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.
Yohimbine[edit | edit code]
Chemical structure
of Yohimbine
- otherwise called -
quebraquin
- a plant alkaloid with a stimulating effect, an aphrodisiac obtained from the Yohimbe plant. Used by bodybuilders to lose weight, dry muscles, and increase libido.
The formula of the substance is C21H26O3N2. In its pure form it is colorless crystals with a melting point of 235-237°C. The study of this group of alkaloids was stimulated by the search for the active principle of a well-known veterinary drug, the so-called “Equine pathogen”.
Yohimbine is the main alkaloid of the Yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia johimbe Pierre ex Beille)
, the Rubiaceae family, growing in the central part of Africa, yohimbine is also obtained from the bark of the South American plants White quebracho (Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco Schltr.) and Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex Kurz, of the Kutrov family (Apocynaceae).
Yohimbe bark contains 0.5-1.5% indole alkaloids. The main alkaloid is yohimbine, the rest are isomers of yohimbine, ajmalicine, alloyohimbin, corynantheine, dihydrocorynanthen, corynantine (rauhimbin). Yohimbine hydrochloride
Physiological effects of Yohimbine[edit | edit code]
Plasma concentration
Yohimbine began to be used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and a stimulant of male potency. Yohimbine has a pronounced sympatholytic and stimulating effect on the human body.
Due to the ability to inhibit MAO (monoamine oxidase), it has an antidepressant effect.
Yohimbine has high affinity for alpha2-adrenergic receptors, moderate affinity for alpha1-adrenergic receptors, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, 5-HT1F, 5-HT2B, and D2 receptors, and weak affinity for 5-HT1E, 5- HT2A, 5-HT5A, 5-HT7, and D3 receptors. [1]. Yohimbine antagonizes (blocks) alpha1-adrenergic receptors, alpha2-adrenergic receptors, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and D2 receptors, and agonistically interacts (excites) 5-HT1A receptors.[2]
The effect of yohimbine was studied in detail in the work of Kenneth Grasing, MD and co-authors, which was carried out to study the harm (tolerability) and pharmacodynamic properties of the substance at a fairly large dose (22 mg). Healthy young people participated in the experiment; the effects on mood, cardiac activity, blood pressure, etc. were studied.
Good tolerability and rapid rate of absorption and excretion of the substance were established. When consumed with fatty foods, a decrease in blood concentration was observed. Scientists have shown that even high doses do not lead to the development of side effects, moderately increasing the heart rate and breathing, while lowering blood pressure. Yohimbine had a significant effect on the psyche, initiating a number of psychostimulating effects: excitement, improved mood, etc.[3]
Effect on sleep
: Yohimbine increases the brightness of sleep, but only in very small doses, but if the dose is more than 1 mg, a feeling of anxiety occurs during sleep. Yohimbine is much more effective when taken in the early hours, during REM sleep.
Useful properties and use
Yohimbe May Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Yohimbe is best known for its claimed ability to treat erectile dysfunction, but many wonder if there is any evidence to support such a claim.
An analysis of seven controlled studies suggests it may be true. In one study, yohimbine was clearly more effective than placebo in treating erectile dysfunction. ()
Another study looked at the effects of yohimbine on 82 male veterans suffering from erectile dysfunction. ()
After a month of treatment, 34% of patients taking yohimbine experienced at least partial improvement in symptoms, while 20% of patients reported achieving full and lasting erections. In the group of men taking placebo, only 7% reported some improvement in sexual performance.
However, organizations such as the American Urological Association do not recommend the use of yohimbe to treat erectile dysfunction due to a lack of evidence for its benefits and possible side effects. ()
Briefly : Research shows that yohimbine is more effective for treating erectile dysfunction than placebo. However, medical organizations are hesitant to recommend the use of this dietary supplement due to insufficient evidence of its positive effects and potential side effects.
Results of successful weight loss with yohimbe are inconsistent
Yohimbe is also believed to facilitate weight loss and improve body composition.
Yohimbine's ability to block alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in fat cells could theoretically lead to increased fat loss and thus weight loss. Several controlled studies have examined this claim and have reported rather conflicting results.
One study examined the effects of yohimbine on 20 obese women who were on a 1,000-calorie diet for three weeks. Those women who took yohimbine showed significantly greater weight loss than women who took placebo—7.8 pounds (3.6 kg) versus 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg). ()
The effects of yohimbine have also been studied in elite soccer players; it was found that fat mass among study participants decreased by 1.8 percent over three weeks. However, no significant changes were noted in the placebo group. ()
On the other hand, two additional controlled studies concluded that yohimbine had no significant effect on weight or fat loss. (, )
More scientific research is needed before yohimbe is recommended for widespread use as a weight loss supplement.
Briefly : While some studies have concluded that taking yohimbine leads to greater weight loss and decreased body fat, other studies have not confirmed this effect. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of yohimbe as a dietary supplement to promote weight loss.
