Bark extract from the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree is available over the counter in health food stores, while a prescription drug contains much higher amounts of the active chemical, yohimbine hydrochloride. Yohimbe Fuel is a brand name for a standardized yohimbe extract you can purchase over the counter. The product label shows "Energy" as Yohimbe Fuel's primary use. The manufacturer, Twinlab, explains that the extract promotes stamina through increased blood flow, and that people have traditionally used yohimbe to improve sexual function. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that clinical studies are lacking on effectiveness of the bark and extract.
Fitness Benefits
Some supplements designed to boost athletic performance include yohimbe, and popular fitness websites such as Bodybuilding.com promote Yohimbe Fuel for decreasing fat synthesis in the body along with supporting a healthy libido. The active chemical yohimbine stimulates the central nervous system, as explained by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Yohimbine also has calcium channel blocking properties, which helps increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, beneficial during exercise. Because of this effect, yohimbe bark extract has been used as an herbal remedy for treating high blood pressure, according to Drugs.com.
Erectile Dysfunction
Research supports the use of yohimbine hydrochloride for treating erectile dysfunction, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Theoretically, yohimbe bark may also be beneficial for this purpose, although the NIH notes that levels of the active chemical can be low in the bark extract. Twinlab explains that Yohimbe Fuel contains a concentrated and guaranteed-potency extract standardized for yohimbine.
Orthostatic Hypotension
The chemical yohimbine may improve a condition involving a drop in blood pressure when standing up, known as orthostatic hypotension, according to the NIH. This disorder can cause lightheadedness and even fainting. Yohimbe bark extract, such as that contained in Yohimbe Fuel, may be useful for this purpose, although the NIH notes that more research is needed to confirm this benefit.
Dry Mouth
The chemical yohimbine increases saliva production and can be used for treating dry mouth caused by health disorders and medication. Again, the NIH notes that more research is needed to fully determine whether yohimbe bark extract, like the standardized extract in Yohimbe Fuel, has similar effects.
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