The bark of the yohimbe tree contains the active chemical yohimbine, which is also the name and active ingredient of a prescription drug primarily used for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe herbal supplements contain lower amounts of this chemical than the prescription medication, but they are still used for sexual dysfunction and other purposes. The supplements also carry some of the negative effects of the drug, including interactions with caffeine. Consult a qualified health care provider before taking yohimbe or combining it with caffeine.
Uses
MedlinePlus, a website provided by the National Library of Medicine, lists yohimbe as possibly effective for treating erectile dysfunction and for relieving sexual problems caused by selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are antidepressants commonly called SSRIs. Some herbalists believe that whole yohimbe bark works better than the active component yohimbine on its own, but researchers have not studied whole yohimbe bark, according to MedlinePlus. Yohimbe is also promoted as helpful for increasing sexual excitement, and for relieving exhaustion, depression and complications of diabetes. Some manufacturers promote yohimbe as a steroid substitute to enhance athletic performance.
Side Effects
MedlinePlus rates yohimbe as a possibly unsafe supplement due to numerous reported side effects, some severe. It has some of the same side effects linked to caffeine, and combining the two could worsen these effects. Some side effects connected with both substances include frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, anxiety and a rapid heartbeat, which could be risky for people with certain heart conditions. Yohimbe use is also associated with cases of kidney failure, seizures and heart attack.
Blood Pressure Elevation
Another potentially serious side effect shared by caffeine and yohimbe is blood pressure elevation. Caffeine constricts blood vessels and may cause the adrenal gland to release more adrenaline. Consuming large amounts of caffeine while taking yohimbe could increase the risk of dangerously high blood pressure, says MedlinePlus. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, colas and certain other soft drinks, and in some herbs such as guarana and Yerba mate.
Dosage
Limiting your caffeine intake to 200 mg per day can prevent caffeine-related increases in blood pressure, according to Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D., on the MayoClinic.com website. This is generally the amount in two 12-oz. cups of brewed coffee. A suggested dosage for yohimbe listed by MedlinePlus is 15 to 30 mg daily of the active component yohimbine to help with sexual performance problems. Yohimbe supplements standardized for a certain amount of yohimbine are available and list the levels of this component on the label. Although studies have used doses of up to 100 mg yohimbine per day, dangerous side effects are likely with this type of dosage, including death, according to MedlinePlus.
Member Comments