionally to reduce male erectile dysfunction, there is not enough scientific evidence to form a definitive conclusion in this area. [9]

Some internet shops sell expensive formulations of yohimbine for transdermal delivery to effect a local reduction of adipose tissue, although there is no evidence that it is effective. Demand for products of this kind is frequently found in the bodybuilding community. [9] Yohimbine is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West-African evergreen Pausinystalia yohimbe Pierre (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe ), family Rubiaceae (Madder family). [9] Yohimbine and Yohimbine bark may also cause vasodilation through endothelin B receptor stimulation and nitric oxide (NO) release. [9]

Yohimbine has been used to facilitate recall of traumatic memories in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). [9] In veterinary medicine, yohimbine is used to reverse anesthesia from the drug xylazine in small and large animals. [9]

Yohimbine has been shown to be effective in the reversal of sexual satiety and exhaustion in male rats. [9] The active chemical present in yohimbe bark is Yohimbine HCl (indole alkaloid) found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. [9] Use of yohimbine outside therapeutic settings may not be appropriate for persons suffering from PTSD. [9]

Using Yohimbine alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Use Yohimbine with extreme caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects. [1] Yohimbine is an alpha-blocker. It works by increasing certain chemicals in the body, which dilate the pupils of the eye. It also dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow in the penis, which helps to improve erectile function. Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you. [1]

Yohimbine increases the amount of blood that is allowed to flow into the penis and prevents blood from flowing out of the penis. It can cause an erection. [21] Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a medicine for depression, mania, or another psychiatric condition. Generally, yohimbine should not be used with these medicines. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with yohimbine or affect your condition. [21] Yohimbine is available under several brand and generic names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. [21] Yohimbine is used to treat and diagnose some types of impotence. Yohimbine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. [21] Yohimbine should not be used by women. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. [21]

Symptoms of a yohimbine overdose include increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, flushing); a fast heart rate; numbness or tingling; runny nose; tremor; anxiety; poor coordination; and confusion or abnormal behavior. [21] Generic Name: yohimbine (yo HIM bean) Brand names: Erex, Testomar, Yocon, Yohimar, Yohimbe, Yohimex,. show all 13 brand names. [21] You may not be able to take yohimbine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above. [21] Yohimbine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. [21]


Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Yohimbine for more than 10 weeks without checking with your doctor. [1] PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Yohimbine is generally not recommended for use in women. [1] Yohimbine is not recommended for use in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed. [1] Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Yohimbine. [1] Ask your health care provider if Yohimbine may interact with other medicines that you take. [1] Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Yohimbine. This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. [1]


Yohimbine hydrochloride has also been used for the treatment of sexual side effects caused by some antidepressants ( SSRIs ), female hyposexual disorder, as a blood pressure boosting agent in autonomic failure, xerostomia, and as a probe for noradrenergic activity. [9] The NIH states that Yohimbine hydrochloride is the standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription medicine in the United States, and has been shown in human studies to be effective in the treatment of male impotence. [9]

In Africa, yohimbine has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. However it is very important to note that while the terms yohimbine, yohimbine hydrochloride, and yohimbe bark extract are related, they are not interchangeable. [9] Yohimbine Hydrochloride is a selective competitive alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist. The alpha2 receptor is responsible for sensing adrenaline and noradrenaline and telling the body to decrease its production as part of a negative feedback loop. [9]


Yohimbine, an alkaloid, is the primary active ingredient of yohimbe. Similar alkaloids also play a role. [24] Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of yohimbine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine has been used in some elderly patients and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. [20] Yohimbine is used to increase peripheral blood flow. It is also used to dilate the pupil of the eye. [20] The way yohimbine works is not known for sure. It is thought, however, to work by increasing the body's production of certain chemicals that help produce erections. It does not work in all men who are impotent. This medicine usually begins to work about 2 to 3 weeks after you begin to take it. [20]


USES: USES: Yohimbine has been used to increase low blood pressure, to widen (dilate) the pupil of the eye and for certain cases of male impotence. HOW TO USE: HOW TO USE: This medication must be taken as directed. [25] Yohimbine in erectile dysfunction: would an orphan drug ever be properly assessed? by Morales A. Kingston General Hospital, Ontario, Canada. T he systemic use of adrenergic antagonists in the treatment of sexual dysfunction has originated more controversy than results. [19] In-depth, systematic studies in animals have shown that yohimbine has a remarkable positive effect on sexual performance. [19] Until molecular/formulation changes can be brought about (as recently happened with two other venerable agents: phentolamine and apomorphine) serious investigation of the drug will remain in limbo. Another promising avenue is the potential for synergistic effect of yohimbine with other compounds. [19] Meta-analyses of the few controlled, randomized human studies have consistently shown an advantage of yohimbine over placebo. Despite such a long history and encouraging activity, the drug has not yet been subjected to scientifically rigid human clinical trials. Although relevant basic pharmacological and animal research information has been available for over 15 years, recent studies have been designed with a lack of insight and complete disregard of those fundamental studies. [19] When all is said and done, it could be that the naysayers are right and yohimbine indeed lacks clinical activity as a treatment for the phallodynamically challenged. [19] Among the various agents, yohimbine has acquired an unenviable reputation in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. [19]


Yohimbine is an indolalkylamine alkaloid with chemical similarity to reserpine. It is a crystalline powder, odorless. [22] Yohimbine, also known under the antiquated names quebrachin, aphrodin, corynine, yohimvetol and hydroergotocin, is a purported aphrodisiac. [9] First of all, yohimbine is an old drug. As such it does not enjoy patent protection or commercial viability. [19] As stated earlier, yohimbine is known to increase heart rate and sometimes blood pressure, therefore persons suffering with heart conditions should avoid yohimbine use. This caution should also be extended to any individuals who are suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. It is also known that yohimbine is contraindicated with MAO inhibitors, which are often to be found in the action of many anti-depressants. [8]

Essentially, yohimbine is an extract from the bark of an African tree known as cortnanthe yohimbe, or sometimes referred to as pausinystalia yohimbe. [8] There is very little data about the use of yohimbine in women, probably because the primary medical use of yohimbine has been focused on erectile dysfunction and male impotence. [8] Erectile Dysfunction: As stated at the very beginning of the article, long before Viagra® was available, yohimbine was the drug of choice to help treat erectile dysfunction (ED). [8]

Effectiveness of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder: four meta-analytic integrations: Carey MP; Johnson BT: Arch Sex Behav, 25(4):341-60 1996 Aug. 6. [8] Yohimbine, erectile capacity, and sexual response in men: Rowland DL ; Kallan K ; Slob AK: Arch Sex Behav, 26(1):49-62 1997 Feb. 4. [8] Yohimbine interacts with the dopaminergic system to reverse sexual satiation: further evidence for a role of sexual motivation in sexual exhaustion: Rodriguez-Manzo G: Eur J Pharmacol, 372(1):1-8 1999 May 7. 5. [8]

One can find the bark extract yohimbe in most health food stores in many countries, but the pharmaceutical pure extract yohimbine (as denoted by the difference in the ending of the name), is actually an indole alkaloid that makes up less than 1% of the volume of yohimbe bark, (Betz et al, 1995, Budavari 1996, Leo and Foster, 1996). [8] Dosages: Normal daily dosages for yohimbine for the treatment of ED or impotence are 5mg two or three times daily. [8]


If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if Yohimbine is excreted in breast milk. [1] The combined treatment with subthreshold doses of apomorphine and yohimbine synergised to reverse the sexual inhibition characteristic of sexual exhaustion. [26] Data show that yohimbine and apomorphine, per se, dose-dependently reverse sexual exhaustion by increasing the percentage of sexually satiated rats copulating and resuming copulation after ejaculation. Injection of haloperidol simultaneous to an effective dose of yohimbine, blocked the ability of the latter to reverse sexual satiation. [26]


Yohimbine is a crystalline alkaloid substance derived from the bark of the yohimbé tree ( Corynanthe yohimbe ) found in central Africa, where it has been used for centuries to increase sexual powers. [14] Yohimbine is an alkaloid found in the inner bark of a tree that grows in southern Africa, Corynanthe yohimbe. Yohimbe has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac, and alkaloids derived from this tree have been studied in depth. [18] A recent review of the literature found that yohimbine, especially in combination with drugs that facilitate the action of nitric oxide, is effective in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction (11), and a study in women found yohimbine combined with L-arginine glutamate to increase sexual arousal in women with sexual arousal disorder (12). [18] A study on cardiovascular variables found that ephedrine and caffeine together were safe, but the addition of yohimbine may produce undesirable effects (20). It is still unknown whether the combination of yohimbine and ephedrine produces any additional benefit, and whether it is justified by the potential dangers. [18]

Galitzky J, Riviere D, Tran MA, Montastruc JL, Berlan M. Pharmacodynamic effects of chronic yohimbine treatment in healthy volunteers. [18] Galitzky J, Taouis M, Berlan M, Riviere D, Garrigues M, Lafontan M. Alpha 2-antagonist compounds and lipid mobilization: evidence for a lipid mobilizing effect of oral yohimbine in healthy male volunteers. [18]

Southwick SM, Morgan CA 3rd, Charney DS, High JR. Yohimbine use in a natural setting: effects on posttraumatic stress disorder. [18] Meston CM, Worcel M. The effects of yohimbine plus L-arginine glutamate on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder. [18] Cell culture studies confirm that yohimbine increases the lipolytic effects of beta(3) agonists (19). [18] Yohimbine is available as an herbal yohimbe extract or pure yohimbine HCl, and it is also found in some topical fat loss solutions. [18]

