Yohimbine is an active chemical found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, more commonly known as the yohimbe tree. The yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen found in western Africa and has been used by African tribes for many centuries.
Forms
Yohimbe, yohimbine and yohimbine hydrochloride are all related but are not interchangeable. Because yohimbine is the actual chemical inside the bark, yohimbine hydrochloride is the stand-alone form found in prescription medications. The name yohimbe commonly refers to the tree, the bark, the bark extract or the tea.
Usage
African tribes typically used yohimbe bark as an aphrodisiac. The bark can also be dried and consumed in the form of tea. Yohimbine hydrochloride medications are typically used to treat male erectile dysfunction, female hyposexual disorder (low libido) and side effects caused by some antidepressant medications.
Dosages
There are no government recommended levels of intake for yohimbine or yohimbe bark. In adults only, there are recommendations offered by the U.S. National Institutes of Health for dosages of yohimbine hydrochloride depending on the medical condition it's used for. For erectile dysfunction take 15 to 42 milligrams a day, for the female libido take up to 15 milligrams per day, for dry mouth take up to 18 milligrams and for side effects caused by antidepressant medications take 5 to 12 milligrams per day.
Side Effects
Possible side effects for all forms of yohimbe are flushing of the skin, painful urination, genital pain, reduced appetite, increased heart rate, agitation, headache, irritability, nervousness, tremors, dizziness, seizures, paralysis, low blood pressure or insomnia.
Warning
Children or the elderly should not use any form of yohimbe. People with kidney problems and mental conditions like schizophrenia should not take any form of yohimbe due to the dangerous interactions with prescription medications for those conditions. Also, long-term usage of any form of yohimbe can cause potentially fatal damage to the body, according to the Natural Products Association.
Always consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement. A thorough analysis can be done to determine the necessity of any for of yohimbe.
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