Yohimbe
Pausinystalia johimbe
The bark of a central and west African tree, promoted for erectile dysfunction, sports performance and weight loss. There's little research in people, and yohimbine, its main compound, has been linked to heart attacks and seizures.
Yohimbe may interact with some medicines. If you take any medicine, read Interactions with medicines below and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
What is Yohimbe?
- Plant family
- Rubiaceae, the coffee family
- Parts used
- The bark
- Where it grows
- Central and western Africa
- Genus
- Pausinystalia
- Species
- johimbe
Also called
Johimbi
Older scientific names
Pausinystalia yohimbe
Traditionally used for
- Aphrodisiac (traditional)
- Erectile dysfunction (promoted)
- Weight loss (promoted)
Traditionally described as
Health topics
Where Yohimbe appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Sexual Health
Historically used as an aphrodisiac and promoted for erectile dysfunction, but there's little research in people and serious heart risks.
Traditions that use it
African Traditional Medicine
Historically used in Africa as an aphrodisiac and to enhance sexual performance.
Safety
Interactions with medicines
Don't take yohimbe with MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you take.[1]
Pregnancy
It may be unsafe to take yohimbe by mouth during pregnancy or breastfeeding.[1]
Toxicity testing
Yohimbine, the main compound in yohimbe, has been linked to irregular heartbeat, blood pressure problems, heart attacks and seizures. Reported side effects include stomach problems, a fast heartbeat, anxiety and high blood pressure.[1]
Contamination
The amount of yohimbine in products varies widely, and many labels don't say how much they contain or list known side effects. In the US it's illegal to sell over-the-counter yohimbine products for erectile dysfunction without FDA approval, and it's restricted or banned in many countries.[1]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Yohimbe bark has historically been used as an aphrodisiac and to enhance sexual performance. Today it's promoted for erectile dysfunction, sports performance, weight loss and low mood.[1]
Research in people
There's very little research on yohimbe in people, and not enough evidence to say whether it helps any health condition. Its main compound, yohimbine, is a separate prescription drug.[1]
In short
Linked to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attacks and seizures; don't use with MAOI or tricyclic antidepressants.
Sources
- [1] Yohimbe: Usefulness and Safety — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH)Government health agency
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.