Yohimbe

Yohimbe is an herbal remedy that is claimed to be useful as an aphrodisiac and for treating several health conditions, such as depression, high blood pressure, and various sexual problems. Studies have indicated that the active compound in it probably works for treating impotence and certain other sexual problems. However, more research is necessary to determine if yohimbe is effective for other uses.

 

What Is Yohimbe?

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that is native to West Africa. The bark of the yohimbe plant is used as an herbal remedy. It is said to be useful as an aphrodisiac and as a treatment for many different conditions, such as depression, high blood pressure (hypertension), and various sexual problems.
 
(Click Benefits of Yohimbe for more information, including additional uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

The active component of yohimbe bark seems to be a compound known as yohimbine. Yohimbine probably works in several different ways for treating problems associated with impotence, including both physical and psychological issues. It may increase blood flow to the penis and may help stimulate nerve impulses to the genitals. It is not clear how (or if) it works for other uses.
 
It has been suggested that yohimbine may work as an alpha-2 receptor blocker (which probably contributes to its effectiveness for impotence), as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), as a calcium channel blocker, and as a serotonin blocker.
 

Is Yohimbe Effective?

Studies indicate that yohimbine (the active compound in yohimbe) is probably effective at treating impotence. It may also be useful for treating sexual problems that are caused by certain antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs). However, all of the studies used yohimbine, not yohimbe, and it is not clear if this is equally effective at treating impotence. Nor is it known if yohimbe (or yohimbine) is effective for other uses.
 
(Click Does Yohimbe Work? for more information.)
 

Dosing Information

A safe and effective yohimbe dose has not been established. Make sure to follow the specific instructions on your particular product.
 
(Click Yohimbe Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Yohimbe

Even though it is a natural product, yohimbe can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
 
(Click Yohimbe Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Yohimbe may potentially interact with several medications (see Yohimbe Drug Interactions).
 

Is Yohimbe Safe?

Some people are more likely to experience problems than others. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking yohimbe if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Yohimbe Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a yohimbe overdose. In the few cases that have been reported, the following overdose effects have occurred:
 
If you think you may have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Yohimbe Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Yohimbe Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store it. Keep yohimbe and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;