Yohimbe Extract

Pausinystalia yohimbe (Yohimbe) was formerly known as Corynanthe yohimbe and is found abundantly in many African countries. Yohimbe is an evergreen psychoactive tree that contains the tryptamine alkaloid yohimbine. The bark of the yohimbe tree is one of the most popular herbal remedies, which is used to treat depression, hypertension and various sexual problems. Yohimbe bark extract is available as over-the-counter herbal medicine and is considered as a herbal aphrodisiac.

What is Yohimbe Extract
The natives of Africa have used yohimbe bark for centuries, to treat problems including leprosy, fever, and coughs. It was also found useful to dilate pupils. It helped to prevent heart disease and it was used as an anesthetic, as a hallucinogen and an aphrodisiac.

These days, yohimbe bark extract is made available as a herbal medicine which is mainly used to treat impotence in men and women. Studies show that the extract made from yohimbe bark has powerful antioxidant effects. The extract has the power to increase the flow of blood to the genitals and so it is used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Yohimbe bark is harvested during the rainy season (May to September) and is used to produce yohimbe extract. This is the time when it contains the maximum amount of alkaloid yohimbine.

Health Benefits

• It is believed that the extract can prevent depressive disorders since it inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) and dilates blood vessels. It is used to treat clogged arteries. It lowers the risk of heart attacks and also helps alleviate chest pain due to angina.
• This extract works as an aphrodisiac for men and women. It is used to fight impotence, improve sexual performance and increase libido.
• It is a powerful antioxidant which helps to prevent serious diseases like cancer.
• It improves blood circulation, offers more energy and relieves depression.

Side Effects
The extract can cause

• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
• Increase in body temperature and sweating
• Schizophrenia and depression can be worsened or triggered by yohimbine and yohimbe as well.

Those diagnosed with hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes, prostate hyperplasia, or kidney diseases should avoid taking yohimbe bark extract. If you are taking other medicines, then also you should not consume the extract. Pregnant and lactating women should never opt for this extract as no research has been yet completed that supports yohimbe's medicinal uses. The extract can possibly cause birth defects or miscarriages. As it can cause anxiety disorders, children, adolescents and breast feeding women should not use it.

Actually, yohimbe should not be confused with yohimbine and it should be noted that most research is done using yohimbine and not yohimbe bark or yohimbe bark extract. Yohimbe bark contains about 6% of alkaloids whereas 10-15% of alkaloids are found in yohimbine. This means that the extract made from the bark contains a very small amount of yohimbine. Herbs like yohimbe are absolutely safe under a doctor's supervision. But if they are taken in excess, they can be dangerous and life-threatening. Your physician can determine the perfect dose of yohimbe extract for you. So, it is best to consult your doctor before taking this extract or yohimbe bark powder.