Health Benefits of Yohimbe

Overview:

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree known as Pausinystalia Yohimbe or Corynanthe Yohimbe to natives of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Congo, and other parts of western Africa where the root and bark have been used for centuries as a popular stimulant and aphrodisiac.

Currently gaining popularity throughout the world — especially due to the Internet — yohimbine extracts are sold both online and in health-food stores. And while most commonly associated with male erectile dysfunction, yohimbe is said to be an equally-effective sex enhancer for women.

Yohimbe’s active ingredient, yohimbine, is an alkaloid extracted from the roots, with a less potent concentration derived from the bark. Thus, depending on the source, extracts can contain varying alkaloid concentrations, ranging from 2% to 12%–with some processes providing up to 20%. The higher the concentration, of course, the more potent (which can be a point of concern for inexperienced users).

Studies:

To date, the vast majority of research on the effects of yohimbine has focused on the root rather than the bark. However, both clinical as well as anecdotal evidence indicate that in addition to being an effective curative for erectile dysfunction, in that yohimbine works by increasing blood flow and nerve impulses to the reproductive organs, it can have the same effect on women. Studies also show that yohimbine can alleviate the sexual side-effects known to plague users of particular depression medications.

Precautions:

However, scientists and herbalists alike warn that taken in high doses, yohimbine can cause an array of side-effects of its own including:

> difficulty breathing

> paralysis

> dangerously low blood pressure

> heart palpitations

Additionally, doctors warn against its use for individuals with the following conditions:

> pregnancy or breast-feeding: Yohimbine may affect the uterus and endanger the unborn; no tests have been conducted to learn of its effect on infants who are breast-feeding.

> schizophrenia: Use yohimbine with caution as it may cause heightened schizophrenic psychosis.

> prostate problems: Yohimbine may cause the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) to worsen.

> post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): There are reports of individuals with PTSD suffering worse episodes after using yohimbine.

> liver disease: Having a liver disease might change the way your body processes yohimbine.

> kidney disease: There is a concern that yohimbine could slow or stop the flow of urine.

> high or low blood pressure: Small amounts of yohimbine can cause a rise in blood pressure, while large amounts can cause it to drop.

> chest pain or heart disease: There are concerns that long-term use of yohimbine may seriously damage the heart.

> anxiety: Yohimbine might cause symptoms of anxiety to worsen.

> depression: Individuals with bipolar disorder or suicidal tendencies may experience increased mood swings or depression.

> diabetes: Yohimbine may interfere with insulin and other medications used for diabetes, causing low blood sugar.

Also:

Studies indicate that Yohimbine may be potentially dangerous when taken in combination with other prescription drugs such as SSRIs, MAOIs, and amphetamines.