Diabetes in the United States is at an all-time high, with the American Diabetes Association estimating that nearly 24 million Americans suffer from the disease. One of the primary symptoms of diabetes is high levels of sugar in the blood, which is toxic to nerves and causes damage to small blood vessels. In addition to blindness and peripheral neuropathies, diabetes can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe is an effective herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction in some cases, but it may interfere with the effects of insulin therapy.
Diabetes
Diabetes hampers the body's ability to either produce or use insulin, which is a hormone required to regulate glucose levels in the blood and produce energy. Diabetes develops when the pancreas gland does not produce enough insulin, termed type 1 diabetes, or when most cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, termed type 2. Either way, too much glucose remains in the bloodstream, which has toxic effects on nerves, small blood vessels and other tissues. According to "Professional Guide to Diseases," initial symptoms of diabetes include fatigue, increased thirst and headaches. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness, peripheral neuropathies, amputation of toes or feet and erectile dysfunction. Ultimately, diabetes causes coma and death if not treated with insulin therapy.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction has many causes, such as clogged or damaged blood vessels, blood pressure that is too high or low, damaged nerves, anxiety or psychological issues, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." In the case of most diabetics who experience erectile dysfunction, it is often a combination of injury to the nerves that innervate the penis and the blood vessels that supply the penis. Consequently, less sensation is felt in the penis and the blood vessels do not dilate enough for blood to flow in and cause an erection.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe, or Pausinystalia yohimbe, is an evergreen tree found in many parts of Africa, such as Cameroon, Zaire and Gabon. The herbal remedy is derived from the inner bark of the tree and often made into extracts. According to "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine," yohimbe bark is about 6 percent yohimbine, which is an alpha-2-adrenergic blocking agent that stimulates the pelvic nerve ganglia, dilates blood vessels and increases heart rate. A 1998 meta-analysis of studies published in "The Journal of Urology" found that yohimbine can induce erections in about 30 percent of dysfunctional men by increasing blood flow to the penis and stimulating libido. Yohimbe benefits of enhanced libido and heightened sensation are also used by women. Yohimbe has been formulated as an FDA-approved prescription drug, known as yohimbine hydrochloride.
Warnings for Diabetics
Yohimbe has successfully treated impotence in men caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes and psychogenic impotence due to fatigue, tension and stress. Although the effects of yohimbe start about 30 minutes after taking the supplement, the full benefits usually occur after two to four weeks of daily use. Long-term use of yohimbe, and possibly even short-term use, might interfere with insulin and other medications used for diabetes and cause low blood sugar, according to "Medical Herbalism." A consultation with a health professional is highly advised before a diabetic embarks on any herbal remedy that may affect blood sugar levels.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- "Professional Guide to Diseases: Ninth Edition"; Springhouse Publishing; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; A. Fauci et al.; 2008
- "The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine"; Simon Mills; 1994
- "The Journal of Urology"; Yohimbine for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials; E. Ernst et al.; June 1998
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
