Yohimbe bark comes from a tall evergreen tree with the scientific name Pausinystalia yohimbe. It is native to the jungles of West Africa, specifically Congo, Cameroon and Gabon. Extracts made from the bark and roots contain the active ingredient yohimbine. It has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. However, the scientific community has a renewed interest in yohimbe as an athletic enhancer. You can buy over-the-counter yohimbe bark products or ask your doctor for a prescription.
Medicinal Uses
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) gives yohimbe bark extract a grade of C for a number of medicinal uses, but does not give it a grade of A or B for any condition. A grade of C means the scientific evidence for use is unclear. It lists nervous system failure, erectile dysfunction, sexual libido in women, sexual side effects brought on by antidepressants and blood thinning.
Products
Products containing yohimbe bark, or its derivatives, will have the terms yohimbine, yohimbine hydrochloride, and yohimbe bark extract on the label. Yohimbine is the alkaloid directly derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree. Yohimbine hydrochloride is available as a prescription medication and is the standardized form of yohimbine. This means each dose contains a specific amount of the substance. Yohimbe bark extract is available over the counter and may or may not provide a standardized dose, depending on the manufacturing process and diligence of the manufacturer.
Dosage
The NIH provides a recommended dosage, based on human trials, for the pharmaceutical form of yohimbe bark extract, yohimbine hydrochloride. Take three divided doses of 15 to 42 milligrams for erectile dysfunction. To increase female libido, a dose of 5.4 milligrams three times a day has been used safely in clinical trials.
Metabolic Breakdown
Your body breaks down yohimbine very rapidly. Ten minutes after ingesting it yohimbinic acid can be found in your intestines. After an hour and a half, traces of it can be found in the liver and remain there for 24 hours or more.
Side Effects
The National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that yohimbe bark and products derived from yohimbe bark are associated with hypertension, increased heart rates, headaches, insomnia, anxiety and dizziness. It cautions against taking yohimbe bark supplements if you are already using MAO inhibitors, hypertension medications, tricyclic antidepressants or phenothiazines. Additionally, if you have kidney problems or a psychiatric condition, consult with your health care professional before ingesting yohimbe bark supplements.
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