Cameron OG, Zubieta JK, Grunhaus L, Minoshima S. Effects of yohimbine on cerebral blood flow, symptoms, and physiological functions in humans. [18] A study using rats indicated that yohimbine blocked the effects of the same beta(3) agonist, indicating that the two may antagonize each other (19). [18] Stimulation of the beta adrenoreceptors causes the breakdown of fat while stimulating the alpha(2) adrenoreceptors has the opposite effect, preventing the release of NE and lipolysis. Yohimbine prevents this negative feedback mechanism, thus increasing NE release and lipolysis. [18] For fat loss, yohimbine is generally taken twice daily, in the morning and afternoon. It is best taken on an empty stomach, as taking it with a meal can reduce its lipolytic effects (3). [18]


A physician's advice should be sought before starting on yohimbine, if you are taking any form of anti-depression therapy. [8]

Yohimbine is a 3alpha-15alpha-20beta-17alpha-hydroxy Yohimbine-16alpha-carboxylic acid methyl ester. [22] Studies report that yohimbine is able to increase saliva in animals and in humans. Based on these few studies, yohimbine has been used for the treatment of dry mouth caused by medications, such as antidepressants. Yohimbe bark extract may not contain significant amounts of yohimbine, and therefore may not have these effects. [3] Based on human study, yohimbine may increase pain relief from morphine and may increase or decrease withdrawal symptoms caused by the medication naloxone. According to historical use and animal study, yohimbine may increase the effects of diabetic medications, including insulin, although there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area. [3] Based on human study, yohimbine has been reported to block the effects of alpha-adrenergic drugs. Yohimbine may increase the effects of drugs that are anti-adrenergic, such as clonidine or guanabenz. [3]

In theory, yohimbine may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. The levels of these drugs (and yohimbine) in the blood may be altered, and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. [3] The levels of herbs or supplements (and yohimbine) in the blood may be altered, and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system. [3]

It is theorized that yohimbine may improve orthostatic hypotension (lowering of blood pressure with standing) or other symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Yohimbe bark extract may not contain significant amounts of yohimbine, and therefore may not have these proposed effects. [3] Symptoms of toxicity from yohimbine can include paralysis, dangerously low blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart failure, and death. These same risks theoretically may also exist with yohimbe bark extract, depending on the concentration of yohimbine present and the amount ingested. Beta-blocker drugs such as metoprolol (Lopressor®, Toprol®) may be protective against yohimbine toxicity. [3] If adverse effects occur, discontinuing the drug will likely stop the effects. In theory, these same side effects may also occur with the use of yohimbe bark extract, which contains variable (usually low) amounts of yohimbine. [3] Use of yohimbine with central nervous system stimulants may have additive effects. In theory, due to inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAOI activity), use of yohimbine with drugs like isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®) or linezolid (Zyvox®) may produce additive side effects, such as an increased risk of extremely high blood pressure. [3] In theory, yohimbine may add to the effects of drugs that lower blood pressure. [3] Bagheri H, Schmitt L, Berlan M, et al. A comparative study of the effects of yohimbine and anetholtrithione on salivary secretion in depressed patients treated with psychotropic drugs. [3] Based on human study, use of ethanol (alcohol) with yohimbine may produce an additive effect of increasing intoxication. [3] Based on human study, use of yohimbine with physostigmine in patients with Alzheimer's disease may be associated with anxiety, agitation, restlessness, and chest pain. Use of yohimbine with antihistamines is cautioned, although there is no reliable scientific evidence in this area. [3]

Although yohimbine is present in yohimbe bark extract, levels are variable and often very low. Therefore, although yohimbe bark has been used traditionally to reduce male erectile dysfunction, there is not enough scientific evidence to form a firm conclusion in this area. [3] In theory, other over-the-counter products containing stimulants, including caffeine, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine (removed from the U.S. market), may lead to additive effects when used in combination with yohimbine. [3] Yohimbine theoretically may add to the effects of herbs or supplements that may lower blood sugar. [3] Bagheri H, Schmitt L, Berlan M, et al. Effect of 3 weeks treatment with yohimbine on salivary secretion in healthy volunteers and in depressed patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants. [3]

In humans, yohimbine may change the seizure threshold (the likelihood that a seizure will happen in some people), and may cause blood pressure/heart rate increases, fluid retention, chest discomfort and heart rhythm abnormalities. [3] Yohimbine may increase the risk of bleeding by altering platelet function, and may dangerously reduce the number of white blood cells (agranulocytosis). [3] Yohimbine has been proposed to increase female libido (sexual interest). There is only limited poor-quality research in this area, and more study is needed before a recommendation can be made. [3] Pre-clinical studies report that yohimbine alkaloid, isolated from yohimbe bark, may inhibit platelet aggregation. Research in humans is limited, and more research is necessary in this area. [3] Yohimbine is an active chemical (indole alkaloid) found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. [3] Aphrodien, Corynanthe johimbi, Corynanthe yohimbi, corynine, johimbi, Pausinystalia johimbe, Pausinystalia yohimbe, quebrachine, Rubiaceae (family), yohimbehe, yohimbehe cortex, yohimbeherinde, yohimbene, yohimbime, yohimbine. [3] Women and Yohimbe A study conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas examined the effects of arginine combined with yohimbine (not yohimbe) on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. [10] Yohimbine versus Yohimbe Yohimbine is a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. [10] Is a 9mg. dose of yohimbine the right amount to be effective without bad side effects? A. Actually, since I wrote my book, I have revised my thoughts and would say that the right amount of yohimbe, combined with other sex herbs, is preferable to me than Viagra alone. I find Passion Rx with yohimbe to be such a combination. [10] Twenty commercial aphrodisiac preparations were analyzed and the amount of yohimbine measured and expressed as the maximal dose per day suggested on product labels ranged from 1.32 to 23.16 mg. yohimbe products, yohimbe research. [10] I have a question about a particular supplement. My wife and I tried yohimbe (taken 1.5 hours before activity) and we both found it to be very effective. This brand was 112.5 mg., 8% yohimbine alkaloids. [10] What are the facts? Most of the products containing Yohimbe, that I have found, are standardized to 9 mg. of yohimbine with the bark content running from 120 mg to 300 mg. [10]

Yohimbe Mechanism of Action Yohimbine acts through the nervous system to increase blood flow to the genital region. [10] Can you explain? A. Yohimbe or yohimbine induces norepinephrine secretion in the brain thus increasing sexual interest, but blocks the action of norepinephrine on peripheral type 2 adrenoreceptors in the penis. [10]

For more than 80 years yohimbine has been used as a treatment for male and female sexual difficulties. [10]

Yohimbine is now used primarily in veterinary medicine and in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and it may also be useful in the treatment of obesity. [18] Guay AT, Spark RF, Jacobson J, Murray FT, Geisser ME. Yohimbine treatment of organic erectile dysfunction in a dose-escalation trial. [18]

Waluga M, Janusz M, Karpel E, Hartleb M, Nowak A. Cardiovascular effects of ephedrine, caffeine and yohimbine measured by thoracic electrical bioimpedance in obese women. [18] Betz JM, White KD, der Marderosian AH. Gas chromatographic determination of yohimbine in commercial yohimbe products. [18] Berlan M, Galitzky J, Riviere D, Foureau M, Tran MA, Flores R, Louvet JP, Houin G, Lafontan M. Plasma catecholamine levels and lipid mobilization induced by yohimbine in obese and non-obese women. [18] The half-life of yohimbine is short (1-2 hours), but the half-life of a metabolite with similar activity, 11-hydroxy-yohimbine, is 6-8 hours (18), so it is not necessary to take it every 2 hours. It is best to start with half the dose or less to see how sensitive you are to yohimbine, as inter-individual bioavailability and tolerance can vary greatly. [18] As covered above, arginine and other NO enhancers may operate synergistically with yohimbine as a sexual stimulant. It is also probably synergistic with caffeine for fat loss through PDE inhibition. [18] Aside from being a fat loss agent, yohimbine is well known as a sexual stimulant. [18]

Le Corre P, Dollo G, Chevanne F, Le Verge R. Biopharmaceutics and metabolism of yohimbine in humans. [18] Carro-Juareza M, Rodriguez-Manzo G. Yohimbine reverses the exhaustion of the coital reflex in spinal male rats. [18] A possible synergism between yohimbine and ephedrine hasn't been thoroughly explored, and the information that exists is somewhat contradictory. In theory, they should work well together as yohimbine blocks one of the negative feedback mechanisms that would normally make ephedrine less effective. [18]


IN-DEPTH

Section Contents:

* Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.(More…)

* Libido Enhancement: The most likely explanation of the reported affects of yohimbine's sexual arousal effects, which include increased ejaculate, more intense orgasms and enhanced desire for intercourse, probably lie in yohimbine's ability to increase noradrenaline levels by as much as 66% (Grossman, 1993).(More…)

* In animal research, yohimbine has been associated with increased motor activity and seizures at higher doses.(More…)

* Goldberg MR & Robertson D (1983) Yohimbine: a pharmacological probe for study of the alpha-2-adrenoreceptor.(More…)

* Accordingly, yohimbine can give a new potential and meaning to the lives of "older" men.(More…)

* Yohimbine is a prescription drug derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree.(More…)

* KINETICS 6.1 Absorption by route of exposure The kinetic disposition of yohimbine was examined in 8 young male subjects following a single oral dose of 10 mg yohimbine hydrochloride.(More…)

* If you have chest pain ( angina ), depression or another psychiatric illness, heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver disease, be sure to inform your doctor before taking yohimbine.(More…)

* When a yohimbe product is taken at the same time as alcohol, intoxication may occur more rapidly.(More…)

* Human sympathetic activation by alpha2-adrenergic blockade with yohimbine: Bimodal, epistatic influence of cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism.(More…)

* use use : When used alone, yohimbine is successful in 34 % to 43 % of cases.(More…)

* If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain upon initiation of sexual activity after yohimbine use, you should refrain from further activity and should discuss the episode with your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible.(More…)

