Diet & Fitness

 

Yohimbine (the primary active constituent in yohimbe) has been shown in several double-blind trials to help treat men with ED;^13,14 negative results have also been reported, however.^15,16 Yohimbe dilates blood vessels and may help, regardless of the cause of ED. A tincture of yohimbe bark is often used in the amount of 5 to 10 drops three times per day. Standardized yohimbe extracts are also available. A typical daily amount of yohimbine is 15 to 30 mg. It is best to use yohimbe and yohimbine under the supervision of a physician.

 

Yohimbine (the primary active constituent in yohimbe) has been shown in several double-blind trials to help treat men with ED;^17,18 negative results have also been reported, however.^19,20 Yohimbe dilates blood vessels and may help, regardless of the cause of ED. A tincture of yohimbe bark is often used in the amount of 5 to 10 drops three times per day. Standardized yohimbe extracts are also available. A typical daily amount of yohimbine is 15 to 30 mg. It is best to use yohimbe and yohimbine under the supervision of a physician.

The ability of yohimbine, a chemical found in yohimbe bark, to stimulate the nervous system and promote the breakdown of fat tissue has led to claims that it might help weight loss by raising metabolic rate, reducing appetite, and increasing fat burning. A placebo-controlled trial that included 20 women on a low-calorie weight-loss diet found those taking 5 mg of yohimbine four times per day had increased energy expenditure and greater weight loss after three weeks.²¹ However, a similar trial that included 47 men, taking 43 mg per day of yohimbine for six months resulted in no effect on weight loss.²² Because of its effects on the nervous system, yohimbine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and impulsivity²³; therefore, it is recommended those wishing to use yohimbine for weight loss first consult their health care practitioner.

The ability of yohimbine, a chemical found in yohimbe bark, to stimulate the nervous system,^24,25 promote the release of fat from fat cells,^26,27 and affect the cardiovascular system ²⁸ has led to claims that yohimbe might help athletic performance or improve body composition. However, a double-blind study of men who were not dieting reported no effect of up to 43 mg per day of yohimbine on weight or body composition after six months.²⁹ No research has tested yohimbe herb for effects on body composition, and no human research has investigated the ability of yohimbine or yohimbe to affect athletic performance. Other studies have determined that a safe daily amount of yohimbine is 15 to 30 mg.³⁰ However, people with kidney disorders should not take yohimbe, and side effects of nausea, dizziness, or nervousness may occur that necessitate reducing or stopping yohimbe supplementation.

 

Damiana has traditionally been used to treat people with depression. Yohimbine (the active component of the herb yohimbe) inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and therefore may be beneficial in depressive disorders. However, clinical research has not been conducted for its use in treating depression.