yohimbe

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Aphrodisiac effects: yohimbe acts as an aphrodisiac, particularly in men.  
• Weight loss: yohimbe reduces weight by increasing the sympathetic nervous system’s activity and burning fat. 
• Antidepressant effects: yohimbe shows antidepressant effects by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. 
• Anxiolytic effects: yohimbe has been used traditionally to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, and some studies suggest that it may have anxiolytic effects. 
• Cardiovascular effects: yohimbe has been shown to have both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor effects on blood vessels.  
• Antioxidant effects: yohimbe protects the body against oxidative stress and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Anxiety 

Cardiac failure 

Excitation 

Dizziness 

Gastric intolerance 

Hypertension 

Headache 

Irritability 

Insomnia 

Paralysis 

Salivation 

Sinusitis 

Tachycardia 

Tremor 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hepatic impairment 
• Renal impairment 
• Cardiac disease 
• Hormone-sensitive cancers 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 
• Anxiety 
• Mental issues 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

The drug is not indicated during pregnancy.  

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Lactation is contraindicated during drug therapy. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show fetal risks in the first or later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

• Adrenergic receptor antagonist: Yohimbine acts as an antagonist at alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which are involved in the regulation of blood pressure, neurotransmitter release, and other physiological processes. 
• Vasodilator: It has cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing blood pressure. 
• Thermogenic agent: yohimbe can increase energy expenditure and fat metabolism, which may contribute to its weight loss effects. 
• Anti-inflammatory: yohimbe may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could benefit conditions such as arthritis and asthma. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

• yohimbe acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor 
• Vasodilation 
• Thermogenic agent 
• Antioxidant 
• Anti-inflammation 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

yohimbe is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma levels reached within 30-45 minutes after oral administration. 

Distribution 

yohimbe is highly lipophilic and crosses the blood-brain barrier. This allows it to exert its effects on the central nervous system. It is also distributed to other tissues, including the heart, liver, and kidneys. 

Metabolism 

yohimbe is primarily metabolized by the liver, with a half-life of 2-3 hours. Enzymes in the liver metabolize it, and some metabolites are excreted in the urine. 

Elimination and Excretion 

Yohimbe and its metabolites are eliminated mainly through the kidneys, with a small amount excreted in the feces.

Adminstartion

Administration: 

yohimbe is taken before meals or on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. It’s also important to avoid taking it before bedtime, as it can cause insomnia. yohimbe is not intended for long-term use.

yohimbe can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and stimulants. yohimbe can have potential side effects, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: yohimbe 

Pronounced: yo-him-bee 

Why do we use yohimbe? 

yohimbe is used for various health purposes, primarily related to its potential to improve male sexual function, weight loss, increase athletic performance, treatment of depression & anxiety, and other cognitive purposes.