Properties: Aphrodisiac

The yohimbe tree is found growing in the wild throughout tropical west Africa from Nigeria to Gabon along the coast. It is a tall evergreen with large, leathery leaves. The inner bark has been used traditionally to treat angina and hypertension. It was also smoked and snuffed by natives for its hallucinogenic effect. 519 In some areas of western Africa including Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Upper Volta, a decoction is used to treat fevers and leprosy. It is also chewed to help relieve a cough. 520 The yohimbe bark was first brought to the attention of Europeans by early traders. While on their adventures in western Africa, they heard about the yohimbe tree. They became interested in finding and trying the legendary yohimbe bark. They were able to acquire some of the bark and return with it to Europe. Future trips brought interest in the yohimbe bark, and it soon was in demand.

Yohimbe has gained popularity because of its use as an aphrodisiac. Compounds found in yohimbe are known to be precursors of testosterone. It is found in some athletic formulas for muscle development and body building. This may also help with both male and female sexual dysfunction and impotency. A form of yohimbine, yohimbien hydrochloride, a constituent of yohimbe has been used in some prescription formulas to treat erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe dilates blood vessels near the skin, mucous membranes and sex organs. This may cause fatigue in individuals with low blood pressure therefore, yohimbe should be avoided by individuals with blood pressure or heart irregularities.

Yohimbine is the active ingredient found in the yohimbe bark. Both the crude bark and the purified compound are used as aphrodisiacs. 521 The yohimbine content is thought to be approximately 6%. Other minor alkaloids found in yohimbe bark include ajmaline, alloyohimbine, corynanthine, quebrachine and tetrahydromethylcorynanthein. 522 Compounds found in yohimbe are known to be a precursor of testosterone.

Studies have found that yohimbine works as a treatment for impotent men. 523 Yohimbe is listed in the Physicians Desk Reference as a sensual stimulant. It aids to increase the sexual desire, but the main function is to increase the blood flow to the erectile tissue. 524 It has been found to be effective in treating both organic (physiological) and psychogenic (mental) forms of impotence. The aphrodisiac effects associated with yohimbe are related to this dilation. It increases the blood flow and enlarges the vessels in the sexual organs as well as increases reflex excitability in the lower spinal cord. 521 Yohimbe has been found to make the erections harder and firmer through the increased circulation to the area. It is also thought to aid in maintaining an erection by causing a compression and preventing the blood from flowing out of the organ. Vascular disease is known to be a major factor in many cases of impotence. Atherosclerosis in the body also effects the penile artery reducing circulation to that area. Atherosclerosis is a common cause of impotence. 526 A study done using rats in 1984 gave small doses of yohimbine to sexually active male rats. Though they showed normal sexual activity before, their sexual arousal increased with the addition of the yohimbine. 527 This has lead to an increase in studies involving yohimbe and yohimbine. It seems to have a similar effect in human studies. It may also help to increase the production of norepinephrine in the body, which is known to decrease with age, and effects the formation of erections. The adrenaline supply may also increase which can heighten the male sensual stimulation. 528

An Italian clinical study was conducted in 1994 using yohimbine for cases of impotence. The individuals involved in the study were suffering from psychogenic forms of impotence due to stress, tension and fatigue. The group taking the yohimbe had a 71% success rate while the placebo group had only a 22% improvement. The placebo group then had the opportunity of trying the yohimbe tablets and the positive results reached 74% among the placebo group. The study also found that yohimbe had the ability of stimulating the male libido. 529

A recent study published in the Journal of Urology, tested yohimbine on a group of men who suffered from chronic sexual dysfunction. The improvement rate for men who had suffered impotence for less than two years was 81%. They all took a moderate dose of yohimbine for one month. These results are very encouraging as the improvement was seen quickly. There was also significant improvement for men who had trouble sustaining an erection. They reported fuller and more lasting erections. 530 The results for all the studies have been positive. Some medical professionals feel that yohimbe should be avoided because of the possible side effects associated with its use. The use of yohimbe should be closely watched and monitored for side effects. Yohimbine is thought to be toxic if ingested in high doses. 531

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