Yohimbine in sports nutrition[edit | edit code]
Yohimbine has a pronounced lipolytic effect; it is this property that has made yohimbine especially popular in sports nutrition. The fat-burning effect of yohimbine has been proven by reputable studies. [4]. In addition, yohimbine has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, improving cognitive function, mental concentration, and allows you to train longer and more intensely.
As you know, most fat burners act as stimulants for the secretion of adrenaline, which, in turn, excites alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. When beta receptors are excited, fat is destroyed, and when alpha receptors are excited, the opposite effect is observed: inhibition of the release of adrenaline and accumulation of fat in fat depots. By blocking alpha receptors, yohimbine allows fat to be broken down unhindered and energy is released.
There are additional reasons that dictate the need to block alpha2-adrenergic receptors. This allows you to reduce blood pressure, which often increases when using fat burners, and also increase blood flow in adipose tissue, thereby accelerating the transport of fatty acids to the site of destruction. The difficulty of getting rid of fat in some places is explained by the large number of alpha2-adrenergic receptors, so yohimbine can help specifically remove fat deposits in the most problematic areas.
Pausinystalia johimbe extract
Sports nutrition with yohimbine[edit | edit code]
- Hydroxycut Hardcore X from MuscleTech
- Lipo-6x from Nutrex
- Fyre by Syntrax
- Tight! Xtreme from SAN
- Yohimbe Fuel (Twinlab)
- Yohimbe (Ultimate Nutrition)
- Yohimbe (Natrol)
- Yohimbe (CyberMass)
- Yohimbine (SAN)
- Yohimbe Extract (Sportline Nutrition)
Recommendations for admission[edit | edit code]
Safe Dose of Yohimbine
is 10-20 mg. The half-life is approximately 6 hours.[5] Take the supplement with food.
If the package indicates that one serving is more than 20 mg (usually 500-1000 mg), then the composition does not contain an extract, but simply yohimbe tree bark powder. In this case, you need to look at the concentration, and if it is not indicated, then it is not possible to assess the content of the active substance.
Side effects of yohimbine[edit | edit code]
Studies have shown the supplement to be highly safe and well tolerated, even with a single dose of 22 mg.[6]
Sometimes, when using yohimbine and fat burners based on it, the following are possible: fluctuations in blood pressure and tachycardia (due to the stimulating effect on the heart, dilation of the vascular bed), agitation, insomnia or drowsiness, headache, dizziness, redness of the skin (due to dilation of blood vessels). [7] The risk of side effects increases when combined with other stimulants (complex supplements).
Contraindications to the use of yohimbine:
hypertension, ischemic heart disease, liver and/or kidney disease, tachycardia, mental disorders, hypersensitivity to yohimbine.
Symptoms of intoxication:
Approximately 20 to 30 minutes after oral administration of an excessive dose, weakness, generalized paresthesia, loss of coordination and memory, as well as severe headache in combination with dizziness, tremor, palpitations and anxiety occur. Headache, hypertension and tachycardia may also persist for several hours. Laboratory parameters show a high increase in the level of norepinephrine (normally 150 – 550 pg/ml).
In addition, nausea, vomiting, mydriasis, salivation and lacrimation, as well as increased sweating may occur.
Should I take Yohimbe?
There are a number of people who should not take yohimbe.
Those suffering from heart disease, hypertension or hypotension, kidney or hepatological diseases, or neurological disorders should avoid consuming yohimbe. ()
Pregnant women and children under 18 years of age should not include yohimbe in their diet.
If you have erectile dysfunction and would like to try alternative treatments to relieve the symptoms of the disorder, please discuss this possibility with your doctor. Today, as safer and more effective drugs have been developed, doctors prescribe yohimbine hydrochloride less frequently.
The evidence described for the effects of yohimbe on weight loss continues to leave some questions. There are numerous lifestyle changes that can help solve problems associated with excess weight.
In general, due to the prevalence of inaccurate labeling, which can lead to side effects, it may be safer to avoid the supplement altogether.
If you decide to take yohimbe supplements, buy them from trusted, reputable manufacturers. Make sure the supplement you buy has been tested for quality and safety, and that the label clearly states how much yohimbe it contains.
There are no clear guidelines on the recommended dosage of yohimbe supplements. Some sources suggest taking no more than 30 mg of yohimbine hydrochloride per day (about 10 mg three times a day). ()
In other studies, participants used 0.09 mg/lb/day (0.20 mg/kg/day). This is equivalent to 15 mg of yohimbine hydrochloride per day for an adult weighing 65 kg. (, )
In short : Due to inaccurate labeling and potential side effects, it may be safer to avoid taking yohimbe. If you use yohimbe, make sure that you purchase it from a trusted manufacturer with a good reputation, who has tested the product being sold for quality and safety.
