Benefits and side effects, review article
Yohimbe is the name of the bark of a tall evergreen tree
in western Africa known as Pausinystalia or Corynanthe yohimbe.
This natural aphrodisiac has been used for centuries in western African nations for
sexual enhancement.
Although tolerated well in low
doses, users should be aware that dose-dependent unpleasant symptoms can occur,
for instance increased sweating and heart rate going faster.
Is it only for men or does it also work in women?
Yohimbe herb is often thought of for male erectile function. Most people don't realize that
this herb is also
a sexual stimulant in
women. Women like the enhanced sensation and engorgement of genital organs that
it
provides, as long as the dose is kept low to prevent the adverse reactions
discussed below. Passion Rx with Yohimbe is preferred by users much more than a
yohimbe product by itselt.
Passion
Rx with Yohimbe extract -- Medical Doctor formulated for Men and
Women
Passion Rx is a best
selling natural supplements for sexual enhancement
Supplement Facts | ||
Serving Size: 1 Capsule | ||
Serving Per Container: 30 | ||
Amount Per Serving | %Daily Value | |
Proprietary Blend Ashwagandga root (Withania somnifera), Muria Puama (Ptychoepetalum olacoides), Maca root extract (Lepidium meyenii), Tongkat All extract (Eurycoma longifolia), Yohimbe bark extract (Pausinytalia yohimbe), Tribulus Terrestris extract, Passion Flower extract (Passiflora incarnata), Catuaba bark extract (Erthroxylum catuaba), Horny Goat Weed extract (Epimedium grandiflorum), Pine Bark extract (Pinus pinaster), Cistanches deserticola extract, Cnidium Monnieri extract, Suo Yan (Cynomorium songaricum), Choline Bitartrate, Barberry extract (Beberis vulgaris), L-Carnosine, Oat Straw extract (Avena sativa). |
220 mg |
A sexual pleasure and performance enhancing herbal formula for men and women
The potent herbal extracts in Passion Rx include
ashwagandha, catuaba, cnidium,
Horny Goat Weed, Maca, Muira puama,
Passion flower, Tongkat Ali and LJ100, Tribulus and Yohimbe.
This formula
supports and enhances healthy:
Purchase Yohimbe supplement, Passion Rx formula, libido herbs such as Tongkat ali, Tribulus Terrestris, Maca, Horny Goat Weed or other aphrodisiac herbs.
Extracts come in varying strengths
Yohimbe bark contains up to 6% total alkaloids,
5-15% of which is yohimbine,
an alpha-2-adrenergic blocking agent. In other words, a small percentage of a chemical called yohimbine
is found in the bark. Currently yohimbe bark extracts are sold in varying
alkaloid concentrations, ranging from plain powder, to 4% extract, 8%, and up to
20%. The higher the concentration, the more potent the
product will be, and the more likely side effects will occur. But then again,
the higher percentage extracts are more effective at a lower dosage.
Natrol Yohimbe Bark supplement 500 mg each pill,
Whole Herb Powder
Yohimbe side effects and cautions, risks and danger
Yohimbe should be used cautiously by anyone with a medical condition,
particularly those with unstable hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or those taking medicines,
particularly tranquilizers, antidepressants, sedatives, antihistamines, amphetamines
and
other stimulants, including caffeine and herbal stimulants such
as ginseng. Some of
the side effects of high dose yohimbe include anxiety, changes in blood pressure, heart rate
increase, palpitations, dizziness, agitation, anxiety, headache, visual disturbances, nausea or abdominal
cramps, increased body temperature and sweating. I do not recommend this herb to
anyone over the age of 65. Since high doses may cause confusion
and disorientation, it should not be taken while operating machinery, driving, or
performing hazardous activities.
In most people it raises blood pressure and it is dosage
dependent. If you get side effects they should taper off in a few hours.
As with many herbs or medicines, the
right dose works well but too high a dose causes side effects.
If you have moderate to severe hypertension, then you should avoid yohimbe.
However, if you have mild hypertension, then small amounts, that is, less than
150 mg, should be fine, especially with the consent of your doctor. The blood
pressure effects don't last all day, only a few hours. The first thing you may
notice after an hour or two is sweating under the arms. On higher doses
you will notice a higher body temperature, an even higher doses of yohimbe lead
to slightly blurred vision, mild anxiety, and a sense of not feeling well. Very
high doses lead to heart palpitations. Fortunately, most of these
yohimbe side effects only last a few hours.