* The NEFA plasma levels ( Figure 3 ) decreased significantly in every group after the medetomidine injection, and remained below baseline in the MED-SAL group until 3 h.(More…)

* Yohimbine-stimulated max growth hormone (GH) for children with anxiety disorders (mean1.5 ng/ml, SD5.9) was significantly reduced compared to that of normal comparison children (mean2.7 ng/ml, SD4.5).(More…)

* hydrochloride hydrochloride : Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study.(More…)

* Yohimbine might have over-antagonized the actions of medetomidine, after the agonist was already eliminated.(More…)

* Yohimbine is a mild MAO inhibitor, we've corrected the file which suggested that it wasn't.(More…)

* Yohimbine's peripheral autonomic nervous system effect is to increase parasympathetic (cholinergic) and decrease sympathetic (adrenergic) activity.(More…)

* Yohimbine alone failed to potentiate erectile responses but yohimbine (1 mol kg - 1 ) significantly potentiated the effect of sildenafil 110 mol kg - 1 and 1 mmol kg - 1, 1 and 5 min after injection.(More…)

* Researchers from Germany investigated whether a yohimbine extract would reduce slowed heart rate and results showed no effect.(More…)

* Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study.(More…)

* Ninety minutes after drug ingestion, resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity was similar with yohimbine and with placebo.(More…)

* The effect of the alpha adrenoceptor blocking agent yohimbine on cerebral dopamine metabolism has been investigated in the rat.(More…)

* Yohimbine is a prescription drug derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree.(More…)

* A series of yohimbine derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity at the human 2C -adrenergic receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells.(More…)

* The selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, yohimbine, was used to differentiate postsynaptic alpha-adrenergic receptors in five peripheral tissues of the rat.(More…)

* Ex vivo platelet aggregation in response to epinephrine was inhibited during yohimbine, showing that non-innervated alpha 2-adrenoreceptors were inhibited.(More…)

* Do not use yohimbine if you are using any antidepressants.(More…)

* Yohimbine hydrochloride is a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States.(More…)

* Aim: To study the effect of yohimbine in the treatment of men with orgasmic dysfunction.(More…)

Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a medicine for depression, mania, or another psychiatric condition. Generally, yohimbine should not be used with these medicines. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with yohimbine or affect your condition. [27] The legendary aphrodisiac powers of ginseng root and powdered rhinoceros horn. With the exception of certain drugs such as alcohol or marijuana, which may lead to sexual excitation through disinhibition, modern medical science recognizes a very limited number of aphrodisiacs. These are, principally, cantharides and yohimbine, both of which stimulate sexual arousal by irritating the urinary tract when excreted. [14] Aspects of this topic are discussed in the following places at Britannica. These are, principally, cantharides and yohimbine, both of which stimulate sexual arousal by irritating the urinary tract when excreted. [14]


Libido Enhancement: The most likely explanation of the reported affects of yohimbine's sexual arousal effects, which include increased ejaculate, more intense orgasms and enhanced desire for intercourse, probably lie in yohimbine's ability to increase noradrenaline levels by as much as 66% (Grossman, 1993). [8] Therapeutic effects of high dose yohimbine hydrochloride on organic erectile dysfunction. [8] Double-blind, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy trial with yohimbine hydrochloride in the treatment of nonorganic erectile dysfunction: Vogt HJ; Brandl P; Kockott G; Schmitz JR; Wiegand MH; Schadrack J; Gierend M: Int J Impot. [8]

Conclusion: Perhaps yohimbine's greatest attribute is to be able to enhance sexuality in healthy subjects. Whilst Yohimbine's use in the treatment of impotence has been limited, its general enhancing affects, arousal stimulatory properties and improver of both the stamina and the rigidity of the male organ has an overall tendency to improve sexual performance. [8]

USES 4.1 Indications 4.1.1 Indications In humans, yohimbine has been used for the treatment of impotence. [2] Charney DS, Heninger GR, & Redmond DE (1983) Yohimbine -induced anxiety and increased non-adrenergic function in humans: effects of diazepam and clonidine: Life Sci, 33 : 19-29. [2] 2.2 Summary of clinical effects Yohimbine produces cardiovascular effects, including increases in heart rate and blood pressure. [2] After 10 mg yohimbine intravenously, half-life (beta) was 0.68 +/- 0.2 hours (Guthrie et al., 1990). 6.4 Metabolism Since yohimbine is stable in blood, the rapid clearance of yohimbine from human plasma suggests metabolism of the drug by an organ with high blood flow, such as liver or kidney, and a high extraction efficiency (Owen et al., 1987). [2] 6.3 Biological half-life by route of exposure Yohimbine was rapidly eliminated from the plasma in 8 young male patients receiving a single 10 mg dose of yohimbine (half-life was 0.60 +/- 0.26 hours) (Owen et al., 1987). [2] Yohimbine has been given in doses up to 30 mg daily (Moffat, 1986) and the German Pharmacopoeia states a human dose of up to 100 mg/day (Dukes, 1988). [2]

Dysuria, and back and genital pain have occurred. Yohimbine has been used for its alleged aphrodisiac properties but evidence of such an effect is lacking. [2] REFERENCES Bhattacharya SK, Clow A, Przuborowska A, Halket J, Glover V, & Sandler M (1991) Effect of aromatic amino acids, pentylenetetrazole and yohimbine on isatin and tribulin activity in rat brain. [2] Yohimbine has monoamine oxidase inhibitory effects (Bhattacharya et al., 1991). 7.1.1 Toxicodynamics It has been suggested that a central beta-origin toxicity exists, since only beta blockers which cross the blood-brain barrier are capable of antagonizing this activity (Bourin et al., 1988). [2] 7.5 Mutagenicity No data available. 7.6 Interactions Yohimbine has monoamine oxidase inhibitory effects, and thus has the potential to interact with tyramine-containing foods and stimulants such as phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine (Bhattacharya et al., 1991). [2]

Patients with orthostatic hypotension appear to be very sensitive to the effects of yohimbine. [2] 9.4 Systematic description of clinical effects 9.4.1 Cardiovascular Tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and hypertension are features of yohimbine toxicity. [2] CLINICAL EFFECTS 9.1 Acute poisoning 9.1.1 Ingestion Fatalities resulting from acute overdosage of yohimbine have not been reported. [2]

7.1.2 Pharmacodynamics Yohimbine is an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist. It increases the heart rate and blood pressure and causes CNS stimulation and anti-diuresis (Reynolds et al., 1989). [2] Systolic blood pressure increased significantly in subjects given oral doses of yohimbine. [2] Brodd OE, Anlauf M, & Arroyo J (1983) Hypersensitivity of adrenergic receptors and blood pressure response to oral yohimbine in orthostatic hypotension. [2] PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 7.1 Mode of action Yohimbine is a competitive antagonist selective for alpha 2-andrenoceptors, which are thought to be located on nerve terminals and receptors and to mediate inhibition of transmitter release. [2] SUMMARY 2.1 Main risks and target organs Yohimbine is a centrally acting alpha-2-adrenoceptor blocking agent. It may also interact with alpha-1-adrenoceptors and, in high concentrations, serotonin and dopamine receptors. Yohimbine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and has the potential to interact with tyramine-containing foods and stimulants such as phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine. [2] 4.3 Contraindications Yohimbine should not be used in cardiac, hepatic and renal disease. It is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, therefore tyramine-containing foods and stimulants such as phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine should be avoided. [2] Mild hallucinations, including a disassociative state, can occur when yohimbine is smoked or used in a tea (Linden et al, 1985; Siegel, 1976). [2] As a veterinary preparation, yohimbine is used to reverse xylazine-induced anaesthesia in animals including deer, steers, dogs, cats and horses. [2]

6.5 Elimination by route of exposure Oral Clearance after 10 mg yohimbine Range 2.81 to 200 mL/min/kg Mean 55.9 mL/min/kg Less than 1% of unchanged drug was recovered in the urine in 24 hours. (Owen et al., 1987). [2] Case 2 A 38-year-old man with insulin dependent diabetes was admitted two hours after taking 350 mg yohimbine. [2] 9.4.7 Endocrine and reproductive systems Studies have shown yohimbine to be 3 to 3.4 times as effective as placebo in relieving male impotency (Sobotka, 1969). [2]

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES 3.1 Origin of the substance Yohimbine is the principal indole alkaloid derived from the bark of the Yohimbe Tree (Pausinystalia yohimbe Corynanthe yohimbi) (Rubiaceae). [2]

Yohimbine is a specific extract from yohimbe bark. It is not clear whether the other alkaloids in yohimbe also have a pro-sexual effect. [10] What the Research Says about Yohimbe Yohimbine (not yohimbe) has been evaluated in the management of erectile disorder by means of many placebo-controlled trials. It does appear to have a therapeutic benefit. [10] The development and validation of a rapid qualitative and quantitative method for the analysis of yohimbine in a number of commercial yohimbe aphrodisiac products is reported. [10]

In one study, of twenty commercial aphrodisiac preparations were analyzed and the amount of yohimbine measured and expressed as the maximal dose per day suggested on product labels ranged from 1.32 to 23.16 mg. [10] Twenty-four women participated in three treatment sessions in which self-report and vaginal sexual responses to erotic stimuli were measured following treatment with either L-arginine (6 g) plus yohimbine (6 mg), yohimbine alone (6 mg), or placebo, using a randomized, double-blind, three-way cross-over design. [10] Q. I am taking 8 mg yohimbine per day and want to know how much is in Passion Rx formula so I can adjust the amount accordingly. [10]

