Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is an evergreen tree that's native to parts of Africa. Traditionally, the bark was used as a local anesthetic, aphrodisiac and hallucinogen, as well as to treat coughs, fevers and leprosy. You can use yohimbe bark medicinally to treat sexual dysfunction, depression and even obesity. However, you should always consult your health care provider before taking any herbal remedy to discuss any possible drug interactions or side effects.
Treats Erectile Dysfunction
If you have erectile dysfunction or impotence, taking yohimbe may help. Yohimbe contains the alkaloid yohimbine, which blocks part of the sympathetic nervous system and dilates blood vessels to help treat erectile problems, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Yohimbine is the main ingredient in many prescription medications for treating impotence. The University of Michigan cites double-blind clinical trials showing that yohimbe is effective in treating men with erectile dysfunction. In addition to treating erectile dysfunction, small double-blind studies have found that taking yohimbine combined with arginine may increase physical arousal in women with female sexual arousal disorder, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Along with dilating the peripheral and mucous membrane blood vessels to increase blood flow to erectile tissues, yohimbe also stimulates the central nervous system. These actions help to promote arousal and depress ejaculation, says the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. "The action takes about 30 minutes to take effect and then continues for a couple of hours," the Network notes.
Helps With Weight Loss
Taking yohimbe may also help you to lose weight and fight obesity. The yohimbine contained in yohimbe bark encourages fat cells to release fat by stimulating the nervous system, increasing your metabolic rate, suppressing appetite and increasing fat burning, states the University of Michigan Health System. Yohimbe also affects the adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands and is a good short-term energy booster. The University of Michigan points out that all of the human clinical studies regarding weight loss have been performed on yohimbine and not on the yohimbe herb itself, however.
Treats Depression
If you have depression, yohimbe can act in a similar manner as many widely-prescribed antidepressant medications. Yohimbine can inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is the same action as many depression medicines, states the University of Michigan Health System. Yohimbe hasn't been studied for treating depression as extensively as other herbs like St. John's wort, however. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center points out that although yohimbe is often recommended as an herbal remedy for treating depression, the herb's safety and effectiveness are unknown, especially when combined with other antidepressants.
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