The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found directly before the bladder in the human male. It produces seminal fluid, which is used to house and transport sperm. Prostatitis is a condition characterized by swelling and inflammation of this gland, causing painful or difficult urination and groin or genital pain. Prostatitis that does not respond to antibiotic treatment frequently resolves within a few months. Despite its longstanding use in men's health, yohimbe has not historically been used to treat this prostatitis.
Yohimbe History
Yohimbe is a West African herb that has traditionally been employed as an aphrodisiac and treatment for impotence. While a tea made from its bark has been used for hundreds of years, it was only in 1938 that its constituent yohimbine was approved in the United States as a treatment for impotence, or as the medical profession has more recently defined it, erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine, however, is only one of over 30 pharmacologically active alkaloids present in the herb, the effects of which are less well-researched, although many are believed to act as stimulants, sedatives or even tranquilizers.
Pharmacodynamics and Contraindications
The alkaloid yohimbine is believed to cause increased reflex excitability and genital sensitivity through its direct stimulation of sacral region nerves. In some people, this may reduce the time required to reach orgasm. Yohimbe may also cause tingling, pins-and-needles and shivering sensations along the lower back, as well. Side-effects of yohimbe are moderate and can include anxiety, loss of appetite, elevated heart rate, hypertension and headache. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, yohimbe should not be taken by people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or angina.
Drug Interactions
Although MayoClinic.com mentions the alkaloid yohimbine as a possible treatment for the psychogenic erectile dysfunction caused by some anti-depressants, it is known to interact with a number of antidepressant medications. Tricyclic and MAO-inhibiting drugs are particularly dangerous when combine with yohimbe and may produce a potentially fatal hypertensive crisis, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Due to its stimulating effects, yohimbe should never be combined with stimulants such as bupropion or adderall, lest they produce a dangerous rise in blood pressure or heart rate.
Conclusions
Due to its central nervous system stimulatory effects and its effects on male erectile tissue, some herbalists have mistakenly assumed that yohimbe affects testosterone levels and glandular tissue. As of yet, there is no indication that yohimbe affects prostatic tissue in any way. Due to the risk of side effects and drug interactions, consult with your doctor before taking yohimbe.
