Yohimbe
Yohimbe (yohimbine) is studied for erectile function and fat loss. Safety and dosing concerns are significant.
Overview
What is yohimbe?
Yohimbe is a supplement sourced from the bark of an African evergreen tree. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Dosage
Typical dosing unavailable.
Effect graph
Effect heatmap
SupplementDEX Database
13 conditions for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
Database Snapshot
Most yohimbe research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) accounts for 18 of 42 studies (43%).
- Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction accounts for 7 of 42 studies (17%).
- Orthostatic hypotension accounts for 3 of 42 studies (7%).
- Sparse coverage remains for Anxiety, Athletic performance, Cognitive performance.
Safety
Yohimbine should be used only under medical supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
Sources36 references
SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.
2.SupplementDEX Database: Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction — Effectiveness of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile disorder: four meta-analytic integrations1996
In a meta-analysis, we also identify methodological and reporting difficulties that characterize much of the literature.
3.SupplementDEX Database: Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction — Clinical implications of antidepressant drug effects on sexual function1995
In a study, the treatment of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction requires a creative approach on the part of the treating psychiatrist, and must be individualized to the patient.
4.SupplementDEX Database: Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction — Effect of yohimbine-trazodone on psychogenic impotence: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study1994
In an RCT of 55 participants, 15 mg/day, for 8 weeks, these results were significantly better than those obtained with placebo (p < 0.01).
5.SupplementDEX Database: Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction — Yohimbine treatment of sexual side effects induced by serotonin reuptake blockers1992
In a clinical trial in anxiety patients, future controlled studies are needed to further investigate the effectiveness and safety of yohimbine for this indication.
6.SupplementDEX Database: Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction — Fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction and an open trial of yohimbine1992
In a clinical trial of 160 participants, 5.4 mg 3×/day, for 2 years, these findings suggest that (1) fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction may include decreased sexual desire as well as decreased physical functioning and may occur more frequently than previously appreciated and (2) fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction may be...
1.The Effects of Antidepressants on Human Sexuality: Diagnosis and Management Update 2004. See external sourceExternal source
SupplementDEX Database · Anxiety
2 references7.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Does yohimbine hydrochloride facilitate fear extinction in virtual reality treatment of fear of flying? A randomized placebo-controlled trial2012
In an RCT of 67 participants, 10 mg, these data do not support the initial findings of exposure-enhancing effects of YOH in this dosage in clinical populations.
8.SupplementDEX Database: Anxiety — Facilitation of fear extinction in phobic participants with a novel cognitive enhancer: a randomized placebo controlled trial of yohimbine augmentation2009
A study of 24 claustrophobic participants given 10.8 mg yohimbine or placebo before two 1-hour exposure sessions found both groups improved post-treatment, but the yohimbine group showed significantly greater peak-fear reduction at one-week follow-up.
SupplementDEX Database · Athletic performance
2 references9.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic performance — Effects of Acute Yohimbine Hydrochloride Supplementation on Repeated Supramaximal Sprint Performance2022
A crossover trial in 18 active females found that a single 2.5 mg dose of yohimbine before three Wingate sprints raised mean power, total work, and heart rate versus placebo, with lower post-exercise lactate and fatigue index.
10.SupplementDEX Database: Athletic performance — Yohimbine: the effects on body composition and exercise performance in soccer players2006
In 20 professional soccer players, 20 mg/day yohimbine for 21 days significantly reduced body fat (9.3% to 7.1%) but did not change body mass, muscle mass, or exercise performance indicators.
11.SupplementDEX Database: Cardiovascular health — Melatonin responses to clonidine and yohimbine challenges1995
In 10 women, a single 10.8 mg oral yohimbine dose did not alter nocturnal serum melatonin versus placebo but increased urinary melatonin metabolites between 18:00 and 22:00 h and raised pulse rate.
SupplementDEX Database · Cognitive performance
2 references12.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Effects of glucocorticoid and noradrenergic activity on spatial learning and spatial memory in healthy young adults2019
A study of 104 healthy young men (mean age 24 years) found that 10 mg yohimbine, 10 mg hydrocortisone, or both before a virtual Morris water maze task did not change spatial learning or memory versus placebo.
13.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Effects of yohimbine on cerebral blood flow, symptoms, and physiological functions in humans2000
In nine healthy adults, intravenous yohimbine versus placebo reduced whole-brain cerebral blood flow, increased blood pressure and anxiety symptoms, and produced regional cortical CBF increases linked to adrenergic activation.
SupplementDEX Database · Depression
2 references14.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Approach-avoidance tendencies in depression and childhood trauma: No effect of noradrenergic stimulation2021
In 131 adults with or without depression and childhood trauma, a single yohimbine dose did not change approach-avoidance tendencies; emotional valence modulated responses but group and treatment effects were absent.
15.SupplementDEX Database: Depression — Desipramine-yohimbine combination treatment of refractory depression. Implications for the beta-adrenergic receptor hypothesis of antidepressant action1986
In 21 treatment-resistant major depression patients, combined desipramine plus yohimbine was not more effective than desipramine alone, providing evidence against the beta-adrenergic receptor hypothesis of antidepressant action.
SupplementDEX Database · Dry mouth
1 reference16.SupplementDEX Database: Dry mouth — A comparative study of the effects of yohimbine and anetholtrithione on salivary secretion in depressed patients treated with psychotropic drugs1997
A crossover trial in 10 psychotropic drug–treated patients with dry mouth found that 6 mg/day yohimbine for 5 days increased resting salivary flow significantly more than anetholtrithione.