Although many pharmacological properties of yohimbine have been described, at the plasma concentration attained at recommended dosages in humans the predominant activity is antagonism of alpha 2-adrenoceptors. [10] Almost all clinical studies have been conducted with yohimbine rather than yohimbe bark powder or yohimbe extracts. [10] Additional Yohimbe side effects and cautions Yohimbe bark contains yohimbine, an alpha-2-adrenergic blocking agent. [10] Yohimbe bark has been reported to contain up to 6% total alkaloids, 10-15% of which is yohimbine. [10]

A small percentage of a chemical called yohimbine is found in the bark of the yohimbe tree. [10] Overall Yohimbine was found significantly more effective than placebo in terms of response rate: 71 vs 45%. [10] Yohimbine was administered orally in a dosage of 30 mg a day (two 5 mg tablets three times daily) for eight weeks. [10] The combined oral administration of L-arginine and yohimbine substantially increased vaginal pulse amplitude responses to the erotic film at 60 min postdrug administration compared with placebo. [10] Qualitative and quantitative determination of yohimbine in authentic yohimbe bark and in commercial aphrodisiacs by HPLC-UV-API/ MS methods. [10] A. We would suggest not taking the yohimbine the same day as Passion Rx. They can be alternated every day with a day or two off each week if your doctor approves. [10]


In animal research, yohimbine has been associated with increased motor activity and seizures at higher doses. [3] Morales A, Surridge DH, Marshall PG. Yohimbine for treatment of impotence in diabetes. [3] Knoll LD, Benson RC Jr, Bilhartz DL, et al. A randomized crossover study using yohimbine and isoxsuprine versus pentoxifylline in the management of vasculogenic impotence. [3]

Brodde OE, Anlauf M, Arroyo J, et al. Hypersensitivity of adrenergic receptors and blood-pressure response to oral yohimbine in orthostatic hypotension. [3] Ernst E, Pittler MH. Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta- analysis of randomized clinical trials. [3] Yohimbine may precipitate panic attacks, anxiety, manic episodes or psychosis in patients with a history of mental illness. [3] Yohimbine has also been associated with tremulousness, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and excitability. [3]

The combination of yohimbine with anti-muscarinic agents may result in increased risk of toxicity. [3]

Yohimbine hydrochloride, a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States, has been suggested to treat sexual dysfunction due to SSRI antidepressants. Research in this area is limited, and more study is needed before a recommendation can be made. Yohimbe bark extract may not contain significant amounts of yohimbine, and therefore may not have these proposed effects. [3] Multiple drug interactions may occur with the use of yohimbine hydrochloride. In theory, these effects may also apply to yohimbe bark extract, which contains variable (usually low) amounts of yohimbine. [3] Multiple adverse effects have been associated with the use of the drug yohimbine hydrochloride, although in recommended doses, it is usually tolerated. [3]

Yohimbine hydrochloride has also been used for the treatment of sexual side effects caused by some antidepressants (SSRIs), female hyposexual disorder, as a blood pressure boosting agent in autonomic failure, xerostomia, and as a probe for noradrenergic activity. [3] Yohimbine hydrochloride is a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States, and has been shown in human studies to be effective in the treatment of male impotence. [3] Kunelius P, Hakkinen J, Lukkarinen O. Is high-dose yohimbine hydrochloride effective in the treatment of mixed-type impotence? A prospective, randomized, controlled double-blind crossover study. [3]


Goldberg MR & Robertson D (1983) Yohimbine: a pharmacological probe for study of the alpha-2-adrenoreceptor. [2] ILLUSTRATIVE CASES 11.1 Case reports from literature Case 1 An ingested dose of 1.8 g yohimbine (100 times the average daily rate) resulted in unconsciousness for some hours with priapism. [2] Although yohimbine may be quantified in the plasma by HPLC, toxic levels have not yet been established. [2] Inco-ordination was observed following abuse of yohimbine (Linden et al., 1985). It is commonly reported to cause anxiety (Charney et al., 1983). [2] Henauer SA, Gillespie HK, & Hollister LE (1984) Yohimbine and the model anxiety state. [2] In street use, Yohimbine has been misused as a mild hallucinogen, and as an aphrodisiac. [2] Yohimbine may also interact with alpha- 1-adrenoceptors and, in high concentrations, serotonin and dopamine receptors (Dukes, 1988). [2] Guthrie SK, Hariharan M, & Grunhaus LJ (1990) Yohimbine bioavailability in humans. [2] Case 3 A 16-year-old female took an estimated 250 mg of a white powder alleged to be yohimbine. Within 20 minutes she was weak, had generalized paraesthesia, loss of coordination, and was disassociative. She had a severe headache, was dizzy, and had no tremors. [2] Parenteral Clearance after 10 mg yohimbine intravenously Range 2.44 to 15.8 mL/min/kg Mean 9.77 mL/min/kg 7. [2]

9.3 Course, prognosis, cause of death Fatalities resulting from acute overdosage of yohimbine have not been reported. [2] Yohimbine affects the gastrointestinal, genito-urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. [2] 9.4.12.2 Fluid and electrolyte disturbances No data available. 9.4.12.3 Others Yohimbine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and thus has the potential for reacting with tyramine-containing foods. [2]


Accordingly, yohimbine can give a new potential and meaning to the lives of "older" men. The fact that yohimbine is a mainstay supplement of those in the X-rated adult video business probably speaks for itself. [8] Impotence has been successfully treated with yohimbine in male patients with vascular or diabetic origins and psychogenic origins (18 mg/day). [28] For erectile dysfunction (male impotence), 15 to 42 milligrams of yohimbine hydrochloride daily in three divided doses (for example, 5.4 to 10 milligrams three times daily) has been studied. [3] Yohimbine hydrochloride is a prescription drug that has been shown in multiple human trials to effectively treat male impotence. [3]

Yohimbe and yohimbine hydrochloride are not recommended for use in children. [3] For sexual side effects caused by antidepressant drugs, 2.7 to 16.2 milligrams of yohimbine hydrochloride has been studied. [3] The following doses are based on human trials of pharmaceutical standardized yohimbine hydrochloride (available by prescription in the United States). [3] Vogt HJ, Brandl P, Kockott G, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy trial with yohimbine hydrochloride in the treatment of nonorganic erectile dysfunction. [3] There are reports of rash, flushing, breathing difficulty, cough, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, diarrhea, increased frequency of urination, kidney failure, muscle aches, and a lupus-like syndrome with the use of yohimbine hydrochloride. [3] The terms yohimbine, yohimbine hydrochloride, and yohimbe bark extract are related but not interchangeable. [3]


Yohimbine is a prescription drug derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. It is sometimes considered a folk remedy that is available by prescription. It may increase blood flow to the penis or decrease blood flow from the penis, or both, and it may increase sexual desire. Yohimbine is used to help with erection problems (erectile dysfunction); however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for this use. [23] Higher doses of yohimbine may also reduce blood pressure by blocking alpha receptors. Yohimbe used to be taken to control blood pressure, but newer drugs with more predictable results and fewer side effects have replaced it for this use. [7] Non-prescription cough and cold remedies often contain pseudoephedrine (PSE) or phenylepherine, drugs which may increase the risk of side effects such as anxiety, dizziness, fast heart beat, headache, insomnia, nausea, and restlessness when they are taken with yohimbe or yohimbine. Yohimbe or yohimbine and certain other herbal products such as ephedra, guarana, and mate may cause blood pressure to rise. [7] Yohimbine may stimulate parts of the nervous system. If yohimbe or yohimbine is taken with prescription or drugs that also cause nervous system stimulation, the risk of side effects such as anxiety, dizziness, fast heart beat, headache, insomnia, nausea, and restlessness may increase. [7]

Yohimbe and its derivatives may interfere with the effects of drugs to treat high blood pressure, depression, schizophrenia, and several other conditions. Taking yohimbe or yohimbine may increase the risk of side effects from drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants and pseudoephedrine; herbals such as guarana and mate; and foods such as caffeine. [7] Due to its effects on blood pressure, yohimbe and yohimbine are believed to interfere with the effects of drugs that lower blood pressure. [7] Caffeine increases the central nervous system stimulation effect of yohimbe and yohimbine. [7] Yohimbe and yohimbine may enhance the effects of alcohol, leading to a feeling of intoxication with only a small amount of alcohol ingestion. [7] Yohimbe and yohimbine may have an effect on neurotransmitters involved in maintaining emotional balance. [7] Less than 10% of yohimbe is composed of yohimbine; the rest consists of other chemicals with lesser or unknown effects. [7] Yohimbe and yohimbine are believed to affect levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to other cells. Antipsychotic drugs used to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia also alter the levels of neurotransmitters. [7] Because low doses of the alkaloid yohimbine (less than about 20 mg per day) may result in mild nervous stimulation and increased breathing capability, it has been used at times as a weight-reducing agent, an exercise-enhancer, and a treatment for narcolepsy, a disorder that causes sleepiness and uncontrollable attacks of sleeping during the daytime. [7] Yohimbine, an alkaloid in yohimbe, has been used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). [7] Yohimbe and yohimbine may affect the balance of neurotransmitters involved in maintaining emotional status. Therefore, individuals who have or who have had anxiety, depression, or mental illnesses should not take yohimbine. Although yohimbe and yohimbine are not generally used by women, they may cause the uterus to relax, if taken by a female. [7] Very large doses of yohimbine may result in possibly dangerous changes in blood pressure, breathing, or heart rate. Yohimbe and yohimbine have also been associated with diarrhea, headache, insomnia, nausea, restlessness, sweating, and a number of other side effects. [7] The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how yohimbe and yohimbine interact with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions. [7] Despite a long history of use, neither yohimbe nor yohimbine has been proven in well-controlled human studies to be effective for any medical condition. [7] Neither herbal yohimbe nor yohimbine is recommended for use without the supervision of a health professional. [7]