This African aphrodisiac increases body temperature, so I don't
think it's a good idea to take it and engage in heavy physical activity,
particularly in warm weather or to work out with weights in a gym. Drink cold
water when you take it.
Do
not use this herbal product if you have heart disease (including irregular
rhythm), kidney, thyroid or liver disease, a seizure disorder or stroke. Do not
take it with any antidepressant medications or MAO inhibitors, or with
foods containing high amounts of tyramine (such as cheese or red wine) or with
decongestants, diet aids, products containing phenylpropanolamine, hormones such
as DHEA or pregnenolone, or supplements that have a stimulating effects, such as
sexual enhancement herbs, SAM-e, tyrosine, etc. Consult with your doctor before use if you have
any health problems or are taking any medications. Discontinue use and consult
your doctor if you experience high blood pressure, heart palpitations or rapid
heart beat, dizziness, headache, rash, tremors, depression or hallucinations.
Other adverse reactions may include nervousness, anxiety, mood changes,
insomnia, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, dilation of pupils, or skin
flushing. The adverse effects are dose dependent.
Q. How many mg of yohimbe is considered safe or
not having side effects. I'm taking high blood medication, is there a safe dose in my
case.
A.
It's very hard to say since the herb comes in different potency extracts. One can
purchase yohimbe powder or more concentrated extracts such as 2%, 4%, and up to
20%. The higher the percentage, the more potent. As to the powder, it's probably
safe under 100 mg but each person is different and there is a wide range of
response. Overall it would be preferable that someone with high blood pressure
not use this product. Perhaps one can try to use natural ways to reduce
blood pressure.
Q. I'm on beta blockers, can I take it?
A. Beta blockers are known to lower sex drive and cause erectile dysfunction.
Small amounts of yohimbe taken infrequently should not cause problems, but
of course this has to be done under medical supervision.
Q. I wanted to let you know about my yohimbe experience. I took one tablet of a GNC product called Yohimbe Active which contains 122.5 mg of yohimbe bark powdered extract (8% alkaloid). I took the pill in the evening, about 8 pm. Within an hour I felt hot, nauseated, kind of a sick feeling, with my heart pounding. Even my vision was blurred. I had sweating in the arm pits. It did work to make my erection come up spontaneously when I barely touched my penis, and it lasted all through my lovemaking, but while making love to my wife I was too distracted by the hot feeling and sweating.
Regarding Passion Rx. What is the amount of yohimbe in it?
Will this product raise blood pressure in a significant amount?
The amount in the formula with yohimbe is not high in order to
minimize side effects but it is a proprietary formula so we do not list the
exact amount. We have not had any reports from users that there has been a
significant rise in blood pressure when using one capsule.
J Med Toxicol. 2009. Refractory priapism associated with ingestion of yohimbe extract. Extracts of the bark of the central African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe contain yohimbine, an indole alkaloid, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The reported side effects of over-the-counter preparations of yohimbine include gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, increased blood pressure, headache, agitation, rash, tachycardia, and frequent urination. In this report, we describe a severe case of intractable priapism associated with the ingestion of yohimbe extract.
Yohimbine versus yohimbe bark
Yohimbine is a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of erectile
dysfunction. Almost all clinical studies have been conducted with it rather than
yohimbe bark powder or extracts. For more than 80 years it has been used as a treatment for male and
female sexual difficulties. In my opinion, yohimbe bark works quite well.
Yohimbine has been evaluated in the management of erectile disorder by
means of many placebo-controlled trials. It does appear to have a therapeutic
benefit. In contract, yohimbe has not been studied much. Here's one summary of a
study:
A 1977 German double-blind, placebo-controlled
clinical trial of yohimbine hydrochloride included 86 patients with erectile dysfunction
and without clearly detectable organic or psychologic causes. Yohimbine was administered
orally in a dosage of 30 mg a day (two 5 mg tablets three times daily) for eight weeks.
Patients were seen for follow-up after four weeks' treatment, and for a final visit after
eight weeks. Efficacy evaluation was based on both subjective and objective criteria.
