Yohimbe comes from an evergreen tree native to several West African countries. In the United States, promoters advertise it as an aphrodisiac for men and women. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that this use of yohimbe has a long tradition, and some scientific studies suggest that yohimbe may be effective for erectile dysfunction. The available body of controlled research is insufficient to provide conclusive data on the long-term side effects of taking yohimbe. More studies may help people who have already experienced yohimbe's most common side effects. Consult a health care professional before you consume yohimbe.
Types
The two forms of yohimbe come from the bark of the tree, Pausinystalia yohimbe. The herb, prepared with the bark, contains the chemical yohimbe. Supplement manufacturers produce the chemical yohimbine hydrochloride from yohimbe bark in laboratories. Few scientific studies have investigated the effects of natural yohimbe bark. The majority of research has focused on the effects of dietary supplements that contain yohimbine hydrochloride.
Common Uses
For centuries, Africans have used dried yohimbe bark as a sexual stimulant, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering. In the Western world, yohimbine hydrochloride is an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction and an herbal libido booster. The next most common use is as an alternative to steroids for people seeking to enhance athletic ability. For all of these purposes, supplement manufacturers often combine yohimbe with other chemicals or herbs.
Common Side Effects
Yohimbe affects your body's nervous system. It increases your blood pressure and heart rate, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Other symptoms include generalized anxiety, nausea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle tremors and headaches. Taking yohimbe for a long time could be harmful and large doses of both forms of yohimbe are dangerous, according to NCCAM. Long-term toxic effects have not been studied thoroughly.
Warnings
Pregnant and nursing women should not take either form of yohimbe. Others who should avoid yohimbe include people with kidney problems, high blood pressure, cardiac conditions, psychiatric patients who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors, according to NCCAM. Sloan-Kettering notes that long-term toxicity research is not available for yohimbe. They report that a 2006 study found that toxic side effects from products containing yohimbe were the most frequent cause of all dietary supplement calls to poison control centers. This study cites both buproprion and methamphetamine drug interactions for yohimbe supplements. Researchers also suspect yohimbe as the cause of the onset of lupus symptoms and kidney failure in one isolated medical case.
