Yohimbe is a West African tree that is in the same family as coffee. Yohimbe does not contain caffeine, but its bark contains a related substance called yohimbine. Like caffeine, yohimbine is a bitter alkaloid that stimulates the nervous system. Both substances may boost athletic performance. Yohimbine must be prescribed by your doctor, unlike caffeine. If you have questions about these substances' effects on your nervous system, consult a qualified health care professional.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction. Biochemist Holly Phaneuf explains in her book "Herbs Demystified: a Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies," that yohimbine has unfortunately proven to be far more effective in rats than in people. Doctors currently reserve its use mostly for men who cannot tolerate Viagra and other newer anti-impotence drugs. Yohimbine is also touted for its putative ability to boost athletic performance and endurance. The Gatorade Sports Science Institute deems it risky for those purposes.
Yohimbine Side Effects
Yohimbine is associated with potentially serious side effects, including high blood pressure, low blood pressure and anxiety. In fact, its ability to cause anxiety is so pronounced that scientific researchers who study the effects of anxiety sometimes use it on volunteers to quickly bring them to that state, according to Phaneuf. Yohimbine can cause adverse effects when combined with decongestants, asthma medicines and antihypertensives. Yohimbine should not be used in conjunction with caffeine.
Caffeine
Caffeine is the most frequently used psychoactive drug in the world, according to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Rarely used by consumers in its isolated form, it is typically consumed in coffee, tea, energy drinks, sodas, chocolates and certain medicines. Moderate caffeine use is associated with feelings of well-being, sociability, happiness, energy, alertness and increased cognition. Caffeine can also boost athletic performance, according to a 2009 article in the journal "Sports Medicine," by blunting the experience of pain and exertion during exercise.
Caffeine Side Effects
High doses of caffeine can cause side effects. Sleep disturbance in regular caffeine users is common. Caffeine can keep users up at night. A lack of sleep can lead to fatigue during the daytime, and then the person may use more caffeine to increase alertness, creating a vicious cycle of caffeine use and insomnia. Excess consumption of caffeine in one sitting can lead to caffeine intoxication. As little as 2 1/2 cups of coffee can cause this condition, according to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Relatively mild cases of caffeine intoxication result in little more than restlessness, upset stomach and excitement, but extreme overdoses of caffeine can cause tremors, fever and even death.
References
- "Herbs Demystified: a Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies"; Holly Phaneuf; 2005
- "Sports Medicine"; Caffeine and Anaerobic Performance: Ergogenic Value and Mechanisms of Action; J.K. Davis et al; 2009
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center: Information about Caffeine Dependence
- Gatorade Sports Science Center: Risky Dietary Supplements
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