Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that grows in western Africa, specifically in Nigeria, the Congo, Gabon and Cameroon. The bark of this tree contains a chemical called yohimbine, which is used to produce medication. MedlinePlus states that yohimbine may be marketed as 11-hydoxy yohimbine, yohimbine HCl, coryanthe yohimbe or even johimbi, but each medication contains varying amounts of extract from the yohimbe tree.
Uses
Yohimbine, and sometimes yohimbe bark, is used to treat and diagnose some forms of impotence, MayoClinic.com reports. Impotence is the the inability to have or maintain a penile erection. Yohimbine is most often used to treat impotence caused by certain medications, especially those used by psychiatric patients. You will usually notice an improvement of erectile dysfunction two to three weeks after starting treatment with yohimbine. Yohimbine can also be used to dilate the pupil of the eye, which allows for ophthalmological examination of the retina and other parts of the eye. Yohimbine is also marketed as a sexual aphrodisiac, and to treat depression and blood pressure problems. However, these marketed uses have yet to be tested thoroughly. Most doctors only prescribe yohimbine in certain cases of impotence.
How Yohimbine Works
The exact mechanism of action for yohimbine has yet to be clearly understood, but medications containing the chemical increase peripheral blood flow. This can affect the nerve impulses that control the penis and other reproductive organs, MedlinePlus reports. Furthermore, yohimbine is able to counteract any anti-sexual effects caused by some treatment regimens.
Risks
There are always risks associated with medications or dietary supplements containing yohimbine. You should always consult a doctor before using any product containing yohimbine or yohimbe bark. Yohimbine can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and is therefore contraindicated in patients with heart disease, hypertension and kidney or liver disease, the American Cancer Society warns. If you are using antidepressants, methadone, morphine or alcohol, you should not take yohimbine. Taking yohimbine can cause chest pain, dyspnea, anxiety, sleeplessness and vomiting.
Dosage
For patients suffering from impotence, yohimbine is given in 5.4-mg oral doses three times a day, Drugs.com says. If you experience side effects, your physician may reduce the dosage to 2.7 mg three times a day. As your body adjusts to the medication, your dosage may be slowly increased to the normal dosage. Dosages higher than 5.4 mg have been associated with a higher risk of side effects and serious blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.
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