Diet & Fitness

Yohimbe for Sports & Fitness

Also indexed as: Pausinystalia yohimbe

Yohimbe

Parts Used & Where Grown

Yohimbe is a tall evergreen forest tree native to southwestern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo. The bark of this African tree is used medicinally. There are concerns, however, that the tree may be endangered due to over-harvesting for use as medicine.

How It Works

The alkaloid known as yohimbine is the primary active constituent in yohimbe, although similar alkaloids may also play a role. Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, part of the sympathetic nervous system.¹ It also dilates blood vessels. Yohimbine inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and therefore may theoretically be of benefit in depressive disorders. However, it does not have the clinical research of other herbs used for depression, such as St. John’s wort.

Yohimbine has been shown in double-blind trials to help treat men with erectile dysfunction.²^,3 Although, negative studies have also been reported.⁴^,5

Why Do Athletes Use It?*

Some athletes say that yohimbe helps boost metabolism.

What Do the Advocates Say?*

As a stimulant, yohimbe may theoretically increase fat metabolism. The main alkaloid in yohimbe is yohimbine, which can be toxic if used in excess amounts. This alkaloid blocks a particular receptor that increases sympathetic nervous system output so you get more adrenaline and, thus, increased metabolism.

Warning: This stimulant puts stress on the heart, which is especially dangerous for anyone with a heart condition. Yohimbe should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes?

The ability of yohimbine, a chemical found in yohimbe bark, to stimulate the nervous system,⁶^,7 promote the release of fat from fat cells,⁸^,9 and affect the cardiovascular system has led to claims that yohimbe might help athletic performance or improve body composition.¹⁰ 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.¹¹ 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.¹² 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.

Nutritional Supplement