Subjective criteria included improvement in sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, frequency
of sexual contacts, and quality of erection (penile rigidity) during sexual
contact/intercourse. Objective criteria of outcome were based on improvement in penile
rigidity determined by use of polysomnography in the sleep laboratory. Overall Yohimbine
was found significantly more effective than placebo in terms of response rate: 71 vs 45%.
Only 7% of patients rated tolerability fair or poor, and
most adverse experiences were mild. There was no serious adverse event.
Bodybuilding or to increase muscle mass
I am not aware of good evidence that it is of benefit in bodybuilding,
exercise tolerance, physical performance, or positive changes in body mass.
Weight loss
Some companies promote
this plant for weight loss. I have not found this
herb effective for the purposes of losing weight.
The adverse effects are too annoying for it to be effective for this purpose.
Would a woman benefit?
A study conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas examined the
effects of arginine combined with yohimbine on sexual arousal in postmenopausal
women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. Twenty-four women participated in
three treatment sessions in which self-report and vaginal sexual responses to
erotic stimuli were measured following treatment with either L-arginine (6 g)
plus yohimbine (6 mg), yohimbine alone (6 mg), or placebo, using a randomized,
double-blind, three-way cross-over design. Sexual responses were measured at
approximately 60 minutes postdrug administration. The combined oral
administration of L-arginine and yohimbine substantially increased vaginal pulse
amplitude responses to the erotic film at 60 min postdrug administration. The vaginal response was measured with an instrument
called a vaginal photoplethysmograph. Even though yohimbe was not tested,
it would make sense that it would also have similar activity.
Many women notice sexual benefits from the use of this herb,
but it is best to use low dosages, a portion of a tablet or capsule, since
adverse effects are quite common in a woman on higher dosages. This supplement
can be used with coke or a soft drink but it is best not to combine it with
alcohol.
Mechanism of action, how it works
Yohimbine acts through the nervous system to increase blood flow to the
genital region. Although many pharmacological properties have been described,
at the plasma concentration attained at recommended dosages in humans the predominant
activity is antagonism of alpha 2-adrenoceptors. It is not clear whether the other alkaloids in the bark also
have a pro-sexual effect.
Availability of supplements, how they are sold, dosage
Yohimbe bark is sold widely in different dosages and extract potencies including
4%,
6%, 8%, and 10% alkaloids. It is difficult to give precise dosage
recommendations for extracts since sometimes manufacturers and formulas
are not consistent in their content or extract potencies of yohimbe. In one
study, of
twenty commercial aphrodisiac preparations were analyzed and
the amount of yohimbine measured and expressed as the maximal dose per day
suggested on product labels ranged from 1.3 to 23.1 mg.
Timing and frequency of use
Yohimbe may be used either daily or before planned activity. In my opinion,
since it works quite quickly, it makes sense that it be taken as needed one
to three hours before planned sexual activity rather than taken daily. The
effects last several hours. I don't recommend you take it close to bedtime
since it can have a stimulant and alertness causing effect for several hours. I
don't recommend you mix yohimbe with alcohol or stimulant drugs, including high
doses of caffeine.
Interactions with other supplements
Small amounts can be used with other dietary supplements including fish oils
and anything that does not raise body temperature or increase heart rate.
Research studies
Endothelin-like action of Pausinystalia yohimbe aqueous extract on
vascular and renal regional hemodynamics in Sprague Dawley rats.
Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacology. 2003.
In vivo studies with yohimbe in Sprague Dawley rats demonstrated a dose-dependent
increase in mean blood pressure and an increase in medullary blood
flow (MBF). Both the pressor action and renal medullary vasodilation of yohimbe
were blocked by endothelinA (ETA) receptor antagonist BMS182874 and endothelinB
(ETB) receptor antagonist BQ788 in combination. L-Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl
ester (L-NAME) also inhibited the increase in MBF induced by yohimbe. In
vitro studies in isolated perfused kidney and in pressurized renal microvessels
confirmed the dose-dependent vasoconstrictor action of this extract. These preliminary observations indicate that, in addition to the
alpha-adrenergic antagonist actions that characterize yohimbine, yohimbe possesses endothelin-like actions and affects nitric oxide (NO) production in renal
circulation. These findings suggest a strong possibility of post-receptor
cross-talk between alpha2-adrenoceptors and endothelin, as well as a direct
effect of alpha2-adrenoceptors on renal NO production.
