Yohimbe
Useful mainly for limited; sometimes tried for erectile dysfunction, but with real safety risks.
Quick decision guide
May help most
limited; sometimes tried for erectile dysfunction, but with real safety risks
Common dosing range
highly variable; 50–500 mg bark extract, often standardized to alkaloids
When to expect effects
Hours for stimulant effects; weeks for ED in trials
Watch out for
raises heart rate and blood pressure; unpredictable potency and serious cardiovascular and psychiatric risks
What is it
Yohimbe is the bark of the African tree Pausinystalia johimbe, used traditionally as an aphrodisiac in West Africa. Yohimbe bark contains the alkaloid yohimbine along with related compounds, and is sold as a dietary supplement for sexual function, fat loss, and energy. Yohimbe and yohimbine are related but not identical.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
erectile dysfunction Limited Evidence | Modest | men with psychogenic or mild erectile dysfunction | Weeks |
erectile dysfunction
- Effect
- Modest
- Best fit
- men with psychogenic or mild erectile dysfunction
- Time
- Weeks
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
erectile dysfunction
Supplement benefitPharmaceutical yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, has modest randomized-trial support for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe bark contains yohimbine but in highly variable, often mislabeled amounts plus other alkaloids, so its effects are unpredictable and not equivalent to the studied drug. Benefit attributable to the bark supplement specifically is poorly characterized.
Bottom line: The ED evidence is for pharmaceutical yohimbine, not the variable bark; bark potency and effect are unreliable.
Evidence is mixed
Trials of standardized yohimbine show modest benefit, but yohimbe bark products vary enormously in yohimbine content, making the supplement's effect inconsistent and hard to predict.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
3 commercial forms
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
Yohimbe bark extract
Most common form on the supplement market. Quality and standardization vary considerably.
Variable yohimbine and total alkaloid content
Standardized yohimbe extract
More reliable than non-standardized bark, but still less consistent than pure yohimbine HCl.
Some products standardized to 2-8% yohimbine
Whole bark powder
Used in some traditional preparations. Very variable potency.
Traditional preparation form
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
severe hypertension
cardiac arrhythmias
panic attacks
seizures
rare kidney failure
Who should avoid it
- people with hypertension, heart disease, or arrhythmias
- those with kidney or liver disease
- people with anxiety disorders, depression, or PTSD
- people with peptic ulcer disease
- anyone on MAO inhibitors, antidepressants, or stimulants
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Interactions
risk of hypertensive crisis
additive cardiovascular stimulation
blood-pressure and adverse interaction risk
opposes their effect and destabilizes blood pressure
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between yohimbe and yohimbine?⌄
Yohimbe is the bark of the Pausinystalia johimbe tree, containing yohimbine plus other alkaloids and plant compounds. Yohimbine is the purified alkaloid. Yohimbe bark products vary widely in actual yohimbine content; yohimbine HCl provides standardized dosing.
Is yohimbe safe?⌄
Yohimbe carries significant safety concerns, including reports of hypertension, arrhythmias, anxiety, and panic attacks. The FDA has flagged products for inconsistent labeling. Several countries have restricted sale of yohimbe supplements.
Will yohimbe help my sex life?⌄
Pharmaceutical yohimbine has modest evidence for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe bark extract's variable composition makes effects unpredictable. PDE5 inhibitors are more reliable for ED.
Can I take yohimbe daily?⌄
Daily use increases cumulative side effect risk and is not well studied long-term. Many users cycle yohimbe or use it only occasionally.
Who should absolutely avoid yohimbe?⌄
Avoid if you have any cardiovascular disease, hypertension, kidney or liver disease, anxiety or mood disorder, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take MAO inhibitors, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, or stimulants.
References by claim
Track Yohimbe with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.