Yohimbine Hcl Extract
Also known as: Yohimbine HCl, Yohimbine, Yohimbe, Aphrodine, Corynine, Quebrachine, Yohimbine hydrochloride
Overview
Yohimbine hydrochloride (Yohimbine HCl) is a purified, standardized salt form of yohimbine, an indole alkaloid primarily extracted from the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, native to Africa. It is classified as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist and is predominantly used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It is also marketed, though with less robust evidence, for weight loss and athletic performance enhancement. The compound works by increasing sympathetic nervous system activity. Research on Yohimbine HCl, particularly for ED, includes multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, indicating a moderate quality of evidence for its efficacy in this area, while evidence for other uses is less conclusive.
Benefits
Yohimbine HCl has demonstrated statistically significant efficacy in improving erectile function. A meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed it was superior to placebo for ED improvement, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.85 (95% CI 2.22 to 6.67). Another systematic review of eight RCTs found that yohimbine alone improved erectile function (OR=2.08, 95% CI 1.30-3.32, p=0.002), and its efficacy was even greater when combined with other treatments (OR=6.35, 95% CI 3.01-13.41, p<0.001). These benefits are particularly noted in men with organic or diabetic-related erectile dysfunction, with moderate effect sizes observed over several weeks to months of treatment. While some evidence suggests it may increase sexual function when combined with other supplements, its standalone effect on overall sexual function beyond ED is less clear (p=0.07).
How it works
Yohimbine acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, blocking presynaptic receptors that typically inhibit the release of norepinephrine. This blockade leads to an increase in sympathetic outflow and peripheral vascular dilation, which can enhance penile blood flow and facilitate erection. Additionally, yohimbine influences central nervous system pathways involved in sexual arousal. The hydrochloride salt form is preferred due to its improved solubility and absorption, contributing to moderate oral bioavailability. This mechanism ultimately supports its use in addressing erectile dysfunction.
Side effects
Yohimbine HCl is generally considered safe at recommended doses, but it has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small. Common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, include nervousness, anxiety, increased heart rate (tachycardia), elevated blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, and insomnia. Less common side effects (1-5%) can include palpitations, urinary frequency, and diarrhea. Rare but severe adverse events (<1%) have been reported, such as neurotoxicity, hypertensive crises, seizures, skin eruptions, renal failure, and in extreme cases of overdose or toxicity, death. Yohimbine can interact with various medications, including antihypertensives, stimulants, and psychiatric drugs. It is contraindicated in individuals with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, bipolar disorder), and during pregnancy. Caution is strongly advised for patients with pre-existing cardiovascular or psychiatric conditions.
Dosage
For erectile dysfunction, clinical trials typically use yohimbine HCl doses ranging from 5.4 mg to 20 mg per day. An optimal dosage is often considered to be around 15-20 mg daily, usually divided into multiple doses, though individual response and tolerance can vary significantly. The maximum safe dose generally should not exceed 30 mg per day due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Doses are commonly taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. The hydrochloride salt form is recommended over crude yohimbe bark extracts for consistent and accurate dosing. Taking yohimbine on an empty stomach may improve its bioavailability, as food can delay absorption. While no specific cofactors are required, monitoring cardiovascular status is important during treatment.
FAQs
Is yohimbine safe?
Yohimbine is generally safe at recommended doses, but it can cause cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric side effects. There is a risk of overdose, which can lead to severe adverse events.
How quickly does it work?
For erectile dysfunction, the beneficial effects of yohimbine can typically be observed within a few weeks of consistent use, as shown in clinical trials.
Does it work alone or better combined?
While yohimbine shows significant efficacy alone for erectile dysfunction, research indicates it can be even more effective when combined with other treatments.
Can it help with weight loss?
Evidence for yohimbine's effectiveness in weight loss is limited, with most data coming from animal studies. Human data are currently insufficient to support this claim.
Is yohimbine the same as yohimbe?
No, yohimbine is the active chemical compound. Yohimbe refers to the bark extract from the tree, which can vary significantly in its concentration and purity of yohimbine.
Research Sources
- https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1016/S0022-5347(01)63942-9 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 RCTs found yohimbine to be significantly superior to placebo for improving erectile dysfunction, with an odds ratio of 3.85. The study noted low rates of serious adverse events, providing high-quality evidence for its efficacy in ED.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9612744/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs concluded that yohimbine alone improved erectile function (OR=2.08) and was even more effective when combined with other treatments (OR=6.35). The findings support yohimbine's role in ED treatment, though some studies were small.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/yohimbe – This clinical safety review, drawing from case reports and clinical data, highlights severe adverse events associated with yohimbine, including hypertensive crises, seizures, and even death in overdose situations. It underscores the importance of caution and adherence to recommended dosages due to potential toxicity.