Bagheri H, Schmitt L, Berlan M, Montastruc JL. A comparative study of the effects of yohimbine and anetholtrithione on salivary secretion in depressed patients treated with psychotropic drugs. [7] Bagheri H, Picault P, Schmitt L, Houin G, Berlan M, Montastruc JL. Pharmacokinetic study of yohimbine and its pharmacodynamic effects on salivary secretion in patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants. [7] Bagheri H, Schmitt L, Berlan M, Montastruc JL. Effect of 3 weeks treatment with yohimbine on salivary secretion in healthy volunteers and in depressed patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants. [7] Dilsaver SC, Davidson RK. Chronic treatment with amitriptyline produces subsensitivity to the hypothermic effects of yohimbine. [7] Abelson KS, Hoglund AU. The effects of the alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists clonidine and rilmenidine, and antagonists yohimbine and efaroxan, on the spinal cholinergic receptor system in the rat. [7] Lacomblez L, Bensimon G, Isnard F, Diquet B, Lecrubier Y, Puech AJ. Effect of yohimbine on blood pressure in patients with depression and orthostatic hypotension induced by clomipramine. [7] If ephedra or another blood-pressure raising herbal is taken at the same time as yohimbe or yohimbine, a sharp increase in blood pressure known as a hypertensive crisis may result. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis may include confusion, difficulty breathing, intense headache, or numb or tingling fingers or toes. [7] The risk of changes in blood pressure increases if yohimbe or yohimbine is taken at the same time as a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, doxepin or nortriptyline. [7] The risk of a hypertensive crisis increases when caffeine and yohimbe are taken together. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soft drinks, and tea should not be consumed when taking yohimbe or yohimbine. [7] General anxiety, manic episodes, psychoses, and other mental conditions reportedly have been triggered or worsened by taking yohimbe or yohimbine. [7] Yohimbine may affect the way that the body eliminates water, which may worsen kidney conditions. Therefore, individuals with kidney diseases should avoid taking yohimbe and products made from it. Men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should also avoid yohimbe and yohimbine due to the possibility that they may promote prostate enlargement and worsen the symptoms of BPH. [7] Because yohimbine is the most active component of yohimbe, the two names are often used interchangeably. They are not the same, however. [7] A prescription drug made from yohimbine has long been used in the United States to treat male erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to have or maintain an erection of the penis long enough to have sexual relations. This condition may also be called sexual dysfunction or impotence. [7] Yonezawa A, Yoshizumii M, Ebiko M, Amano T, Kimura Y, Sakurada S. Long-lasting effects of yohimbine on the ejaculatory function in male dogs. [7]

In clinical studies, a commonly used dose to treat ED was 6 mg of yohimbine taken three times a day. [7] Doses of yohimbine over about 40 mg per day may overly stimulate the central nervous system resulting in anxiety, headache, insomnia, restlessness, or other symptoms. [7] In higher doses (approximately 50 mg or more per day), yohimbine appears to block an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO). [7]


KINETICS 6.1 Absorption by route of exposure The kinetic disposition of yohimbine was examined in 8 young male subjects following a single oral dose of 10 mg yohimbine hydrochloride. [2]

Here's one summary of a study: A 1977 German double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of yohimbine hydrochloride included 86 patients with erectile dysfunction and without clearly detectable organic or psychologic causes. [10] Brannan T, Martinez-Tica J, Yahr MD. Effect of yohimbine on brain monoamines: an in vivo study. [29] Galitzky J, Taouis M, Berlan M, Rivière D, Garrigues M, Lafontan M. Alpha 2-antagonist compounds and lipid mobilization: evidence for a lipid mobilizing effect of oral yohimbine in healthy male volunteers. [29]

The discrepancies found in binding studies (i.e. 10 fold lower affinity of 11-OH-yohimbine than yohimbine for alpha 2-adrenoceptors but similar capacities in blocking biological alpha 2-adrenoceptor effects in cells) are attributable to the higher degree of binding of yohimbine to plasma protein. [29] Peskind ER, Veith RC, Dorsa DM, Gumbrecht G, Raskind MA. Yohimbine increases cerebrospinal fluid and plasma norepinephrine but not arginine vasopressin in humans. [29] Goldberg MR, Hollister AS, Robertson D. Influence of yohimbine on blood pressure, autonomic reflexes, and plasma catecholamines in humans. [29] M. Berlan, R. Le Verge, J. Galitzky, and P. Le Corre INSERM U.317 Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, Faculté de Médecine, Toulouse, France. This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist capacities of two hydroxylated metabolites of yohimbine in man (10-OH-yohimbine and 11-OH-yohimbine) were investigated on the alpha 2-adrenoceptors of human platelets and adipocytes and compared to those of yohimbine. 2. [29] Le Verge R, Le Corre P, Chevanne F, Döe De Maindreville M, Royer D, Levy J. Determination of yohimbine and its two hydroxylated metabolites in humans by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectral analysis. [29] Onrot J, Goldberg MR, Biaggioni I, Wiley RG, Hollister AS, Robertson D. Oral yohimbine in human autonomic failure. [29]

Yohimbine and its metabolites were bound to different extents to plasma proteins, the bound fraction being 82%, 43% and 32% respectively for yohimbine, 11-OH-yohimbine and 10-OH-yohimbine. 5. These results show that the main hydroxylated metabolite of yohimbine in man (11-OH-yohimbine) possesses alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist properties. [29] Yohimbine and 11-OH-yohimbine exhibited similar alpha 2-adrenoceptor affinity in biological studies i.e. inhibition of adrenaline-induced platelet aggregation and inhibition of UK14304-induced antilipolysis in adipocytes. 3. [29] When binding studies were carried out in binding buffer supplemented with 5% albumin, the apparent affinity of yohimbine was reduced about 10 fold and was similar to that of 11-OH-yohimbine. 4. [29]

Rispail Y, Schmitt L, Berlan M, Montastruc JL, Montastruc P. Yohimbine increases salivary secretion in depressed patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants. [29] Goldberg MR, Robertson D. Yohimbine: a pharmacological probe for study of the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor. [29] Lambert GA, Lang WJ, Friedman E, Meller E, Gershon S. Pharmacological and biochemical properties of isomeric yohimbine alkaloids. [29] Berlin I, Crespo-Laumonnier B, Turpin G, Puech AJ. The alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine does not facilitate weight loss but blocks adrenaline induced platelet aggregation in obese subjects. [29]


If you have chest pain ( angina ), depression or another psychiatric illness, heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver disease, be sure to inform your doctor before taking yohimbine. [23] Yohimbine is not commonly used. Complete the new medication information form (PDF) new medication information form opnbrktPDFclsbrkt (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication. [23] Ho et al. (1971) suggest that in mice the rapid metabolism of yohimbine is primarily due to the hydrolysis of the 16-alpha carboxylic acid methyl ester bond to yield yohimbinic acid. [2]


When a yohimbe product is taken at the same time as alcohol, intoxication may occur more rapidly. Foods and drinks containing an amino acid known as tyramine may raise blood pressure when they are consumed while yohimbe or yohimbine is being taken. [7] No scientific evidence proves that either yohimbine or yohimbe is effective for any of them, however; even though yohimbine continues to be included in non-prescription herbal combination products promoted for athletes and individuals who want to lose weight. [7] Chemicals in yohimbe may damage a developing fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid yohimbe and yohimbine. [7]

Hollander E, McCarley A. Yohimbine treatment of sexual side effects induced by serotonin reuptake blockers. [7] Carey MP, Johnson BT. Effectiveness of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder: four meta-analytic integrations. [7]

Yohimbine may have a role, however, in relieving the side effect of ED that may be associated with taking SSRIs. Some evidence from a recent study suggests that yohimbine may also cause SSRIs to reach their full effectiveness sooner than the several weeks they ordinarily need. [7] Men who have ED as a result of diabetes or as a side effect from taking antidepressants known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may respond to yohimbine. [7]

Michelson D, Kociban K, Tamura R, Morrison MF. Mirtazapine, yohimbine or olanzapine augmentation therapy for serotonin reuptake-associated female sexual dysfunction: a randomized, placebo controlled trial. [7] Jacobsen FM. Fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction and an open trial of yohimbine. [7]

Ghitza UE, Gray SM, Epstein DH, Rice KC, Shaham Y. The anxiogenic drug yohimbine reinstates palatable food seeking in a rat relapse model: a role of CRF(1) receptors. [7] Morales A. Yohimbine in erectile dysfunction: would an orphan drug ever be properly assessed? World Journal of Urology. 2001;19(4):251-255. [7] Le Corre P, Parmer RJ, Kailasam MT, et al. Human sympathetic activation by alpha2-adrenergic blockade with yohimbine: Bimodal, epistatic influence of cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism. [7] Myers EA, Banihashemi L, Rinaman L. The anxiogenic drug yohimbine activates central viscerosensory circuits in rats. [7]

Yohimbine may be effective for ED because it appears to relax and widen blood vessels in the penis. [7] Powell SB, Palomo J, Carasso BS, Bakshi VP, Geyer MA. Yohimbine disrupts prepulse inhibition in rats via action at 5-HT1A receptors, not alpha2-adrenoceptors. [7] Dessaint J, Yu W, Krause JE, Yue L. Yohimbine inhibits firing activities of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons by blocking Na+ channels and vanilloid VR1 receptors. [7]

Johnson S, Iazzetta J, Dewar C. Severe Raynaud's phenomenon with yohimbine therapy for erectile dysfunction. [7] Ernst E, Pittler MH. Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. [7]

Hamano N, Inada T, Iwata R, Asai T, Shingu K. The alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine improves endotoxin-induced inhibition of gastrointestinal motility in mice. [7] May 1993. Bagheri H, Chale JJ, Guyen LN, Tran MA, Berlan M, Montastruc JL. Evidence for activation of both adrenergic and cholinergic nervous pathways by yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist. [7]

