Yohimbe plant extract for men: composition and principle of action

Yohimbe is a popular dietary supplement that is made from the bark of the African evergreen tree.

This supplement is often used to treat erectile dysfunction. Consuming yohimbe to reduce body fat has also become a rapidly growing trend among bodybuilders.

Despite its popularity, there are some risks associated with adding yohimbe to your diet; you should know about them before you start taking it.

This article covers everything you need to know about yohimbe, its benefits, how to use it, and potential side effects.

Yohimbe: tree

Yohimbe tree belongs to the madder family and is a plant about 15 meters high with large oval leaves and grey-brown, cracked bark. This tree grows only on fertile soils and is extremely sensitive to drought and temperature conditions. Its place of growth is African countries: Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon and Congo. Today, the demand for yohimbe has increased significantly, so this tree is endangered in its natural habitat.

special instructions

The medicine is used with particular caution if patients have the following pathologies:

• heart diseases;
• ulcers in the intestines, stomach;
• glaucoma;
• hypertonic disease;
• mental disorders (combination with ethanol aggravates this disorder).

When used independently, the product does not affect the control of vehicles and machinery.

Important! Before you start driving, you should make sure that the drug is well tolerated.

The medicine is not intended for the treatment of children and women.

Yohimbe: bark

The most valuable part of yohimbe is its bark. It is for this reason that entire plantations of these trees are grown in African countries. The value of the bark lies in its high content of alkaloids, the main of which is yohimbine. In addition to it, the bark contains substances such as:

• alloyohimbin,
• dihydrocorynantheine,
• ajmalicin,
• Corynantheine.

In general, the concentration of alkaloids in yohimbe is not high - only 0.5-1.5%, which is completely safe for humans. Therefore, preparations from it can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription.

Medicines and nutritional supplements made from yohimbe have a fairly wide range of applications - they are used in dietary nutrition for athletes, as well as as a means of treating sexual dysfunction and other health problems.

Potential Side Effects

Yohimbine is available as a prescription drug called Yohimbine Hydrochloride for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, dietary supplements sold under the name "Yohimbe Bark Extract" or "Yohimbe Hydrochloride" are also available for purchase without a prescription.

The main concerns associated with yohimbe as a dietary supplement relate to its inaccurate labeling and its potential for serious side effects. For this reason, yohimbe supplements are banned in many countries, including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. ()

Reported cases of mislabeling

Because dietary supplements are not drugs strictly regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, there is no guarantee that the dietary supplement you purchase contains the micronutrients listed on the label.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School tested 49 different yohimbe supplements and found that 78% did not have the correct yohimbe content on their labels. ()

Moreover, on the labels of those dietary supplements that included yohimbe, its contents were also inaccurately indicated. The actual amount of yohimbe in supplements ranged between 28% and 147% of the label volume. This fact sounds very alarming, as it sets a precedent for the increased risk of dangerous side effects associated with the use of high doses of yohimbe.

Side effects

The use of this dietary supplement is associated with the development of potentially dangerous side effects.

All cases of side effects with yohimbe were reviewed in one study by the California Poison Control Board. ()

The most commonly observed side effects included gastrointestinal disorders, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and high blood pressure. A few have even survived life-threatening impairments; these included heart attack, seizures and acute kidney injury.

However, it is worth noting that many of these cases occurred as a result of using dietary supplements that also contained several other substances in addition to yohimbe; it is quite possible that they were related to the side effects described above.

At a Glance : There are some potential risks associated with using the yohimbe dietary supplement, including inaccurate product labeling and possible side effects.

Yohimbe: properties

As already mentioned, the main active ingredient in yohimbe is the alkaloid yohimbine. The study of this substance was subjected to a large number of serious studies, during which the following properties were identified and proven:

1. Yohimbine has a dilating effect on blood vessels and stimulates blood flow, including in the pelvic organs, which has a very beneficial effect on the sexual activity of both men and women. In this it is somewhat similar to tribulus.
2. it increases testosterone production in the male body;
3. Yohimbine has an effect on alpha-2-adrenergic receptors, therefore in large doses it helps to reduce blood pressure, and in small doses, on the contrary, it increases it;
4. stimulates intestinal motility;
5. like creatine, glutamine and lysine, yohimbine accelerates the growth of muscle mass and increases the body's endurance;
6. Yohimbine activates the process of burning subcutaneous fat.

