Yohimbe
Erectile Dysfunction
Yohimbe bark extracts are widely promoted online and in health food stores as a natural aphrodisiac to increase libido and treat erectile dysfunction.
For organic erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction due to a physical problem), some studies suggest it may be beneficial for those with organic erectile dysfunction.
Weight Loss
Yohimbine has been found in preliminary research to increase lipolysis by increasing the release of norepinephrine available to fat cells and blocking alpha-2 receptor activation.
Depression
Yohimbe has been promoted as a herbal remedy for depression because it blocks an enzyme called monoamine oxidase. However, this is only found in higher doses (over 50 mg/day), which is potentially unsafe.1
People with kidney or liver disease, stomach ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder should not take yohimbe.
Yohimbe should not be taken by pregnant or nursing people, children, or elderly people.
Yohimbe should not be combined with antidepressant drugs unless under the supervision of a physician.