The substance known as Yohimbe is a popular supplement mostly because of its effect on the human body as an aphrodisiac. In traditional African medicine, extracts of Yohimbe have been used for the treatment of such afflictions as fevers, leprosy, angina and hypertension; as well as to increase sexual ability and pleasure. It has also been smoked to utilize its properties as a mild hallucinogenic.
In Europe, Yohimbe has been widely used for more than 75 years as an accepted treatment for male erectile dysfunction. In the late 1980’s the U.S. Food and Drug Administration permitted Yohimbe to be used as a treatment for impotence. Some natural health practitioners prescribe Yohimbe for weight loss. It is considered safer and more effective for that purpose than the stimulant ephedra that is sometimes prescribed for the same reason. A study conducted in the 1990’s at the Eastern Virginia Medical School found that Yohimbe might also be effective in treating narcolepsy.
The herb Yohimbe is derived from the bark of the tree from which it takes its name, the Corynanthe Yohimbe. That tree grows throughout the African nations of Cameroon, Gabon and Zaire. The bark of the Yohimbe tree contains 6% of its major active ingredient, Yohimbine. It is Yohimbine that is utilized as the main component of the allopathic medications that are based on this herb; medications mainly aimed at treating impotence.
Yohimbe is believed to be effective in dealing with erectile dysfunction mainly due to its ability to stimulate blood flow by dilating blood vessels. The increase in the flow of blood to the penis helps in bringing about erections. Another manner in which Yohimbe relates to impotence is that it increases the body’s production of norepinephrone; which is essential in the formation of erections. Studies have shown that this herb can restore potency even to diabetic and heart patients that were suffering from impotency due mainly to their diseases.
Yohimbe is also believed to act as a stimulant for the pelvic nerve ganglia and also to boost adrenaline supply to nerve endings. That leads to an increase in sexual sensation and stamina. In men without erectile dysfunction, Yohimbe in some cases appears to increase sexual vigor and prolong erections. It is sometimes used in conjunction with saw palmetto and ginseng in treating individuals with a low sex drive.
Most Yohimbe that is sold over the counter is sold in the form of tablets or capsules that contain up to several hundred milligrams of Yohimbe bark. Be careful because the strength of such Yohimbe bark extracts can vary greatly and they may not always contain a very high percentage of the active ingredient Yohimbine. Without enough Yohimbine such supplements may not be effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
Prescription Yohimbe containing Yohimbine has a standard dose of 5.4 milligrams per tablet. A typical dosage of such prescription Yohimbe would be 5.4 milligrams three times a day.
Anyone taking Yohimbe should do so in an alert manner as there can be side effects. Such side effects can include anxiety, elevated blood pressure and allergic reactions. An individual taking Yohimbe should be careful not to combine it with foods that are rich in tyramine; that includes cheese, red wine and liver. It should not be used by anyone with a heart, liver or kidney disorder.