Yohimbe, also known as yohimbine, johimbe and Corynanthe yohimbe, is derived from the bark of the West African Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. This evergreen grows in the rainforests of Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria and the Congo.
Yohimbe is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter and prescription treatments for erectile dysfunction. American and European pharmaceutical companies are creating a huge demand for supplies of yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe bark. As a result, the tree is under threat of becoming extinct, according to Diet-and-Health.net.
History
Yohimbe has a long history of being used as a folk remedy for such ailments as leprosy and fevers. Its primary use, however, has been for its aphrodisiac properties. In Europe, it has been used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction since the middle of the twentieth century. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1980s as an erectile dysfunction treatment, according to the "Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."
Effects
Yohimbe has been found to be effective in 30 to 40 percent of men with erectile dysfunction, according to the "Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." It is not effective in men whose erectile dysfunction is due to nerve damage. Used as a sexual aid, it may prolong erections and increase stamina.
Additionally, some natural health professionals prescribe very small doses of yohimbe as an aid to weight loss, and research has shown it may be useful as a treatment for narcolepsy, according to the "Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."
Theories/Speculation
Medical research has not determined exactly how yohimbe treats erectile dysfunction, but according to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it may function by dilating vessels and stimulating blood flow to the penis, while preventing blood from flowing out of the penis. Scientists have also speculated that yohimbe targets the transmission of sexual signals from the lower spinal cord.
Considerations
The "Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" notes that yohimbe is slow to take effect, requiring three to six weeks for the standardized prescription dosage to become effective; the dosage is is 5.4 mg, taken three times per day. Over-the-counter yohimbe tablets and capsules vary in term of the amount of active yohimbine hydrochloride they contain, thus are unreliable as a source of yohimbine.
Warning
Consult your doctor before taking yohimbe. The University of Maryland Medical Center has reported a severe case of intractable priapism, or prolonged erection in the absence of sexual arousal, in a patient who had ingested yohimbe.
The Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center states that yohimbe should not be taken by those suffering from schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, kidney disease, pregnancy, liver disease, angina pectoris or heart disease. It is also contraindicated for use by women, children or those operating machinery.
Side effects associated with yohimbe include confusion, rapid heartbeat and dizziness. As with any herbal remedy, allergic reactions are possible. Taken in improper dosages, yohimbe can also cause mild hallucinations which may last two to four hours.
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