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Yohimbe – Africa's Aphrodisiac
09-14-2012
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia
johimbe; Rubiaceae; See HC 051243-456) is a tropical evergreen tree that grows
up to 90 feet and is native to western Africa, specifically the countries of
Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo. The dried bark is used in folk and
herbal remedies, primarily as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. Yohimbe
has been smoked, rubbed on the body, ingested, and sniffed for its reputed effect
on sexual interest and performance. Traditionally, it has also been used to
treat fevers, leprosy, high blood pressure, and heart problems. The powder was
sometimes smoked to induce hallucinations, and yohimbe poultices were placed on
the skin as an antiseptic and treatment for pain. Warriors used yohimbe as a
stimulant before battle. Yohimbe is a testosterone precursor and hormone stimulant
and has found popularity as an athletic supplement for body building.
The tree bark yields yohimbine, which in the
form of an alkaloid salt, yohimbine hydrochloride, has been used in
prescription formulas to improve sexual performance. The drug yohimbine dilates
the skin's blood vessels, bringing blood closer to the surface of the sex
organs while also lowering blood pressure at certain doses. The drug has also
been promoted to treat exhaustion and drug overdose (from clonidine) and has been
used to enlarge the pupil of the eye.
Yohimbe has many contraindications, potential adverse
effects, and guidelines for use. Those with low blood pressure, high blood
pressure, or who have heart arrhythmias should avoid it. Yohimbe should not be
taken with food or substances containing tyramine, an amino acid. Foods high in
tyramine include liver, cheese, and red wine. Certain diet aids and decongestants may also contain tyramine. Yohimbine or yohimbe bark should not
be used by children, elderly people, or women who are pregnant or
breast-feeding. People with kidney problems and people with psychiatric
conditions should also not use yohimbe. It has been associated with headache,
anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, and sleeplessness. Yohimbe and
yohimbine should not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) since
effects may be additive.
Lori Glenn,
Managing Editor
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