Yohimbe is a type of evergreen tree that comes from western Africa. The bark of the yohimbe tree is sometimes used in alternative medicine. Zinc is a mineral your body needs for immune function, wound healing, growth and development and protein and DNA synthesis. Some supplements contain both of these ingredients, possibly along with other herbal medicines.
Use of Yohimbe and Zinc
Yohimbe and zinc are both among the complementary treatments for erectile dysfunction, according to MayoClinic.com. Yohimbe may be best for men with problems due to psychological causes, while zinc is helpful only if men have low levels of zinc. Alcoholics, people with gastrointestinal diseases and vegetarians may have an increased risk for low zinc levels, but only take supplemental zinc after verifying you have low levels due to the risk for zinc toxicity.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials have not evaluated the effectiveness of yohimbe to treat impotence, according to the American Cancer Society, but studies have shown the prescription drug made from yohimbe bark may be more effective than a placebo in treating this condition, although evidence is preliminary and conflicting. Zinc supplementation improved symptoms in some, but not all, participants with sexual dysfunction in a study published in October 1995 in the "Central African Journal of Medicine."
Safety
Yohimbe can cause side effects including sleeplessness, vomiting, tremors, nausea, high blood pressure, dizziness, increased heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing, anxiety and headache. People with anxiety disorders, heart, liver or kidney problems or high blood pressure should not take this supplement.
High doses of zinc can cause toxicity symptoms, including lowered immune system function, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headaches, loss of appetite and abdominal cramps.
Considerations
Speak with your doctor before taking any supplements, as they may not be safe for you. Do not self treat using herbal supplements. The prescription form yohimbine is better regulated and will contain a standard amount of the active ingredient, so it is better to take this medication than to rely on yohimbe bark supplements.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Yohimbe; July 2010
- American Cancer Society: Yohimbe
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
- MayoClinic.com; Erectile Dysfunction Herbs: A Natural Treatment for ED?; September 2010
- "Central African Journal of Medicine"; Zinc, Hydrochlorothiazide and Sexual Dysfunction; S.M. Khedun et al.; October 1995
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