Pausinystalia yohimbe (Yohimbe)

Latin name: Pausinystalia yohimbe

Common name: Yohimbe

Other names: unknown

What it is: an evergreen tree that may be endangered due to over harvesting

Habitat: native to Congo , Gabon , Nigeria , Zaire , and Cameroon

Parts used: the bark

Constituents: with the alkaloid yohimbine being the primary active constituent. In prescriptions yohimbine hydrochloride is the active ingredient

History/Traditional use: has been used for centuries in folk medicine in western Africa to treat leprosy, coughs, and fevers, as well as a local anesthetic

Actions/Uses: no definitive research on how or why it works. Thought to dilate blood vessels and stimulate blood flow, and appears to work by blocking alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. Approved by the FDA in 1985 to treat erectile dysfunction in men and sold in prescription drugs such as Erex, Yohimex, and Testomar. It is also marketed in the West as an ingredient in body building dietary supplements that can be bought over the counter. Some natural health practitioners prescribe it as a weight loss supplement. In 1994, it was found to help people suffering from narcolepsy in a study at the Eastern Virginia Medical School .

Preparation method: capsule, tablet

Side effects: can cause dizziness, irritability, anxiety, shaking, headaches, skin flushing, confusion, and disorientation. May elicit an allergic reaction with symptoms including difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips or tongue, throat constriction, and hives. Some people report mild hallucinogenic effects, comparable to LSD, when taken in higher than recommended doses. Should not be taken by people with chronic health problems such as diabetes, mental illness, or heart disease. 15-20 milligrams of yohimbine alkaloid can induce hypertension; 12 milligrams can induce a hypertensive crises if taken with tricyclic antidepressants; 10 milligrams can induce mania in bipolar disease; 15 milligrams have been associated with bronchospasm

Interactions: should not be taken with tranquilizers, antidepressants, sedatives, antihistamines, viagra, hypertension medication, amphetamines or other stimulants, such as coffee. Should also not be taken in combination with food and drinks such as wine, beer, avocado, bananas, soy sauce, tomato, cured meats, or dried fish, as these contain high amounts of tyramine and could cause a rise in blood pressure.

Animal Studies: none

Best deals we've found online for Yohimbe is at eVitamins