J AOAC Int. 2015. Determination of Yohimbine in Yohimbe
Bark and Related Dietary Supplements Using UHPLC-UV/MS: Single-Laboratory
Validation. A single-laboratory validation was performed on a practical ultra-HPLC
(UHPLC)-diode array detector (DAD)/tandem MS method for determination of
yohimbine in yohimbe barks and related dietary supplements. Good separation was
achieved using a Waters Acquity ethylene bridged hybrid C18 column with gradient
elution using 0.1% (v/v) aqueous ammonium hydroxide and 0.1% ammonium hydroxide
in methanol as the mobile phases. The method can separate corynanthine from
yohimbine in yohimbe bark extract, which is critical for accurate quantitation
of yohimbine in yohimbe bark and related dietary supplements. Accuracy of the
method was demonstrated using standard addition methods. Both intraday and
interday precisions of the method were good. The method can be used without MS
since yohimbine concentration in yohimbe barks and related dietary supplements
are usually high enough for DAD detection, which can make it an easy and
economical method for routine analysis of yohimbe barks and related dietary
supplements.
Emails
Q.
My wife and I tried yohimbe (taken 1.5 hours before activity) and we both found it to be very effective. This
brand was 112 mg, 8% yohimbine alkaloids. But we later learned that it
is on the FDA list of dangerous supplements, causing kidney failure and even
death. Since you include it in some of your products, in what way would
this product cause these problems? Also, I noticed that some foods
should be avoided when taking this supplement.
A. Yohimbe is an effective herb for healthy erectile function. It has a narrow range of effectiveness versus side effects. I
have tried the dosage and potency you mention and it was effective but I felt
very hot and my heart was racing. Passion Rx has a small amount which leads to
much fewer side effects. Yohimbe has long term side
effects if taken in high doses 2 or 3 times daily -- perhaps the kidney problem
you mention -- although it is very rare, and more worrisome is heart
palpitations. Once the herbal use is stopped, the adverse effects will subside. I only recommend yohimbe during sexual activity which for most people is not more than 2 or 3
times a week.
Q. I tried yohimbe and my life will never be the same
-- unfortunately. For the past three weeks I have suffered from cardiac
arrhythmia. As a result, I may have to postpone much needed orthopedic surgery.
Right now I am waiting to hear from my physician, who is consulting a heart
specialist on this matter. I have never had heart disease in my entire life. At
the age of 57 I have low cholesterol and low blood pressure, and my EKGs have
always been normal. Until recently, I also had a nice, slow, steady pulse.
Throughout most of my adult life, sex was very enjoyable, without any special
devices. However, after menopause my physical responses dropped dramatically,
although my desire never faded, especially after a very happy second marriage.
Damiana, ginkgo, ginseng, estrogen suppositories, and other remedies failed to
bring about any noticeable change. After taking yohimbe, sex with my wonderful
husband was just a little bit like it was in the old days. But the medical
consequences are not at all worth it. I would rather have more quiet sex and a
healthy heart. May I suggest that you include a disclaimer in your books and on
your website that these remedies are definitely not for people over fifty?
A. We are distressed that this happened to you. Of all the herbs
that are often used for sexual enhancement, yohimbe is probably the most
difficult to dose. We wonder what dosage you used. We hope this is
temporary for you and the rhythm returns to normal. Was it a one time yohimbe
dose, or did you take it multiple times? It would be highly unlikely that any medicine or herb to cause permanent heart
irregularities unless there was an underlying heart problem. If it is a normal
heart to begin, and an irregular rhythm occurred due to a one time dose of an
herb such as yohimbe, or medicine, the heart should revert back to normal after
a certain time. As with anything in life, there are risks and benefits,
including engaging in sports. For instance, one can have great pleasure while
skiing, but there can also be serious injuries.
Q. A number of reports state that yohimbe is
very dangerous and that it has a narrow band between being effective and being
toxic. They also claim that Viagra is a much safer alternative. Most of the products containing Yohimbe, that I have found, are
standardized to 9 mg. of yohimbine with the bark content running from 120 mg to
300 mg. Is a 9mg. dose of yohimbine the right amount to be effective without bad
side effects?