Swann AC, Birnbaum D, Jagar AA, Dougherty DM, Moeller FG. Acute yohimbine increases laboratory-measured impulsivity in normal subjects. [7] Since yohimbine is a mild MAO inhibitor, a dangerous rise in blood pressure may result if it is taken with any food or drink containing tyramines. [7] Yohimbine may cause central nervous system stimulation, which could improve all three conditions. [7] Ehlert U, Erni K, Hebisch G, Nater U. Salivary alpha-amylase levels after yohimbine challenge in healthy men. [7] None of the studies lasted longer than 10 weeks, and the safety of yohimbine taken longer than 10 weeks is not known. [7] One reported case of priapism, a painful sustained erection, has been attributed to taking yohimbine. [7] Sallee FR, Sethuraman G, Sine L, Liu H. Yohimbine challenge in children with anxiety disorders. [7]

Whether chemicals in yohimbe enter breast milk is not known. Due to yohimbine's possible anxiety-inducing effect on infants, however, women who are breast-feeding should not use yohimbe or its derivatives. [7] Teloken C, Rhoden EL, Sogari P, Dambros P, Souto CA. Therapeutic effects of high dose yohimbine hydrochloride on organic erectile dysfunction. [7] Kunellius P, Hakkinen J, Lukkarinen O. Is high-dose yohimbine hydrochloride effective in the treatment of mixed-type impotence? A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover study. [7] Vogt HJ, Brandl P, Kockott G, Schmitz JR, Wiegand MH, Schadrack J, Gierend M. Double-blind, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy trial with yohimbine hydrochloride in the treatment of nonorganic erectile dysfunction. [7]


Human sympathetic activation by alpha2-adrenergic blockade with yohimbine: Bimodal, epistatic influence of cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism. [30] The role of pharmacokinetic determinants of yohimbine disposition is not completely understood in these settings, particularly in diverse human populations. This phenotype file investigates the in vitro metabolism of yohimbine. [30]


use use : When used alone, yohimbine is successful in 34 % to 43 % of cases. [31] dysfunction dysfunction : Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction Clinical bottom line: Yohimbine is useful in treating erectile dysfunction. [31]


If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain upon initiation of sexual activity after yohimbine use, you should refrain from further activity and should discuss the episode with your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible. [32] Yohimbine can interact with certain foods that contain tyramine to produce severe headaches, a rise in blood pressure, or irregular heart beat. [32]


The NEFA plasma levels ( Figure 3 ) decreased significantly in every group after the medetomidine injection, and remained below baseline in the MED-SAL group until 3 h. Atipamezole dose-dependently increased the NEFA levels, but this effect was weak in the MED-ATI 40 group. The NEFA levels were similar in both the highest dose of atipamezole and the yohimbine treatment groups. The glucagon and lactate plasma levels did not change significantly at any sampling time in this experiment. [5] The medium and large doses of atipamezole and yohimbine treatments completely reversed the sedative effects of medetomidine, while the animals remained sedated until 149 ± 65 min following a small dose of atipamezole injection. [5] The stress-related hormonal and metabolic effects of an antagonist on an α 2 -agonist, have already been reported in horses ( 5 5 ), cattle, and sheep ( 6 6 ), but not in dogs. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the reversal effects of 3 different doses of atipamezole, and a single dose of yohimbine on stress-related hormonal and metabolic responses following medetomidine administration in dogs. [5] The reversal effect of atipamezole was dose-dependency, except on epinephrine. Yohimbine caused prolonged increases in plasma norepinephrine and insulin levels compared to atipamezole, possibly because of its longer half-life elimination. [5] Medetomidine significantly decreased norepinephrine, epinephrine, insulin, and nonesterified fatty acid levels, and increased plasma glucose levels. Both atipamezole and yohimbine antagonized these effects. [5] A large dose of atipamezole (100 mg, IV) increased NE and EPI plasma levels, while it did not affect cortisol and glucose levels in humans ( 10 10 ). The differences between the actions of atipamezole and yohimbine in the present study may result from the differences in their elimination process from the plasma. When both medetomidine and atipamezole are administered, their half-life elimination is similar, about 1 h in canine plasma ( 11 11 ). [5]

In this study, we examined the hormonal and metabolic effects of low, medium, and high doses of atipamezole, and a single dose of yohimbine to reverse the medetomidine-induced sedation. [5] The reversal effects of yohimbine on NE, insulin, and NEFA plasma levels were also delayed at 1 h when compared to the high dose of atipamezole. These data suggest that the absorption of yohimbine after an IM injection was slower than that of atipamezole. [5] The potency of yohimbine (110 μg/kg, IM) in reversing the sedative effect of medetomidine was similar to the medium and high dose of atipamezole, but the onset time of the yohimbine effect was longer. [5] This study aimed to compare the antagonistic effects of atipamezole (40, 120, and 320 μg/kg, IM), yohimbine (110 μg/kg, IM), and saline on neurohormonal and metabolic responses induced by medetomidine (20 μg/kg, IM). [5] Effects of atipamezole, yohimbine, and saline on nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) plasma levels 30 min following medetomidine (MED) administration in dogs. [5] Effects of atipamezole, yohimbine, and saline on glucose ( Figure 2A ) and insulin ( Figure 2B ) plasma levels 30 min following medetomidine (MED) administration in dogs. [5] In the MED-SAL group, the NE plasma levels remained significantly lowered until 4 h postinjection. Atipamezole dose-dependently reversed these effects. Yohimbine also returned NE levels to baseline at 1 h, but raised them over baseline at 3, 4, and 6 h. [5]

In the present experiment, only yohimbine caused increased cortisol levels at 1 h. Therefore, the increase in cortisol levels after the yohimbine treatment is possibly not related to actions on α 2 -adrenoceptors. [5] Yohimbine affected EPI, glucose, and NEFA plasma levels were similar to the high dose atipamezole but increased NE and insulin levels. [5]

We hypothesized that the reversal effects of atipamezole were dose-related and similar to the effects of yohimbine. [5] The arousal was smooth after atipamezole treatment, however hyper-alertness, vocalisation, muscle tremor, defecation, and temporary pain at the injection site occurred after the yohimbine injection. Both the NE and EPI plasma levels ( Figure 1 ), significantly decreased after the medetomidine injection. [5] Yohimbine (400 μg/kg, IV) was reported to increase NE, insulin, and NEFA plasma levels in dogs ( 9 9 ). [5]

Insulin levels increased slowly after the yohimbine injection and were elevated above baseline at 2, 3, and 4 h. [5] Can J Vet Res 2002;66:42–49. Bagheri H, Chale JJ, Guyen LN, Tran MA, Berlan M, Montastruc JL. Evidence for activation of both adrenergic and cholinergic nervous pathways by yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist. [5] Hender T, Edgar B, Edvinsson L, Hender J, Persson B, Pettersson A. Yohimbine pharmacokinetics and interaction with the sympathetic nervous system in normal volunteers. [5]

The optimal dose of atipamezole was reported to be 4- to 6-fold the dose of medetomidine ( 4 ), and that of yohimbine was 110 μg/kg ( 7 7 7 ). [5] The 1st sign of arousal was observed at 76 ± 49 min following saline; 13 ± 7, 7 ± 3, and 5 ± 2 min after 40, 120, and 320 mg/kg atipamezole IM, respectively; and 18 ± 11 min after yohimbine (110 μg/kg, IM) treatment. [5] The dogs in every experimental group received a 1st treatment of 20 μg/kg medetomidine HCl (Domitor, 1 mg/mL; Meiji Seika Kaisha, Tokyo, Japan) intramuscularly (IM). This was followed 30 min later by a 2nd IM treatment, namely: 0.5 mL physiological saline, 40, 120, or 320 μg/kg atipamezole HCl (Antisedan, 5 mg/mL; Meiji Seika Kaisha), or 110 μg/kg yohimbine HCl (Sigma Chemical, St. Louis, USA). [5]

Yohimbine has much longer half-life elimination, about 16 h in rats ( 12 12 ) and 13 h in humans ( 13 13 ). [5]


Yohimbine-stimulated max growth hormone (GH) for children with anxiety disorders (mean1.5 ng/ml, SD5.9) was significantly reduced compared to that of normal comparison children (mean2.7 ng/ml, SD4.5). CONCLUSIONS: Yohimbine selectively elevates self-rated anxiety in children with anxiety disorders and is associated with the blunting of GH in those children relative to that of comparison children. [33] Presence of a blunted GH response to yohimbine in children with anxiety disorders is reminiscent of findings in adults with anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder. These findings support enhanced central adrenergic sensitivity in children with anxiety disorders, as demonstrated by yohimbine-exacerbated anxiety. [33] RESULTS: Yohimbine was uniformly well tolerated, and it behaviorally differentiated children with anxiety disorders from normal comparison children with higher maximum change ( max) ratings of anxiety in the patients (mean17.4 mm, SD29.8) than in the comparison subjects (mean0.3 mm, SD4.4). [33] METHOD: Seventeen children with DSM-IV diagnoses of anxiety disorders and 15 normal comparison children were given yohimbine orally (0.1 mg/kg). [33] OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the neurohormonal and subjective mood response of children with anxiety disorders who were challenged with yohimbine. [33]


hydrochloride hydrochloride : Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study. [31] Yohimbine has a mild antidiuretic action, probably via stimulation of hypothalamic centres and release of posterior pituitary hormone. Reportedly, yohimbine exerts no significant influence on cardiac stimulation and other effects mediated by b-adrenergic receptors, its effect on blood pressure, if any, would be to lower it; however, no adequate studies are at hand to quantitate this effect in terms of yohimbine dosage. [11] Yohimbine exerts a stimulating action on the mood and may increase anxiety. Such actions have not been adequately studied or related to dosage although they appear to require high doses of the drug. [11] Adverse Reactions: Yohimbine readily penetrates the CNS and produces a complex pattern of responses in lower doses than required to produce peripheral a-adrenergic blockade. These include, antidiuresis, a general picture of central excitation including elevation of blood pressure and heart rate increased motor activity, irritability and tremor. [11]

