Yohimbe, an herbal compound, may potentially help men with erectile dysfunction by inducing a prolonged penile erection. However, there are various moderate to severe risks linked to its usage. There is insufficient research to validate the effectiveness of yohimbe as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.1, 2
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What Is Yohimbe?
Yohimbe is a tree originating from Africa that contains a chemical compound called yohimbine in its bark. Yohimbine is thought to block receptors in the nervous system, causing relaxation of blood vessels and increased blood flow throughout the body.1
Yohimbe and yohimbine have been promoted recently for use in erectile dysfunction, weight loss, athletic performance, chest pain, high blood pressure, and diabetic neuropathy although there is limited research to support these uses.1, 2
How Does Yohimbe Work for Men With Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Yohimbe may help treat erectile dysfunction by affecting levels of certain body chemicals in the body that result in blood vessel relaxation. This promotes enhanced blood flow within the penis, promoting a prolonged penile erection.1
How Long Does It Take for Yohimbe to Work?
Yohimbe is rapidly absorbed and broken down in the body quickly after ingestion. The duration for the onset of Yohimbe’s effects remains unclear due to limited research, but the full effects typically manifest within 2-3 weeks when taken three times daily.3, 4
Does Yohimbe Work Like Viagra?
Yohimbe and Viagra may both enhance blood flow within the penis and prolong penile erection in two different ways. Yohimbe may achieve this outcome by affecting the nervous system, whereas Viagra functions by affecting a protein called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). PDE-5 increases the levels of nitric oxide, a chemical that triggers blood vessel relaxation. Yohimbe may also increase nitric oxide levels but in a different mechanism than Viagra.3, 4
Does Yohimbe Really Work for ED?
Yohimbe may be an appropriate option for men with erectile dysfunction through prolonging penile erection during sexual activity. However, insufficient research exists to definitively establish its effectiveness in treating this condition.1
Long-term usage of yohimbe may lead to the development of tolerance, so it is not recommended for continued erectile dysfunction treatment. Limited research exists regarding the age-specific considerations associated with yohimbe for treating erectile dysfunction.1
What’s the Best Time to Take Yohimbe for Erectile Dysfunction?
Yohimbe should be taken three times daily to maintain the maximum effectiveness of the compound in the body for sexual function.1
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Yohimbe for Weight Loss
Research on the effects of yohimbe for weight loss is limited, but it is hypothesized that Yohimbe’s action in blocking alpha receptors prevents norepinephrine, a key chemical in the body, from binding to these receptors. Norepinephrine is crucial for breaking down fat into an energy source in the bloodstream, so elevated levels of norepinephrine are associated with increased fat burning.5
Will Yohimbe Help You Lose Weight?
There is limited research available with conflicting results on whether yohimbe is recommended for weight loss. The risks associated with yohimbe, when used for weight loss, are similar to other uses where tolerance may develop.2
How to Take Yohimbe
Yohimbe is available in capsule or tablet form. However, many yohimbe products do not specify their yohimbe content, and the dosage varies significantly across different products. As a result, there are no standardized recommendations for the most effective form of yohimbe for treating erectile dysfunction. However, the most common recommended regimen is 5 to 10 milligrams three times a day.1, 2
If you are currently using another medication for erectile dysfunction, it is important to consult your doctor before incorporating yohimbe into your regimen. The combination of yohimbe with other products increases the likelihood of moderate to severe risks, including heart issues. Seeking professional medical advice ensures a safe and informed approach to managing erectile dysfunction in the context of your specific health circumstances.2
Where To Get Yohimbe
There is currently insufficient research to provide a recommendation for the most reliable form of yohimbe for treating erectile dysfunction. However, yohimbe products can generally be found in local pharmacies, online platforms, or stores specifically dedicated to supplements. When considering yohimbe for treating erectile dysfunction, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, for example, your pharmacist, and gather information on product quality, dosage, and potential side effects.2
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Possible Side Effects of Yohimbe
Because yohimbe increases the signaling of an excitatory chemical, norepinephrine, in the body, common side effects include rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, increased urinary frequency, and nervousness, among others. Yohimbe may also affect the digestive tract and cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Side effects of yohimbe are most commonly associated with higher doses. It is recommended to discuss the potential side effects of yohimbe with your doctor and pharmacist before starting treatment.2, 3
Possible side effects of yohimbe include:3
- Excess salivation
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
*Dietary supplements (including vitamins, supplements, herbs, and natural medicines) are not regulated the same way as medications by the FDA. Before being sold to the public, these products do not have the same clinical trials to determine their safety and efficacy. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new dietary supplement.
Who Should Not Take Yohimbe?
Yohimbe should only be taken after discussing with a doctor or pharmacist. Yohimbe is not yet recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or children due to lack of research. If you have kidney or liver impairment, are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (e.g. phenelzine), or a type of antidepressant medication, yohimbe may not be a safe option for you due to its metabolism. 2
People who should not take yohimbe include those who:2
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding women: Yohimbe has not yet been researched in this population and may cross the placenta or be present in breast milk.
- Are children: Yohimbe has not yet been researched in this population and may be unsafe.
- Have liver or kidney impairment: The metabolism of Yohimbe occurs in both the kidneys and liver, potentially exacerbating issues with kidney or liver function in individuals with pre-existing kidney or liver impairment.
