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Yohimbine vs. Yohimbe
Yohimbe bark, the bark of the evergreen Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, which is native to west Africa, is the source of the active chemical yohimbine, which is an alkaloid 1. Although yohimbine and yohimbe bark are, of course, related, they are not in fact interchangeable, according to the National Institutes of Health, nor are they synonymous with the drug derived from yohimbine, which is called yohimbine hydrochloride and is marketed as a prescription drug 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Yohimbe
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or the NCCAM, yohimbe bark has been used historically to increase sexual desire, and more recently, it has been used to treat male erectile dysfunction 1. It is generally used as a tea, although it can also be ingested in tablet or capsule form.
Yohimbine
Over the Counter Medications for Erectile Dysfunction
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Yohimbine is a chemical that can be found naturally in the bark of the yohimbe tree, according to the NCCAM 1. It is an alkaloid, which is a naturally occurring chemical compound. According to the Encylopaedia Britannica, alkaloids—including well-known varieties such as morphine and nicotine—have a variety of physiological effects. In clinical studies, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, yohimbine has been shown to treat sexual dysfunction 2.
Yohimbine Hydrochloride
Sold under the generic name “yohimbine” and under brand names including “Yocon,” yohimbine hydrochloride is a prescription medication that uses yohimbine as its active ingredient, according to the Mayo Clinic 3. It is often marketed to treat impotence. It increases peripheral blood flow and can also be used to dilate the pupils, according to the Mayo Clinic 3. It begins to work two to three weeks after you begin taking it. The Mayo Clinic says that a typical dosage for impotence is 5.4 to 6 mg three times per day, but you should follow your doctor’s dosing instructions 3.
How Yohimbe and Yohimbine Work
How to Take Yohimbe Before a Meal
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Because yohimbine is derived from yohimbe, they have similar mechanisms of action 1. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, yohimbine—and yohimbe, because it contains yohimbine—acts as a monoamine oxidase—or MAO—inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker, and it also stimulates the central nervous system 12. Additionally, it increases blood flow into body tissue and dilates genital blood vessels.
Warnings
High blood pressure and increased heart rate are two common side effects of both yohimbe and yohimbine, according to the NCCAM and the Mayo Clinic 13. Both yohimbe and yohimbine can become dangerous if taken in larger-than-recommended doses, so consult with your doctor before you begin taking the herb or the drug, and follow his instructions 1. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, those with depression, schizophrenia, high-blood pressure, or diseases of the kidney, liver or heart should avoid taking yohimbe, as should women who are pregnant 12. Because it interacts with many common medication pathways, consult a doctor before taking yohimbe or yohimbine 1.
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References
- NCCAM: Yohimbe
- Memoria Sloan-Kettering: Yohimbe
- Mayo Clinic: Yohimbine
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Alkaloid
- Tam S, Worcel M, Wyllie M. Yohimbine: a clinical review. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2001;91(3):215-243. doi:10.1016/s0163-7258(01)00156-5
- Guay AT, Spark RF, Jacobson J, Murray FT, Geisser ME. Yohimbine treatment of organic erectile dysfunction in a dose-escalation trial. International Journal of Impotence Research. 2002;14(1):25-31. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3900803
- Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R. Sexual Enhancement Products for Sale Online: Raising Awareness of the Psychoactive Effects of Yohimbine, Maca, Horny Goat Weed, and Ginkgo biloba. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:1-13. doi:10.1155/2014/841798
- Colin Anderson, Dan Anderson, Nicole Harre, Norman Wade. Case Study: Two Fatal Case Reports of Acute Yohimbine Intoxication. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. Volume 37, Issue 8. October 2013. doi: 10.1093/jat/bkt057
- Yohimbe. Natural Medicines Database. Professional Monograph. 1/14/2019
- Yohimbe. National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. September 2016
- Yohimbe. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products. December 2013
- Mann K et al. "Effects of Yohimbine on Sexual Experiences and Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity in Erectile Dysfunction". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 25.1 (1996):1-16.
- Morales A et al. "Is Yohimbine Effective in the Treatment of Organic Impotence? Results of a Controlled Trial". Journal of Urology. 137.6 (1987):1168-72.
- Sax L. "Yohimbine Does Not Affect Fat Distribution in Men". International Journal of Obesity. 15.9 (1991):561-5.
- Vogt HJ et al. "Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Safety and Efficacy Trial With Yohimbine Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Nonorganic Erectile Dysfunction". International Journal of Impotence Research. 9.3 (1997):155-61.
Writer Bio
Kristin Sullivan has been writing professionally since 1995. Her credits include "Men's Health," "Runner's World," "Glamour," "Caribbean Travel and Life" and dozens of other national publications. She specializes in health, medicine, travel, celebrities and relationships. She has written six novels, which have been translated into more than a dozen languages. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Florida.