Yohimbine as an Aphrodisiac and Other Uses

According to Wikipedia, Yohimbine has stimulant and aphrodisiac effects found naturally in the plant Pausinystalia yohimbe (Yohimbe). It is also found naturally in Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian Snakeroot). It has been used as both an over-the-counter dietary supplement in herbal extract form and prescription medicine in pure form for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. The natural stimulant and aphrodisiac was also recently associated as a remedy for type 2 diabetes.

Yohimbine is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West African evergreen Pausinystalia yohimbe, family Rubiaceae (Madder family). There are 31 other yohimbane alkaloids found in Yohimbe. In Africa, it has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac.

The main active chemical present in yohimbe bark is HCl (indole alkaloid), found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. However, the levels that are present in the tree's bark extract are variable and often very low. Therefore, although yohimbe bark has been used traditionally to reduce male erectile dysfunction, there is not enough scientific evidence to form a definitive conclusion in this area.

Used as Aphrodisiacs and for Mental Health Treatment

The National Institutes of Health in the U.S. states that yohimbine hydrochloride is the standardized form of the natural remedy that is available as a prescription medicine in the United States, and has been shown in human studies to be effective in the treatment of male impotence.

The stumulant and aphrodisiac has also been used for the treatment of sexual side effects caused by some antidepressants (SSRI¡¯s), female hyposexual disorder, as a blood pressure boosting agent in autonomic failure, xerostomia, and as a probe for noradrenergic activity.

The addition of yohimbine to fluoxetine or venlafaxine has also been found to potentiate the antidepressant action of both of these agents.

It has been used to facilitate recall of traumatic memories in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Bodybuilding and Weight Loss

According to one study, oral supplementation may actuate significant fat loss in athletes. Some internet shops sell expensive formulations of the bark extract for transdermal delivery to effect a local reduction of adipose tissue, although there is no experimental evidence that it is effective. Demand for products of this kind is frequently found in the bodybuilding community.

The herbal treatment has significant side effects, such as anxiety reactions. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts.

Higher doses of oral versions of the herbal remedy may create numerous side effects, such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, overstimulation, insomnia and/or sleeplessness. Some effects in rare cases were panic attacks, hallucinations, headaches, dizziness, and skin flushing.

More serious adverse effects may include seizures and renal failure. The herbal remedy should not be consumed by anyone with liver, kidney, heart disease, or a psychological disorder.

The therapeutic index of yohimbine is quite low; the range between an effective dose and a dangerous dose is very narrow. This may also lead to precipitation of panic disorder type reactions

Indian Snakeroot and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Rauvolfia serpentina, or 'snakeroot' is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae.

It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has the name sh¨¦g¨¥n m¨´ or y¨¬nd¨´ sh¨¦m¨´.Rauvolfia serpentina contains a number of bioactive chemicals, including ajmaline, deserpidine, rescinnamine, serpentinine.The extract of the plant has also been used for millennia in India. It was reported that Mahatma Gandhi took it as a tranquilizer during his lifetime. It, or a compound which it contains called reserpine, is used to treat high blood pressure and mental disorders including schizophrenia. It has been used for millennia as an antidote against bites of reptiles.

Yohimbine can be a miracle herbal treatment for some, but for others the risks are high.