Indications for use

Indications for the use of Yohimbe are the following disorders:

• impotence in various forms;
• overwork and asthenia, accompanied by erectile dysfunction;
• erectile dysfunction caused by radiation;
• weakened erection;
• decreased sex drive;
• infertility;
• age-related erectile dysfunction;
• general weakening of the male body caused by stress and long-term illnesses.

Yohimbe: for women

Yohimbe is a powerful aphrodisiac. But if previously it was used exclusively by men, today its effectiveness has also been proven in terms of improving sexual function in women. Preparations with yohimbine help solve such a delicate problem as frigidity, relieve tension and anxiety, which often become the cause of female sexual dysfunction.

In addition, yohimbine helps solve another unpleasant problem that is often found in older women. We are talking about incontinence, or, in medical terms, bladder atony. Preparations with yohimbine help to increase the tone of this organ and have an antidiuretic effect.

But there is one more fact, thanks to which yohimbe is gaining more and more popularity among the fair sex. This alkaloid has been proven to prevent the accumulation of fat, especially in the lower part of the body - the buttocks and thighs. As you know, it is in these places that women develop fat deposits most intensively. In addition, yohimbine helps release fatty acids from fat stores and facilitates their burning during training.

Overdose

The consequences of taking high doses are the following:

• weakness;
• a feeling of numbness on the surface of the skin and in the limbs;
• headaches (can be quite intense);
• trembling of limbs;
• anxiety;
• tachycardia;
• vomit;
• increased salivation;
• sweating;
• nausea;
• memory impairment.

Important! An overdose of the drug can lead to serious complications requiring discontinuation of the drug and symptomatic therapy.

Yohimbe: extract

Yohimbe bark serves as the raw material for obtaining a pure extract of this plant, which is the basis of many medicines and dietary supplements. Dry and liquid yohimbe extract has gained the greatest popularity as the main component of drugs for the treatment of sexual disorders.
It is often combined with extracts of other plants, such as ginseng, ginger root or Ginkgo Biloba, as well as zinc.

Release form and composition

Today, the domestic pharmaceutical market offers for sale the following supplements containing yohimbe extract as an active component:

• Yohimbe;
• Yohimbe Forte;
• Yohimbe Forte with vitamins;
• Yohimbe Formula;
• Super Yohimbe Formula;
• Superman power Yohimbe plus;
• Super Yohimbe Plus;
• Yohimbe tea;
• Super Yohimbe Complex Male Strength;
• Achiv with Yohimbe.

Absolutely all dietary supplements with the word “yohimbe” in their names contain yohimbine, an alkaloid obtained from the bark of the yohimbe tree, which grows in Africa and belongs to the Rubiaceae family.

The properties of this substance are unique. This natural compound is a biostimulant that restores male potency. The mechanism of this action is determined by an increase in blood circulation in the pelvic skin and mucous membranes, i.e. those parts of the male body that are responsible for the development of an erection.

The main effect of yohimbine is the elimination of disorders and disharmony of sexual function, its normalization and stimulation. All drugs based on it are intended to improve potency, the disturbances of which are caused by both functional disorders and mental experiences.

In addition to the main component, Yohimbe in one or another combination includes substances such as:

• Saw palmetto fruit;
• Damiana leaf extract;
• Eleutherococcus root;
• Licorice root extract;
• Muima puama bark;
• Oyster extract;
• Niacin;
• Guarana;
• Ginseng;
• Ginkgo biloba;
• Vitamins E and C;
• Microelements – selenium, zinc and chromium.

All these substances help enhance the effect of yohimbe, and also add certain properties to the drugs, thus expanding the range of their use.

Yohimbe: hydrochloride

Today, in medicine and sports nutrition, not pure yohimbine, but its derivative, yohimbine hydrochloride, is increasingly used. It is produced in the form of tablets and, unlike pure yohimbine, has much fewer contraindications and is much gentler. But even despite this, you can purchase yohimbine hydrochloride in a pharmacy only with a doctor’s prescription. The indication for the use of this drug is psychogenic or functional impotence in men.

Yohimbe: how to take

For weight loss and muscle growth, the recommended dose of yohimbine is 0.2 mg for every kilogram of a person's weight. In this case, it is advisable to divide the daily dose into two doses with an interval of about 3 hours and take it in the morning before the start of training.

As an aphrodisiac, it is enough to take 5-8 mg of yohimbine once on an empty stomach for 3-4 weeks.

It is important to note that yohimbine preparations are not recommended to be combined with carbohydrates, such as baked goods, sweets, and pasta. In addition, simultaneous use of yohimbine with tranquilizers or antidepressants is strictly prohibited.