SupplementDEX Database · Erectile dysfunction (ED)
15 references17.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Nutraceutical interventions for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis2024
A network meta-analysis of 15 RCTs in 1,000 men with erectile dysfunction found most nutraceuticals lacked significant efficacy; L-arginine and propionyl/acetyl L-carnitine showed some benefit mainly when combined with PDE5 inhibitors in organic ED.
18.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: Analysis of Marketed Products, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Rational Use2023
A systematic review of dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction found insufficient evidence to recommend any product, including ginseng combinations, as first-line therapy.
19.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021
A meta-analysis of eight RCTs found yohimbine alone (OR 2.08) and combined regimens (OR 6.35) increased the odds of erectile function improvement versus placebo in men with erectile dysfunction.
20.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Yohimbine treatment of organic erectile dysfunction in a dose-escalation trial2002
In 18 nonsmoking men with organic erectile dysfunction, dose-escalation yohimbine allowed nine (50%) to complete intercourse in more than 75% of attempts, with better responses in less severe cases.
21.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials1998
A meta-analysis of seven placebo-controlled yohimbine trials found yohimbine superior to placebo for erectile dysfunction (OR 3.85), with infrequent reversible adverse reactions.
22.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Therapeutic effects of high dose yohimbine hydrochloride on organic erectile dysfunction1998
In 22 men with organic erectile dysfunction (mean age 58 years), daily 100 mg oral yohimbine for 30 days did not significantly improve erections versus placebo despite partial responses in 54.5% of treated patients.
23.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction1998
A review article summarizing evidence on yohimbine for erectile dysfunction, noting modest efficacy and substantial individual variability in treatment response.
24.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Is high-dose yohimbine hydrochloride effective in the treatment of mixed-type impotence? A prospective, randomized, controlled double-blind crossover study1997
In 29 men with mixed-type impotence, 36 mg/day yohimbine for 25 days produced complete or partial responses in 44% versus 48% on placebo, with no significant between-group difference.
25.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Yohimbine, erectile capacity, and sexual response in men1997
A crossover study in men with erectile dysfunction found yohimbine up to 30 mg/day had mixed effects: 3 of 11 men reported strong benefit, with increased sexual activity and genital response to visual stimulation but no consistent objective erectile gains.
26.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Double-blind, placebo-controlled safety and efficacy trial with yohimbine hydrochloride in the treatment of nonorganic erectile dysfunction1997
In 86 men with nonorganic erectile dysfunction, 30 mg/day yohimbine hydrochloride for 8 weeks yielded a 71% response rate versus 45% on placebo and was well tolerated.
27.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Clinical guidelines panel on erectile dysfunction: summary report on the treatment of organic erectile dysfunction. The American Urological Association1996
An American Urological Association guideline meta-analysis concluded yohimbine has only marginal efficacy for organic erectile dysfunction and should not be recommended for standard patients.
28.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Effects of yohimbine on sexual experiences and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity in erectile dysfunction1996
In 31 men with erectile dysfunction treated for 7 weeks, 15 mg/day yohimbine improved global erectile ratings in nonorganic but not organic patients; nocturnal penile tumescence measures did not change.
29.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Yohimbine in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction1994
A clinical evaluation of yohimbine for male erectile dysfunction reported modest improvements in erectile function in treated men.
30.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study1989
In 82 impotent men treated up to 42 mg/day yohimbine hydrochloride for 1 month, 14% regained sustained erections, 20% had partial response, and 65% reported no improvement.
31.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction (ED) — Double-blind trial of yohimbine in treatment of psychogenic impotence1987
In 48 men with psychogenic impotence, 18 mg/day yohimbine for 10 weeks improved sexual function in 62% versus 16% on placebo; overall 46% of all yohimbine-treated men responded.
SupplementDEX Database · Mental resilience
1 reference32.SupplementDEX Database: Mental resilience — Psychological and neuroendocrine responses to social stress and to the administration of the alpha-2-receptor antagonist, yohimbine, in highly trained endurance athletes in comparison to untrained healthy controls2011
In 12 endurance athletes and 12 untrained controls, 0.4 mg/kg yohimbine and social stress raised anxiety, cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure similarly in both groups, refuting blunted adrenergic reactivity in trained athletes.
SupplementDEX Database · Obesity
1 reference33.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Effect of anti-obesity drugs promoting energy expenditure, yohimbine and ephedrine, on gastric emptying in obese patients1991
In 15 obese patients, a single 15 mg oral yohimbine dose did not significantly change gastric emptying, whereas 50 mg ephedrine significantly delayed emptying and reduced the gastric emptying index.
SupplementDEX Database · Orthostatic hypotension
3 references34.SupplementDEX Database: Orthostatic hypotension — Synergistic effect of norepinephrine transporter blockade and α-2 antagonism on blood pressure in autonomic failure2012
In 17 patients with autonomic failure, combined yohimbine 5.4 mg plus atomoxetine 18 mg synergistically raised seated systolic blood pressure by 31 mm Hg and improved orthostatic tolerance versus either drug alone.
35.SupplementDEX Database: Orthostatic hypotension — Comparative efficacy of yohimbine against pyridostigmine for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension in autonomic failure2010
In 31 patients with severe autonomic failure, 5.4 mg yohimbine improved standing diastolic blood pressure by 11 mm Hg versus placebo and reduced presyncopal symptoms, whereas 60 mg pyridostigmine did not.
36.SupplementDEX Database: Orthostatic hypotension — Contrasting actions of pressor agents in severe autonomic failure1998
In 35 patients with severe orthostatic hypotension, 5.4 mg yohimbine significantly increased seated systolic blood pressure versus placebo, comparable to phenylpropanolamine and indomethacin pressor effects.