NATURAL PRODUCTS

Yohimbe Bark

Yohimbe is used primarily by men with sexual disorders to improve performance.  Its proponents also claim it has aphrodisiac properties.  It should not be used by females.  Additionally, it contains variants of Yohimbine, the active ingredient in the prescription drug Yocon, and has similar actions.  Both Yohimbe and Yohimbine are alkaloids, but Yohimbine is an ester of the alkaloid and is found in Rubaceae and related trees.  Yohimbe is found in the bark of Pausinystalia yohimbe and contains other compounds besides the Yohimbine variants.

The active compounds in Yohimbe are indole alkaloids that cause typical alkaloid reactions of increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea, insomnia, tremor, and anxiety.  An overdose of Yohimbe results in alpha adrenergic blockade and increased cholinergic effects.  Under such conditions cardiac nerve impulses are slowed, salivation is increased, blood pressure drops, pupils dilate, and bowel constrictions are increased.

Yohimbe should not be used with many drugs used to treat hypertension, because it may interfere with their actions.  It also should be avoided by people taking digoxin; other Yohimbine containing products, like Yocon; and in people with high blood pressure or liver and kidney disease.  Caution should be exercised with tricyclic antidepressants because hypertension may occur when they are taken with Yohimbe.

Prior to taking Yohimbe, you should have a discussion with your physician and pharmacist.

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This page was last updated on 04/29/05.