Many athletes have searched for ways to boost their performance without turning to illegal and banned substances such as steroids. Several herbal supplements, including yohimbe, have traditionally been used to increase sports performance, but whether they are effective is not yet known, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports. Do not use yohimbe to improve your health, endurance or sports performance without first consulting with a knowledgeable medical professional.
Description
The yohimbe tree is native to western regions of Africa, where it has long been used as an aphrodisiac. Its use increasing a man's sexual desire then led to its use today to treat impotence and sexual dysfunction in men, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. The yohimbe tree is an evergreen tree, and it is the bark of the tree that is dried and ground up and then put into tablets and capsules.
Chemical Constituents
The primary active ingredient in the yohimbe tree bark is yohimbine, an alkaloid. The chemical stimulates your body's nervous system and increases the speed of nerve impulses and blood flow, MedlinePlus reports. This action is what may make yohimbe supplements useful for increasing endurance and sports performance. Other chemical properties in the yohimbe bark include pigments and tannins, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Always consult with a medical practitioner before using yohimbe supplements as a means of boosting your athletic performance.
Dosage
Studies into an effective therapeutic dose for yohimbe have focused on its use to boost a man's sexual performance. Little research has been done into its effect on increasing athletic prowess. The recommended safe dose for yohimbe supplements is 15 mg to 30 mg a day of yohimbine, the active ingredient in the tree bark, MedlinePlus reports. Larger doses have been used, but this increases the likelihood of experience side effects, some of which could be dangerous. Consult with a health practitioner about proper and safe dosing before taking supplements containing yohimbine.
Side Effects
When taken in large doses for extended periods, yohimbe supplements can cause potentially dangerous side effects, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. Known side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, skin rashes, dizziness, sleeplessness, muscle tremors, headaches, anxiety, drooling, pain in the sinuses, high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Always speak with a medical professional about potential side effects before taking yohimbe supplements.
Warnings
Supplements containing yohimbe may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions. People who have mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, should not use it because it may cause symptoms to worsen, MedlinePlus reports. It also should not be used by people with liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, prostate conditions and diabetes. Finally, yohimbe is classified as "likely unsafe" for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, according to MedlinePlus. Discuss your complete medical history with a qualified health practitioner before taking yohimbe.
Drug Interactions
Several prescription drugs may cause potentially dangerous interactions when taken along with yohimbe. People taking depression medications classified as MAO inhibitors should never take yohimbe supplements, MedlinePlus warns. It also may not be safe for people who take tricyclic antidepressants, medications to treat blood pressure, stimulants, phenothiazines and naloxone. Before taking yohimbe supplements, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking to help prevent dangerous interactions.
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