Action And Clinical Pharmacology: Yohimbine blocks presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. Its action on peripheral blood vessels resembles that of reserpine, though it is weaker and of short duration. [11] Availability And Storage: 2 mg: Each round, powder blue, uncoated, scored, embossed tablet, engraved 0-2.0 mg contains: yohimbine HCl 2 mg. [11] Yohimbine is an indolalkylamine alkaloid with chemical similarity to reserpine. [11]


Yohimbine might have over-antagonized the actions of medetomidine, after the agonist was already eliminated. [5] For the reasons above, we refused our 2nd hypothesis that the antagonistic actions of atipamezole and yohimbine were similar. [5]


Yohimbine is a mild MAO inhibitor, we've corrected the file which suggested that it wasn't. MAO inhibitors are a broad category, they do not all work in the same way or have the same effects or the same intensity; even chocolate contains MAO inhibitors. [15] The alkaloid known as yohimbine is the primary active constituent in yohimbe, although similar alkaloids may also play a role. Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, part of the sympathetic nervous system. 2 It also dilates blood vessels. [12]

Mann K, Klingler T, Noe S, et al. Effect of yohimbine on sexual experiences and nocturnal tumescence and rigidity in erectile dysfunction. [12] Some authors have questioned the effect of yohimbine on penile activity, but either inadequate doses of yohimbine were used or only tumescence was measured, 21, 32 32 often in an office setting where anxiety and embarrassment might affect results. [4] Free testosterone levels were higher at baseline in the responders but did not increase significantly with the higher doses of yohimbine. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were not significantly higher at baseline in the responders, and they did not change with the higher dose of yohimbine. Cortisol levels appeared to increase in both groups with increased doses of yohimbine, significantly more so in responders than in nonresponders ( P 0.03). [4] The dose of yohimbine then was increased to 10.8 mg tid for 4 additional weeks followed by a third administration of the sex questionnaire and final measurements of hormone levels and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity monitoring. [4] Effects of yohimbine on sexual experiences and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity in erectile dysfunction. [4] Yohimbine has had questionable effects in men with organic erectile dysfunction. We conducted this study to better define the population of men responsive to yohimbine, because tobacco was thought to affect a regimen of yohimbine more than other risk factors. [4] Although not direct proof of cause and effect, the positive results that we report in half of the men in the current study may reinforce our clinical observation with objective RigiScan data that use of yohimbine might be associated with better effects in nonsmokers. [4] Pharmacodynamic effects of chronic yohimbine treatment in healthy volunteers. [4] The yohimbine responders were men with less severe erectile dysfunction as manifested by improved increased rigidity on RigiScan testing, higher Florida Sexual Health Questionnaire scores, and slightly higher levels of serum testosterone. [4] We measured nocturnal penile tumescence with the RigiScan monitor, hormone profiles, answers to the Florida Sexual Health Questionnaire, and clinical responses at baseline and after two different doses of yohimbine in 18 nonsmoking men with erectile dysfunction. [4]

The trend of the baseline penile erectile response was better in the responders, suggesting that use of yohimbine might be more effective in patients who have less severe erectile dysfunction. [4] Yohimbine is an effective therapy to treat organic erectile dysfunction in some men with erectile dysfunction. [4] Is yohimbine effective in the treatment of organic impotence? Results of a controlled trial. [4]

There was no increase in blood pressure or pulse rate while taking yohimbine ( Table 1 Table 1 ). [4] Base tumescence activity unit scores of the responders who were taking high doses of yohimbine were significantly higher ( P 0.009). [4] Base rigidity activity unit scores did not differ significantly between the two groups, although the increased responder scores with the initial dose of yohimbine was greater than that of the nonresponders (trend where P 0.065). [4]

The paired t -test was used to assess differences in responses using various doses of yohimbine in responders and nonresponders. [4] Even at the higher doses of yohimbine, no changes in blood pressure or pulse were noted. This agent would appear to be safe in men with medically controlled hypertension. [4] Cortisol levels rose significantly from baseline to the first dose of yohimbine. [4] A trend closely approaching statistical significance ( P 0.055) was noted from baseline to the administration of the 10.8 mg tid dose of yohimbine. Inspection of changes in the individual items revealed that responders reported significantly greater frequency of vaginal penetration with both the 5.4- and 10.8-mg doses of yohimbine tid compared with baseline ( P 0.010 and P 0.010, respectively). [4] For nonresponders, none of the scores was significantly different when comparing baseline scores with either of the yohimbine doses. [4]

Yohimbine will never be a first-line drug for erectile dysfunction, but may be useful in subsets of men with mild disease or few risk factors. [4]

See more information on Yohimbine Oral from the First Databank drug library. [34]


Yohimbine's peripheral autonomic nervous system effect is to increase parasympathetic (cholinergic) and decrease sympathetic (adrenergic) activity. [11] Yohimbine is a 3a-15a-20b-17a-hydroxy yohimbine-16a-carboxylic acid methyl ester. [11] Yohimbine inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and therefore may theoretically be of benefit in depressive disorders. [12] Bremner JD, Innis RB, Ng CK, et al. Positron emission tomography measurement of cerebral metabolic correlates of yohimbine administration in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. [12] Cappiello A, McDougle CJ, Maleson RT, et al. Yohimbine augmentation of fluvoxamine in refractory depression: A single-blind study. [12]

The next step would be a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using yohimbine in smokers vs non-smokers to verify the current observation. We believe that our data justify such a trial. [4] The side effects of yohimbine therapy were negligible, even in men taking six tablets daily. [4] The meta-analysis on the effectiveness of yohimbine by Ernst and Pittler 24 indicated that yohimbine has some measure of effectiveness in men with organic erectile dysfunction. It is important, therefore, to identify the population that might be expected to have a positive response. [4] When given orally, yohimbine reaches peak levels in 10 15 min, and the half-life is 0.6 h. [4]


Yohimbine alone failed to potentiate erectile responses but yohimbine (1 mol kg - 1 ) significantly potentiated the effect of sildenafil 110 mol kg - 1 and 1 mmol kg - 1, 1 and 5 min after injection. Potentiation of ICP/SAP induced by their combination was greater than the sum of the effects of the corresponding doses of either drug at the same time interval. [35] Combining the centrally acting drug yohimbine with the peripheral conditioner sildenafil might be an approach to erectile dysfunction cases in which sildenafil alone failed. This work aimed to investigate the effect of yohimbine on sildenafil-induced facilitation of erectile process. [35] Sildenafil may enhance the central effects of yohimbine on erection; it amplifies the effect of yohimbine on male copulatory performance but not on sexual motivation. [35] A nonsignificant additional decrease in SAP than sildenafil-induced was observed if administered with yohimbine. Addition of sildenafil to yohimbine significantly enhanced the effect of the latter on intromission frequency, intercopulatory interval and the number of ejaculations per session. It is concluded that yohimbine may enhance and prolong the effect of sildenafil on erectile process without additional hypotension. [35]


Researchers from Germany investigated whether a yohimbine extract would reduce slowed heart rate and results showed no effect. [6] Is yohimbine only available in prescription form or could someone get it over the counter? If it is only available in prescription form I wonder what effects it has that it needs to be so closely regulated. [6]

Yohimbine is used so often as a treatment for erectile disfunction caused by antidepressants. [6] Yohimbine, found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, may reduce slowed heart beat, a new study suggests. [6] Yohimbine is an active indole alkaloid constituent found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. [6] The cork-like bark of the Yohimbe tree contains the indole alkaloid, yohimbine. [6]

Yohimbe bark extract generally contains low concentrations of yohimbine (6% indole alkaloids, of which only 10-15% is yohimbine). [6] Yohimbine, both the extract and the prescription form, have similar side effects. Some of these include skin flushing, tremors, anxiety, insomnia, headache, increased salivation and problems with urination (painful or increased frequency). [6] There is an interaction with alcohol; if taken together, it can increase the side effects of yohimbine and increase the chance of toxicity. [6] I think the author meant that yohimbine reduces the OCCURRENCE of slowed heart beat, aka it increases the heartbeat, preventing further slowing of the heart beat. [6] I also found the phrase, "may reduce slowed heart beat," very confusing, but I looked at the link and it's the abstract to the original research study titled, "Yohimbine attenuates baroreflex-mediated bradycardia in humans." This may sound even more confusing, but the baroreflex is the body's mechanism for regulating the heartbeat, and if it's messed up, then heart rate may be abnormally slow (bradycardia slow heart rate). [6] Yohimbine is an adrenergic receptor antagonist and a serotonergic receptor antagonist. It reduces the affects of these receptors, which detect the presence of adrenaline, noradrenaline and serotonin, respectively. These receptors are supposed to tell the body to stop producing these hormones, but if they are antagonized by yohimbine, they would not carry out this function as well, thus causing excitation. [6] Yohimbine is derived from the bark (of the trunk and branches) of an evergreen tree native to West Africa (Congo, Zaire, Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon). [6]


Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study. [4] Yohimbine hydrochloride (supplied by Palisades Pharmaceuticals, Palisades, NJ, USA) was started at a dose of 5.4 mg three times a day (tid) for 4 weeks, after which the sex questionnaire was administered again and blood tests, nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity testing were repeated. [4] Yohimbine hydrochloride is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the African yohimbe tree. [4]


