Taken from a tree, yohimbe bark has been used in Africa for generations as an aphrodisiac. According to the American Cancer Society, the bark itself has been banned in Germany because of side effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and kidney failure. It is sold in the U.S., but in very small quantities as a supplement. Yohimbe bark is, however, used to make a compound called yohimbine that is approved by the FDA and is available by prescription. Clinical studies have been concentrated on yohimbine, which is largely prescribed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Common Side Effects
Yohimbe bark and yohimbine can result in troubled breathing, chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and sleep problems. As noted before it is also quite common that yohimbe bark and yohimbine raise the heart rate and elevate the blood pressure. If you have heart, liver or kidney disease or suffer from high blood pressure you should not take yohimbine. Surprisingly, large doses of yohimbe have actually been shown to decrease blood pressure to dangerous levels and the compound has been blamed for heart attacks and even death in these instances.
Less Common Side Effects
For some, yohimbe bark and yohimbine may cause dizziness, headache, flushing, nervousness, sweating and tremors. Yohimbine has also been linked to psychotic episodes and may worsen the symptoms of those with psychiatric and emotional disorders.
Adverse Interactions
Yohimbe bark and yohimbine should not be taken with alcohol or foods with tyramine as it can cause an extremely dangerous elevation in blood pressure.
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