But yohimbine combines quite well with vitamins, so dietary supplements with it often include, for example, vitamin A or B vitamins. However, the most effective is the combination of yohimbine with vitamin C and vitamin E - they contribute to its more complete absorption and, therefore, increase the degree of beneficial effects of this substance on the body.

Video about the supplement for invigoration - Yohimbine

Usually you need to take 2-3 tablets of yohimbine per day. It is advisable to do this 2-3 times a day 20-30 minutes before the main meal. The drug is washed down with a small amount of water. To achieve the maximum effect of increasing potency with Yohimbe, experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

• to refuse from bad habits;
• exercise moderately several times a week and do morning exercises;
• do not miss preventive examinations from specialists;
• eat a balanced and regular diet, avoid fast food, snacks, sweet soda and other products that negatively affect health;
• have sex regularly, add variety to intimacy and remain faithful to one partner;
• carry out hardening procedures, visit steam rooms and baths, unless this is contraindicated;
• avoid stress, mental and physical overload;
• drink enough fluids and normalize your sleep-wake schedule;
• Introduce walking in the fresh air and constant breaks during the working day into a sedentary lifestyle.

Before using any tablets with Yohimbe extract, be sure to read the instructions for use for the product. Pay special attention to contraindications and rules for taking the drug, do not violate the rules and recommendations specified in the instructions. It is also advisable to first consult with a specialist.

Yohimbe: reviews

Reviews of drugs containing yohimbe are mostly positive. Men note a significant effect in terms of increased sexual activity. Some of them claim that taking yohimbine helped them in the treatment of prostate adenoma. Many men also note the tonic properties of this substance.

Among women, drugs containing yohimbine are less popular. Most often, they take them as a means of promoting weight loss. Representatives of the fair sex note that although yohimbe is not as popular a means for weight loss as, for example, Goji berries or Garcinia Cambogia extract, nevertheless, the combination of this drug with aerobic exercise gives a good effect of burning fat in problem areas.

Contraindications

For the supplement, manufacturers have approved the following list of contraindications for use (indicated in the official descriptions of the product):

• hypotension;
• liver diseases;
• childhood. Yohimbe is not prescribed to persons under 18 years of age;
• hypertension;
• allergy;
• use of adrenergic agonists (adrenaline, norepinephrine);
• tachycardia;
• hypertensive crises;
• women. Yohimbe is not used during lactation (breastfeeding), pregnancy;
• kidney pathologies.

Efficiency

Yohimbine for men is considered effective for the following reasons:

• Enrichment of erotic sensations, the ability to prolong sexual intercourse and enhance orgasm;
• Correction of sexual disorders of mental origin;
• Increasing endurance, which is important for people engaged in energy-intensive activities;
• Getting rid of chronic fatigue.

The effect of the drug does not depend on the current condition of the person. Yohimbine will be effective for fatigue, emotional discomfort, and decreased mood.

To increase the effectiveness of dietary supplements, you need to:

• Minimize the occurrence of situations that provoke nervous tension;
• Quit smoking and alcohol;
• Normalize your diet;
• Get enough sleep and rest;
• Get physical activity regularly.

Description of the plant

Yohimbe is a tree of the Rubiaceae family . Like many plants native to West Africa, it is evergreen. The plant does not like large open spaces and is more often found in shaded areas of tropical forests. The tree reaches a height of 15-30 meters. The leaves are thin, oval, the bark is light brown, thick, often overgrown with lichen. The leaves are located at the ends of thick, gnarled branches, forming small palms. As a rule, 2-3 full-fledged trunks grow from one root. Due to its miraculous effect on male power, the tree received other names - love bark and love tree.

Traditional recipes use tree bark. Its main component is the unique alkaloid yohimbine (up to 6%), named after the name of the plant. In addition to this, the following were found in the tree bark:

• Yamalin alkaloid;
• isomers of yohimbine (up to 1.5% in total): ajmalicine, corynantheine, coriantheine;
• tannins;
• trace elements: aluminum, calcium oxalate.

Conclusion

Yohimbine is one of the few fat loss supplements that is scientifically proven to be effective.

Research shows the drug can speed up metabolism, improve performance, and help you shed stubborn fat faster. Its effectiveness is enhanced when combined with exercise and other supplements such as caffeine and synephrine.

Of course, yohimbine will not transform your body and will not make you mega ripped. But it will help you get the body of your dreams (in combination with other methods).