When to Take Yohimbe

Yohimbe is derived from the bark of an evergreen tree that grows in West Africa and is sold as an herbal supplement while the FDA-approved drug yohimbine hydrochloride (also known as yohimbine) is most often prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. Traditionally used in folk medicine as an aphrodisiac, yohimbe has been declared unsafe in some countries, such as Germany, because it can increase heart attack rates and raise blood pressure and may have interactions with other drugs, food and alcohol.

Uses of Yohimbe

• Yohimbe has traditionally been used as a sexual enhancer for both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, proponents of yohimbe say it can prevent heart attacks since it contains potent antioxidants as well as properties that serve as antidepressant and weight loss agents. Though yohimbine hydrochloride is mostly prescribed to treat erectile issues, it also is thought to help with fatigue, postural hypotension and some drug overdose issues. It can also be used to dilate the pupils.

Forms Available

• You can buy yohimbe bark extract in tablets, powders, liquids and capsules. Some people make tea out of the bark or sniff the powder. Most extracts that are labeled as yohimbe, which you can buy on the Internet or at health food stores, are usually made up of various ingredients. Most in fact contain very small amounts of yohimbe.

  The amount of yohimbe in the prescription drug yohimbine hydrochloride is different and strictly watched by the FDA. It only comes in tablet and capsule form and is taken three times per day. The FDA warns that yohimbine should be taken for no more than 10 days at a time.

Clinical Studies

• According to the American Urological Association (AUA), no conclusion can be drawn about the efficacy and safety of yohimbine (the drug made from yohimbe bark) before larger studies are done. In a randomized study, yohimbine proved to be useful for erectile dysfunction caused by psychological problems. However, the AUA said this one study is not enough to determine the effectiveness of yohimbine. It is important to note that this study was conducted with the drug yohimbine and not the actual bark itself.