Information about Yohimbine

Yohimbine, also known under the antiquated names quebrachin, aphrodin, corynine, yohimvetol and hydroergotocin, is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West-African evergreen Pausinystalia yohimbe Pierre (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe), family Rubiaceae (Madder family). There are 31 other yohimbane alkaloids found in Yohimbe. In Africa, yohimbine has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac.^[1]

Pharmacology

Yohimbine is a selective competitive alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist that is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction.^[2] The alpha2 receptor is responsible for sensing adrenaline and noradrenaline and telling the body to decrease its production as part of a negative feedback loop. Yohimbine supposedly acts as antagonist, or a blocker, by binding to alpha2 receptors but not activating them. This in turn increases adrenal gland production of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Yohimbine also antagonizes several serotonin receptor subtypes: 1A (inhibitory, behaivoral control), 1B (inhibitory, vasoconstriction), 1D (inhibitory, vasoconstriction), and 2B (smooth muscle contraction). Since yohimbine is an antagonist, it will decrease the effects of these receptors, thus causing excitation, vasodilation, and smooth muscle relaxation. Yohimbine is also said to increase dopamine and have some actions as an MAOI, although these mechanisms are unknown.

Higher doses of oral yohimbine may create numerous side effects such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and overstimulation. Yohimbine might produce anxiety, and is thought to cause insomnia and sleeplessness in some users.

Some internet shops sell expensive formulations of yohimbine for transdermal delivery to effect a local reduction of adipose tissue, although there is no evidence that it is effective. Demand for products of this kind is frequently found in the bodybuilding community.

Yohimbine chloride -- a standardized form of yohimbine-- is a prescription medicine that has been used to treat erectile dysfunction.^[3] Controlled studies suggest that it is not always an effective treatment for impotence, and evidence of increased sex drive (libido) is anecdotal only . It has significant side effects such as anxiety reactions. According to the Mayo Clinic, yohimbine can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts.^[4]

It cannot be excluded that orally administered yohimbine can have a beneficial effect in some patients with ED. The conflicting results available may be attributed to differences in drug design, patient selection, and definitions of positive response. However, generally, available results of treatment are not impressive.

– Review of literature on Yohimbine studies 2000., (Morales, 2000b)

In veterinary medicine, yohimbine is used to reverse anesthesia from the drug xylazine in small and large animals.

References

External links

• Erectile Dysfunction and Yohimbine
• Erowid Yohimbe Vault
• "Yohimbe bark extract" (MedlinePlus)

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