By skyforbes 
Yohimbe is a supplement derived from an evergreen tree that is marketed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and weight loss.
There is little research proving yohimbe’s effectiveness. What’s more, taking this supplement increases your risk of many side effects, including dizziness, nausea, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
What Is Yohimbe Used For?
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Traditionally, yohimbe was used as an aphrodisiac (substance that stimulates sexual desire). Today, it is still marketed for sexual health and other uses. So far, scientific evidence supporting the potential benefits of yohimbe is lacking.
Yohimbine and Erectile Dysfunction
Yohimbe bark extracts are widely promoted online and in health food stores as a natural aphrodisiac to increase libido and manage erectile dysfunction. However, there is no evidence to show that the herbal supplement is effective.
Most clinical studies have looked into the prescription drug yohimbine hydrochloride and not the herbal extract yohimbe.
For example, an analysis of eight studies examined yohimbine’s use alone and combined with other interventions. Although yohimbine alone did not appear to affect the rate of sexual function significantly, the pooled results of both subgroups suggested an overall improvement. (Again, yohimbine is a prescription drug in the United States, and yohimbe is a supplement.)
In its guidelines on the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the American Urology Association does not recommend the use yohimbine due to a lack of sufficient evidence and potential safety risks.
Talk to your healthcare provider first if you are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Not Recommended for Weight Loss
Yohimbe is generally not recommended for weight loss, although it is sometimes marketed as such.
Overall, the findings on yohimbine’s effects on weight loss have been mixed. Yohimbine has been found in preliminary research to increase lipolysis (fat burning) by increasing the release of the neurotransmitter (chemical messengers in the body) and hormone norepinephrine available to fat cells and blocking alpha-2 receptor activation, which increases the release of norepinephrine.
However, a systematic review (a review of multiple studies on a single topic) examining dietary supplements for weight management indicated there is not enough evidence to determine whether yohimbine aids with weight loss.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Despite the marketed benefits of yohimbe, there are serious health risks, which means you should not take it unless doing so under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
In Germany, yohimbe is on the Commission E (the country’s herbal regulatory agency) list of unapproved herbs because of concerns about the herb’s safety and effectiveness. In the United States, the FDA has had reports of seizures and kidney failure following the use of yohimbe.
Side effects of taking yohimbe, as noted in studies on yohimbine, may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
Taking high doses of yohimbe can be potentially dangerous, as noted in studies on yohimbine, leading to severe side effects such as:
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Fast heart rate
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Heart attacks
- Kidney problems
Reports of Inaccurate Labeling
Many supplement products containing yohimbe or yohimbine are inaccurately labeled, according to a review of 49 brands sold by seven major retailers in the United States.
The review found that only 11 of the 49 brands listed the specific quantity of yohimbine on the label, and many of these were not accurate. Additionally, 18% of the brands did not provide information about potential side effects. Only 4% of the brands provided accurate information about the quantity of yohimbine and its side effects.
Who Should Not Take Yohimbe?
Several groups should avoid taking yohimbe, either due to potential harm or lack of benefits:
- Children: There is no need to supplement yohimbe for children, and there have not been any safety studies done on children.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people: It may be unsafe to consume yohimbe while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- People with heart disease or high blood pressure: Yohimbe can increase blood pressure further. There are also reports of yohimbe causing an irregular heart rate, tachycardia (fast heart rate), and heart attack.
- People with kidney disease: Yohimbe may slow or stop urine flow, potentially worsening kidney function.
- People with mental health disorders: Yohimbe can worsen the symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety, and interact with certain antidepressant medications. Yohimbe should not be combined with a type of antidepressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as Nardil (phenelzine) and Parnate (tranylcypromine).
Dosage and Preparation
There is no recommended dose of yohimbe. Yohimbe is not recommended because it has a very narrow therapeutic index. There is a relatively small dosing range—below it, the herb is ineffective, and above it, it can be toxic.
Summary
There is no scientific research that suggests a benefit of supplementing with yohimbe. The risks of yohimbe supplementation outweigh the potential benefits.
If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction or another condition for which you are considering yohimbe, talk to a healthcare provider and seek referrals if needed. There are other medications and treatments available with fewer side effects and safety concerns.