- Are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant medication, may interact with yohimbe and cause moderate to severe side effects if taken together. Common examples include Phenelzine (Nardil) and Tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Drug Interactions With Yohimbe
Yohimbe has been reported to have interactions with a class of antidepressant medications referred to as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Combining these medications may increase the potential for experiencing moderate to severe side effects associated with yohimbe. Examples of monoamine oxidase inhibitors include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).2
This is not a comprehensive list of the possible interactions with yohimbe. You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements you take before using yohimbe.
Other Potential Risks of Taking Yohimbe
Information about the safety and effectiveness of yohimbe can vary greatly. The FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as they do FDA-approved prescription medications, but there are still some regulations in place to ensure product safety.2
Some research suggests that it may have potential benefits, particularly in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. However, research on yohimbe is not conclusive, and conflicting findings exist.2
Other Treatment Options for ED
There are many options available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. PDE-5 inhibitors, an oral medication class that allows for more blood flow within the penis, are currently the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction. If PDE-5 inhibitors are not effective, other options include injections to the penis, hormonal replacement, device implantation, or stem cell therapy.6
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Reducing or limiting smoking and alcohol consumption can contribute to improving the effectiveness of treatments for erectile dysfunction. These activities are factors that may negatively impact erectile function, so minimizing them could enhance the overall success of the treatments.7
Treatment options for erectile dysfunction include:6, 7
- Medication for erectile dysfunction: PDE-5 inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction. They work by relaxing the blood vessels to allow more blood flow within the penis.
- Intracavernosal injection: An injection of medication, administered into a skin layer of the penis, is used to increase blood flow and induce an erection.
- Hormone replacement: Reduced testosterone production is linked to advancing age, so the administration of injectable testosterone may be used to boost sexual desire. Hormone replacement may be coupled with PDE-5 inhibitors as well.
- Vacuum erection device: A mechanical device is placed into the penis, featuring a ring positioned at the tip to generate pressure, leading to an extended erection.
- Penile prosthesis implantation: A three-piece inflatable prosthesis is inserted into the penis. This may cause irreversible damage to the penis, so it is considered a last-line treatment for erectile dysfunction.
- Stem cell therapy: Stem cells are injected into a skin layer of the penis to promote nerve regeneration.
- Lifestyle changes: Limiting smoking and alcohol use and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine may further improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Yohimbe in Combination With Other ED Treatments
Yohimbe may be effective and has been observed to be safe when used in conjunction with other treatments for erectile dysfunction. However, combining yohimbe with other erectile dysfunction treatments may elevate the risk of moderate to severe side effects. Some studies propose that yohimbe could enhance sexual function further when combined with other treatments. Nevertheless, consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using yohimbe with other treatments.8
Other Treatment Options for Weight Loss
If you are interested in treatment options for weight loss, there are multiple options that may be suitable for you. Eating a healthy diet, working with a dietician, and implementing physical activity into your lifestyle is the first-line treatment for weight loss. However, there are both oral and injectable weight loss medications, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. The effects of medications from this drug class may help you to feel full for a longer period of time after eating a small to medium-sized meal.
GLP-1 agonists may provide up to a twenty-pound weight loss over six months of treatment. Over-the-counter weight loss products are not recommended by doctors or pharmacists as a healthy way to manage weight. If none of these options have worked for you, patients may seek out bariatric surgery to further manage weight loss.9, 10
Treatment options for weight loss include:9, 10
- Medication for weight loss: GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are injectable medications that allow you to feel full for a longer period of time after eating to lead to a weight loss as high as twenty pounds in six months. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight reduction, but Ozempic and Mounjaro are only used for weight reduction as an off-label use.
- Lifestyle changes: Implementing a healthy diet or increasing physical activity into your lifestyle is the first-line option for weight reduction and is still recommended for further weight reduction for patients taking medications for weight loss. 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity, such as walking, is recommended.
- Working with a dietician: Dieticians can provide assistance in implementing a healthy diet into your lifestyle by designing meal plans to make sure your body is getting the calories and nutrients it needs.
- Bariatric surgery: Bariatric surgery makes changes to your digestive system if other options for weight loss are not effective or if your weight is presenting urgent risks to your health.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Taking Yohimbe
Men with erectile dysfunction may want to learn more about yohimbe from their doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist. Ask your prescriber about the possible benefits, risks, and side effects of yohimbe. You should also ask whether yohimbe will interact with your current medications, past medical history, or other aspects of your typical diet.2, 3
Questions to ask your care team about yohimbe include:2, 3
- What are the potential common side effects of yohimbe that I should be aware of?
- What signs should I look out for that I may need to ask my prescriber or pharmacist about stopping yohimbe?
- Do I need to discontinue any of my current medications if I start taking yohimbe?
- Are there alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction that I should consider before starting yohimbe?
- When should I take yohimbe?
- How long does it typically take for the effects of yohimbe to start working?
- How will yohimbe work to enhance my sexual function and desire?
- What yohimbe manufacturer and product is the most effective for erectile dysfunction?
- What is the best dosage of yohimbe to ensure the fewest side effects?
- What changes can I make to my lifestyle to further improve the effects of yohimbe?
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