Legal status[edit | edit code]
Yohimbine is not prohibited for sale, but by a decree of the Chief State Doctor of the Russian Federation it was added to the list prohibiting the inclusion of yohimbine in the single-component composition of dietary supplements. [8]
Expert opinion[edit | edit code]
The legislator's ban on restricting the production of yohimbine as a single-component dietary supplement is due to potential harm to health. The negative effects of yohimbine may be suppressed by the addition of a second active component. Whether these legal restrictions are justified or not is difficult to say. In practice, a manufacturer can easily circumvent this prohibition by simply adding another component. Large pharmaceutical companies comply with this restriction.
Where to buy yohimbe?
The Internet is filled with dubious yohimbe offers. Unfortunately, many stores behave dishonestly and fill product pages with fake reviews. Of course, these reviews create high expectations about the product and mislead buyers.
We recommend studying product reviews in the iHerb online store and choosing an interesting offer for yourself. On iHerb you can find the supplement in both capsules and drops.
It’s not difficult to buy yohimbe on iHerb.com; the package will arrive from the USA in 2 weeks. The store guarantees 100% product quality and is responsible for the correct storage of goods in the warehouse.
Alternative source[edit | edit code]
Source:
“Methods of research and pharmacological correction of human physical performance”
.
Ed. Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences I.B. Ushakova Publishing house
: Medicine, 2007
Yohimbine hydrochloride
- α2-adrenergic blocker, affects predominantly presynaptic central and peripheral α2-adrenergic receptors. The drug increases motor activity, physical performance, increases heart rate, in small doses increases blood pressure (due to stimulation of the vasomotor center), in large doses it reduces blood pressure (due to the α-adrenergic blocking effect), increases blood flow to the pelvic organs, including genitals. Disinhibits the spinal centers of erection and ejaculation, thereby improving blood flow to the cavernous bodies. Improves psycho-emotional background and sexual sensations, helps eliminate feelings of discomfort, uncertainty, stiffness and fear. Increases libido and potency. Weakens the effect of serotonin, the excess content of which in the body causes depression and nervousness. It has an antidiuretic effect, mobilizes fatty acids from subcutaneous adipose tissue.
Quickly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. When taken orally, the onset of action is within 15-30 minutes. 10 minutes after ingestion, it penetrates the BBB and is found in the cerebrospinal fluid. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma is reached after 1.3 hours. About 17% of the administered yohimbine hydrochloride is determined in the brain tissue within 6 hours. The drug is metabolized in the liver. Elimination: The half-life of yohimbine after single dose use varies between studies and ranges from 0.25 to 2.5 hours. The half-life of 11-hydroxyyohimbine is longer, approximately 6 hours. After repeated use, yohimbine is eliminated in a time range from less than 1 hour to more than 8 hours.
The drug is administered orally, in the form of tablets of 5-10 mg 1-3 times a day, without chewing and with a glass of water. Duration of course use is 3-10 weeks.
Contraindications to the use of yohimbine hydrochloride are: hypersensitivity, hepatic and/or renal failure, arterial hypertension, arterial hypotension, coronary heart disease, simultaneous use of adrenergic agonists, including clonidine. It should be used with caution in case of gastric or duodenal ulcer or mental illness.
When taking yohimbine, side effects may develop: dizziness, headache, anxiety, fear, migraine, hand tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, gastralgia, decreased blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, priapism.
Links[edit | edit code]
- Millan MJ, Newman-Tancredi A, Audinot V, et al. (February 2000). "Agonist and antagonist actions of yohimbine as compared to fluparoxan at alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors (AR)s, serotonin (5-HT)(1A), 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(1D) and dopamine D (2) and D(3) receptors. Significance for the modulation of frontocortical monoaminergic transmission and depressive states.” Synapse 35(2):79–95.
- Kaumann AJ (June 1983). "Yohimbine and rauwolscine inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction of large coronary arteries of calf through blockade of 5 HT2 receptors." Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology 323 (2): 149–54.
- Kenneth Grasing, MD, Marc G. Sturgill, P "Effects of Yohimbine on Autonomic Measures are Determined by Individual Values for Area Under the Concentration-Time Curve"
- Ostojic S. M. (2006). "Yohimbine: the effects on body composition and exercise performance in soccer players." Research in Sports Medicine 14(4): 289–99.
- MG Sturgill, KW Grasing “Yohimbine elimination in normal volunteers is characterized by both one- and two-compartment behavior.”
- Kenneth Grasing, MD, Marc G. Sturgill, P "Effects of Yohimbine on Autonomic Measures are Determined by Individual Values for Area Under the Concentration-Time Curve"
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, fourth edition Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
- clause 9 of the addition to Appendix 5b to SanPiN 2.3.2.1078-01, approved by Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated November 14, 2001 N 36