A. The right amount of yohimbe, combined with other sex
herbs, is preferable to me than Viagra alone. I find Passion Rx with yohimbe to
be such a combination. The drawback to yohimbe use is that it does have a narrow
range of effectiveness versus side effects. At lease yohimbe does not
cause the potential blindness that Viagra can sometimes cause. However Viagra
works much better and quicker in terms of blood flow to penis and immediate
erection.
Q. I saw a flyer in a health food store regarding
Advanced Yohimbe Plus and it said Ray Sahelian, M.D. had formulated this
product. Can you tell me if Advanced Yohimbe Plus is endorsed by Dr. Sahelian?
A. Dr. Sahelian formulated Advanced Yohimbe Plus back in the
year 2000 but he is no longer associated with Irwin Naturals, the company that
makes Advanced Yohimbe Plus. Therefore we cannot comment on this product. Dr.
Sahelian voluntary withdrew his association in all forms and matters from Irwin
Naturals in April of 2006.
Q. I greatly enjoy Dr Sahelian's writings.
However, I believe it is a mistake to include yohimbe in libido
formulations because of the frequent association between sexual dysfunction &
heart disease. A
cautionary note is not IMHO sufficient. Or in the alternative have formulations
for those over 40
free of yohimbe.
A. Every medicine or herb has the potential for side
effects and as long as people are aware of the side effects with yohimbe and low
doses are used, yohimbe has a role to play in sexual enhancement. The safety
profile of yohimbe is not necessarily worse than Viagra. There have been more
serious side effects reported with Viagra than with yohimbe.
I am taking 8 mg yohimbine per day and want to know
how much is in Passion Rx formula so I can adjust the amount accordingly.
We would suggest not taking the yohimbine the same day as
Passion Rx. They can be alternated every day with a day or two off each week if
your doctor approves.
Before i buy this product i would like to know why
yohimbe is banned in certain countries? Also is it suitable for vegetarian? If i order the product will it be allowed to enter uk? i am 49 yrs not married but
soon will so can i take this product as part of my healthy sex life after
marriage? can i take yohimbe product with tongkat ali?
Yohimbe, in high dosages, has side effects. The banning of
certain dietary supplements by certain countries are arbitrary. Many countries
allow the sale of aspirin and acetaminophen without a prescription even though
these medications cause tens of thousands of deaths or hospital admissions each
year in the United States alone. This herb is allowed for sale or import in the
UK, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, etc. We suggest not mixing yohimbe and
tongkat ali the same day since they are both potent unless they are in lower
dosages found in a sexual enhancing product that has been formulated by a
knowledgeable nutritionist or physician with a great deal of experience in this
field. One such herbal product is Passion Rx.
I have a mild hypertension (upper 80 or lower 90 on a diastolic number). So I
shouldn't use Passion Rx with Yohimbe because it may raise blood pressure even
more. Is my understanding correct? But yohimbe is a crucial ingredient in sexual
enhancing products How do you compensate for the absence of yohimbe to maintain
the quality of your product Passion Rx?
Other herbal extract are substituted to provide sexual
enhancement, but the benefits take 2 or 3 days longer to be noticed.
I have a kidney worry after taking Yohimbe extract 5mg twice
daily for 3 consecutive days (so all in all 30 mg in 3 days, is this considered
as a high dose?) I stopped after the 3d day because of kidney pain and water
retention (but not acute). It's now several days that I am hoping to recover ...
do you think this problem is going to stay / worsen (I am 53 yrs old) or
attenuate? Thank you for reply and advice.
I cannot predict in your particular situation what would
occur, but, most of the time, if a side effect was caused by the use of a
natural supplement the condition will improve within a few days after stopping
the product.
I use and enjoy yohimbe, including the Passion Rx product. I’m concerned about
the August 2010 bad press that certain herbal supplements have garnered, in a
Consumer Report article it has a list of the “dirty dozen” supplements one of
them is yohimbe. Do you think there is a chance that the FDA will ban it?
I don't know what the FDA will do, but thus far we have not had any
serious problems reported to us by users of Passion Rx with yohimbe,
particularly since the amount of the bark extract is not high in the product and
people in general only use the pills two or three days a week for long term use.