Ninety minutes after drug ingestion, resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity was similar with yohimbine and with placebo. [36] Blood pressure increased 134/81 mm Hg with yohimbine and 62/31 mm Hg with placebo ( P <0.01). [36] Baroreflex control of heart rate was decreased with yohimbine (6 ms/mm Hg versus 10 ms/mm Hg; P <0.01) and reset to higher blood pressure and heart rate values. [36] In 10 healthy men (age: 333 years; body mass index: 241.3 kg/m 2 ), we determined baroreflex control of heart rate and sympathetic traffic after ingestion of the selective -2 adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (20 mg) or placebo. [36] Yohimbine selectively attenuates baroreflex heart rate control in normotensive young men possibly through parasympathetic mechanisms. [36]

Plasma norepinephrine increased with yohimbine (5038 ng/L; P <0.05) and was unchanged with placebo (2.27.6 ng/L). [36] HR increased 51 bpm with yohimbine but did not change with placebo ( P <0.01). [36]


The effect of the alpha adrenoceptor blocking agent yohimbine on cerebral dopamine metabolism has been investigated in the rat. Yohimbine (1 to 10 mg/kg i.p.) increased in both striatum and limbic areas 1) homovanillic acid and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels, 2) tyrosine hydroxylase activity measured in vitro, 3) the in vivo accumulation of dihydroxyphenylalanine after NSD 1015 and 4) the rate of dopamine disappearance after alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. [37] In rats treated with haloperidol for 10 days, the effect of yohimbine on striatal homovanillic acid and acetylcholine levels was markedly reduced. It is concluded that yohimbine possesses postsynaptic dopamine receptor blocking properties in addition to its ability to inhibit alpha adrenergic receptors. [37] Yohimbine failed to further enhance striatal homovanillic acid levels in animals pretreated with a supramaximal dose of haloperidol. [37]

J. Clark, E. Smith, and J. Davidson Enhancement of sexual motivation in male rats by yohimbine Science, August 24, 1984; 225(4664): 847 - 849. [37] The failure of yohimbine to affect dopamine- sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in striatal homogenates suggests an action of the compound on the D2 receptor. [37] Yohimbine hydrochloride is a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in clinical trials. [6] Is yohimbine available as a dietary supplement that is over-the-counter also? I know that yohimbine hydrochloride is what is in the prescription drug, but I was wondering whether people took yohimbine just as a supplement. This story mentions that there is a high risk-benefit ratio, and so taking yohimbine is not recommended. [6]


Yohimbine is a prescription drug derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. It is sometimes considered a folk remedy that is available by prescription. It may increase blood flow to the penis or decrease blood flow from the penis, or both, and it may increase sexual desire. Yohimbine is used to help with erection problems erection problems (erectile dysfunction); however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for this use. [13] One study found that yohimbine helped men with erection problems more than a placebo. In several studies, between 10% and 30% of men taking yohimbine had brief side effects such as agitation, anxiety, headache, mild increase in blood pressure, and increased urination. [13]


A series of yohimbine derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity at the human 2C -adrenergic receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. It has been found that compound 5 shows a higher affinity for 2C -AR than the parent compound yohimbine 1, thereby illustrating that the nature of the linkers affect binding potencies on these receptors. [38] The radioligand binding studies of yohimbine monomeric analogs were carried out using CHO cells expressing homogeneous population of 2C -ARs. [38]


The selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, yohimbine, was used to differentiate postsynaptic alpha-adrenergic receptors in five peripheral tissues of the rat. [16] Receptors with high affinity for yohimbine were detected in the aorta, whereas low affinity receptors were observed in the vas deferens. The affinity for yohimbine in these two tissues differed by over 50-fold. [16] Three distinct postsynaptic receptor subtypes were observed based on the affinity of the receptors for yohimbine. [16] Postsynaptic alpha adrenergic receptor subtypes differentiated by yohimbine in tissues from the rat. [16]


Ex vivo platelet aggregation in response to epinephrine was inhibited during yohimbine, showing that non-innervated alpha 2-adrenoreceptors were inhibited. Central effects of yohimbine were evaluated through use of linear analog mood rating scales which showed a shift from calm toward excited ends of these scales. If yohimbine is acting through blockade of alpha 2 receptors, then these receptors tonically suppress sympathetic outflow in humans. [17] We studied the influence of the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor-blocking drug, yohimbine, on blood pressure, plasma norepinephrine, and other measures of autonomic function in normal male volunteers. These studies were designed to evaluate the role of alpha 2-receptors in the tonic regulation of sympathetic outflow in humans. [17] In a double-blind study, yohimbine (0.125 mg/kg bolus, 0.001 mg/kg/min infusion) induced a two-to- threefold rise in plasma norepinephrine (p less than 0.01), without significantly altering plasma epinephrine or plasma renin activity. [17] In a dose-ranging study, we found that yohimbine HCl (0.016-0.125 mg/kg) elicited dose-related rises in mean, systolic, and diastolic pressures. [17]


Do not use yohimbine if you are using any antidepressants. It is important to understand the difference between the prescription drug yohimbine and the dietary supplement yohimbe. [13] If you have chest pain ( angina angina ), depression depression or another psychiatric illness, heart disease, high blood pressure high blood pressure, or liver disease, be sure to inform your doctor before taking yohimbine. [13] Yohimbine is not commonly used. Complete the new medication information form (PDF) new medication information form opnbrktPDFclsbrkt (What is a PDF PDF document?) to help you understand this medication. [13]


Yohimbine hydrochloride is a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States. [6] Addition of yohimbine (2 mg/kg i.p.) potentiated the antidepressant action of fluoxetine or venlafaxine in mouse FST as the animals showed a decrease in the immobility period compared to the fluoxetine or venlafaxine per se group, respectively. Conclusion: The present study not only demonstrated the association of 2 -receptors in the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine or venlafaxine, but also supports its adjuvant therapy with other antidepressant drugs. [39]

In the combination study, yohimbine (2 mg/kg i.p.) was administered 15 min before the administration of different doses of fluoxetine or venlafaxine. [39]


Aim: To study the effect of yohimbine in the treatment of men with orgasmic dysfunction. [40] Methods: A 20-mg dose of yohimbine was first given to 29 men with orgasmic dysfunction of different aetiology in the clinic. [40]


SELECTED SOURCES

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http://www.drugs.com/cdi/yohimbine.html

2. Yohimbine (PIM 567)
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3. MedlinePlus Herbs and Supplements: Yohimbe bark extract (Pausinystalia yohimbe Pierre ex Beille Rubiaceae)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-yohimbe.html

4. Yohimbine treatment of organic erectile dysfunction in a dose-escalation trial
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5. The antagonistic effects of atipamezole and yohimbine on stress-related neurohormonal and metabolic responses induced by medetomidine in dogs
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=227030

6. Natural Standard Blog: Yohimbine for Heart Health
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7. Yohimbe - Drugs & Vitamins - Drug Library - DrugDigest
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8. Yohimbine|Yohimbine Article and Information
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9. Yohimbine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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10. Yohimbe Research Update by Ray Sahelian, M.D. How to use Yohimbe safely
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11. RxMed: Pharmaceutical Information - YOHIMBINE ODAN
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12. Yohimbe - Revolution Health
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13. Yohimbine For Erection Problems - AOL Body
http://body.aol.com/drugs/yohimbine-for-erection-problems

14. yohimbine — Britannica Online Encyclopedia
http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-653469/yohimbine

15. Ask Erowid : ID 2357 : Is yohimbine an MAOI?
http://www.erowid.org/ask/ask.cgi?ID=2357

16. Postsynaptic alpha adrenergic receptor subtypes differentiated by yohimbine in tissues from the rat. Existence of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in rat aorta — Ruffolo et al. 217 (2): 235 — Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics
http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/217/2/235

17. Influence of yohimbine on blood pressure, autonomic reflexes, and plasma catecholamines in humans — Goldberg et al. 5 (5): 772 — Hypertension
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18. Yohimbine - Supplement Review
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20. Yohimbine (Oral Route) - MayoClinic.com
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21. yohimbine medical facts from Drugs.com
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22. Yocon (Yohimbine Hydrochloride) drug description - FDA approved labeling for prescription drugs and medications at RxList
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/yohimb.htm

23. Yohimbine for erection problems - Revolution Health
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24. Bodybuilding.com - Yohimbe Information and Product Listing! Yohimbe FAQ!
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26. Yohimbine ( Procomil ) and the sexually exhausted rat
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27. Yohimbine - Yahoo! Health
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28. Aphrodyne (Yohimbine) drug indications and dosage - prescription drugs and medications at RxList
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29. Alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist potencies of two hydroxylated metabolites of yohimbine.
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30. PharmGKB: Metabolism of yohimbine by human CYP450 isoforms
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31. yohimbine - definition of yohimbine from YourDictionary.com
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32. Yohimbine - Drugs & Vitamins - Drug Library - DrugDigest
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33. Yohimbine Challenge in Children With Anxiety Disorders — Sallee et al. 157 (8): 1236 — Am J Psychiatry
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34. Yohimbine Drug Information and Side Effects on HealthSquare.com
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35. International Journal of Impotence Research - Abstract of article: Yohimbine enhances the effect of sildenafil on erectile process in rats
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36. Yohimbine Attenuates Baroreflex-Mediated Bradycardia in Humans — Tank et al. 50 (5): 899 — Hypertension
http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/50/5/899

37. Antidopaminergic properties of yohimbine — Scatton et al. 215 (2): 494 — Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics
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38. ScienceDirect - Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters : Synthesis and biological studies of yohimbine derivatives on human 2C-adrenergic receptors
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39. Effect of Addition of Yohimbine (Alpha-2-Receptor Antagonist) to the Antidepressant Activity of Fluoxetine or Venlafaxine in the Mouse Forced Swim Test
http://www.karger.com/doi/10.1159/000104877

40. Blackwell Synergy - Asian J Andrology, Volume 9 Issue 3 Page 403-407, May 2007 (Article Abstract)
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1745-7262.2007.00276.x

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