Yohimbine

non-nutrient/non-botanical

What is it

Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid derived primarily from the bark of the African Pausinystalia johimbe tree. It acts as a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist and is used in prescription form for erectile dysfunction in some countries, and in supplement form for sexual function, fat loss, and athletic performance.

How it works

Yohimbine selectively blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. These receptors normally provide negative feedback that inhibits norepinephrine release; by blocking them, yohimbine increases sympathetic nervous system activity, raising noradrenergic tone, heart rate, and blood pressure to varying degrees. In the context of sexual function, increased noradrenergic activity in the central nervous system and peripheral effects on penile blood vessels (via alpha-2 receptor antagonism in penile vasculature) contribute to its historical use for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine is one of the oldest pharmaceutical agents studied for this purpose, though it has largely been replaced by more effective and better-tolerated PDE5 inhibitors. For fat loss applications, yohimbine's blockade of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in adipose tissue (which normally inhibit lipolysis) may promote release of fatty acids from fat cells, particularly in 'stubborn' adipose deposits with high alpha-2 receptor density. Effects on body composition in controlled trials are modest. Yohimbine is more lipolytically effective when fasted because insulin blunts its lipolytic action.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Erectile dysfunction

Grade B

Good evidence

Older controlled trials show modest benefit of pharmaceutical yohimbine for erectile dysfunction. Effect size is smaller than PDE5 inhibitors, which have largely replaced yohimbine in clinical practice.

Fat loss in lean individuals (fasted, exercise context)

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Small trials in lean athletes show possible modest reduction in body fat with yohimbine combined with exercise in a fasted state. Effects are not consistent in non-fasted or overweight individuals.

Female sexual dysfunction (limited data)

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Limited evidence for yohimbine in female sexual dysfunction. Some trials in SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction suggest possible modest benefit.

Athletic performance and 'energy'

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Stimulant effects may subjectively increase alertness and energy, but objective performance benefits in trained athletes are not consistently demonstrated.

3 commercial forms

Yohimbine hydrochloride

Purified pharmaceutical-grade compound

Most reliable form. Prescription in some countries, supplement-grade in the US.

Yohimbe bark extract

Variable yohimbine content, contains other alkaloids

Less standardized form. FDA has flagged inconsistent labeling and potency.

Alpha-yohimbine (rauwolscine)

Related alkaloid with similar but slightly different selectivity

Sometimes used in pre-workout products. Less well studied than yohimbine itself.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Pharmaceutical yohimbine hydrochloride is typically dosed at 5.4 mg taken three times daily for erectile dysfunction. Supplement doses commonly range from 2.5 to 10 mg per dose, taken one to three times daily, with conservative starting at 2.5 mg to assess tolerance. Higher doses substantially increase side effect risk. Yohimbe bark extract (containing yohimbine plus other alkaloids) is much less standardized.

When and how to take it

Yohimbine is best taken on an empty stomach for both fat-loss applications (insulin blunts lipolytic effect) and to maximize absorption. For pre-workout fat-burning use, take 30 to 60 minutes before exercise in a fasted state. Avoid taking after 4 PM due to potential sleep disturbance. Spacing doses several hours apart and starting with a low dose (2.5 mg) to assess tolerance is essential.

Safety

Yohimbine can cause significant side effects, especially at higher doses. Common effects include anxiety, jitteriness, elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, headache, sweating, dizziness, nausea, and insomnia. Serious effects (more likely at high doses) include severe hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, panic attacks, and seizures. Yohimbe bark products often contain variable and sometimes much higher amounts than labeled. FDA has flagged yohimbe and yohimbine-containing products for adverse event reports.

Who should be cautious

Yohimbine is contraindicated in people with hypertension, heart disease, cardiovascular arrhythmias, kidney disease, liver disease, anxiety disorders, psychiatric conditions including depression and PTSD, peptic ulcer disease, and those on MAO inhibitors. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not recommended for people taking blood pressure medications, antidepressants, or stimulants without medical supervision. Discontinue at least two weeks before surgery.

Interactions

Yohimbine has many significant drug interactions. It can dangerously interact with MAO inhibitors (hypertensive crisis risk). May potentiate stimulants including caffeine, amphetamines, and decongestants. Antagonizes effects of clonidine and other alpha-2 agonists. May interact with antidepressants (especially tricyclics and SSRIs). Can interfere with blood pressure medications. May affect blood glucose. Consult a clinician before combining with any prescription medication.

Frequently asked questions

Is yohimbine safe?⌄

Yohimbine can cause significant side effects including hypertension, anxiety, palpitations, and panic attacks, particularly at high doses or in people with cardiovascular or psychiatric conditions. Use cautiously with low starting doses and avoid if you have relevant medical conditions or take interacting medications.

Will yohimbine help me burn stubborn fat?⌄

Small trials in lean athletes suggest modest fat loss benefit when combined with fasted exercise. Effects are unreliable in overweight or non-fasted individuals. Side effects often outweigh modest benefits for many users.

What's the difference between yohimbine and yohimbe?⌄

Yohimbine is the purified alkaloid. Yohimbe refers to the bark of Pausinystalia johimbe tree, which contains yohimbine plus other alkaloids. Yohimbe bark extracts have highly variable yohimbine content and are less reliable.

Can I take yohimbine with caffeine?⌄

Combining yohimbine with caffeine or other stimulants can substantially increase cardiovascular and anxiety side effects. Use combinations with caution and at lower doses.

Who should not take yohimbine?⌄

Avoid yohimbine if you have hypertension, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, anxiety or panic disorder, depression, PTSD, peptic ulcer disease, or take MAO inhibitors, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, or stimulants. Also avoid in pregnancy.

References

  • PubChem: Yohimbine — PubChem link
  • ChEBI: yohimbine — ChEBI Database link
  • Wikidata: Yohimbine — Wikidata link

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Disclaimer: 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.