J. Douglas Bremner
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 YOHIMBE
Yohimbe (also spelled Yohimbine) is a natural product derived from the bark of an African tree that is used for the treatment of impotence. yohimbe does work for impotence, but like many plant products it has specific known pharmacological effects and has been absorbed into the world of pharmacology. yohimbe is known to block certain receptors in the brain that results in a stimulation of the adrenergic system. yohimbe does not work better than Viagra and friends, and has the same side effects (anxiety, restlessness, and the potential for cardiac events). |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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 Constituents
Flavonoids (eriodictyol), hemoeriodictyl, chryso-criol, zanthoeridol, eridonel, phytosterol, pentatria-contane acid, cerotonic acid, glucose, resin (eriodonol)
Energetic Correspondences
• Flavor: pungent, sweet
• Temperature: warm
• Moisture: dry
• Polarity: yin
• Planet: Mercury
YOHIMBE
Botanical Name
Pausinystalia yohimbe (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe)
Family
Rubiaceae (Madder Family) Etymology
The name yohimbe is thought to have been borrowed from a Bantu language of southern Cameroon. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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 Production: yohimbe bark consists of the dried bark of the trunk and/or branches of Pausinystalia yohimbe (syn. Coryn-anthe yohimbi).
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Indole alkaloids (2.7-5.9%): including among others yohimbine (quebrachine) and its stereoisomers (alpha-yohimbine, beta-yohimbine, allo-yohimbine), ajamalicin, dihydroyohim-bine, corynanthein, dihydrocorynanthein, corynanthin (rauhimbin)
Tannins
EFFECTS
No information is available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Yohimbe bark is used for sexual disorders, as an aphrodisiac, and for feebleness and exhaustion. |
J. Douglas Bremner
See book keywords and concepts |
| Yohimbe does work for impotence, but like many plant products it has specific known pharmacological effects and has been absorbed into the world of pharmacology. yohimbe is known to block certain receptors in the brain that results in a stimulation of the adrenergic system. yohimbe does not work better than Viagra and friends, and has the same side effects (anxiety, restlessness, and the potential for cardiac events). |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| Paullinia cupana
See Guarana
Pausinystalia yohimbe
See yohimbe Bark
-
Peanut
Arachis hypogaea description
Medicinal Parts: The oil has medicinal applications.
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are 5 to 7 cm long, monosym-metrical and have a large golden-yellow standard. The flowers have lemon-yellow wings and a pure white carina. They are arranged singularly or in pairs in the leaf axils. They blossom at sunrise and wilt in the same morning, during which time they stretch from 5 to 20 cm and turn down away from the sunlight. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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| It's also best to avoid tyramine-rich foods (bananas, cheese, chocolate, sauerkraut, red wine) for twelve hours before using yohimbe, as the combination can elevate blood pressure.
Range and Appearance
Native to tropical West Africa, yohimbe is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach a height of 90 feet. It has sessile, obovate leaves that grow in whorls of three. Its reddish brown bark has many furrows. The flowers are white at first and later turn yellow and red. A tree must be at least ten years old before its bark is ready to be harvested, and harvesting the bark can kill the tree. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| PAULLINIA CUPANA
(See under Guarana)
PAUSINYSTALIA YOHIMBE
(See under yohimbe Bark)
PEMOLINE
Rhodiola (May have additive effects with other stimulants)
PENBUTOLOL SULFATE
Kudzu
(P. lobata may interfere with hypotensive agents)
PERGOLIDE MESYLATE
Chaste Tree (Enhances dopaminergic adverse effects)
PERINDOPRIL ERBUMINE
Kudzu
(P. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 Because of the yohimbine content of yohimbe bark, the FDA classifies yohimbe as an unsafe herb.14 I think there is some validity to this classification. Nevertheless, it is available over the counter without a prescription. It is our opinion that yohimbe and yohimbine are best used under the supervision of a physician. In addition to the problem of side effects with the use of commercial yohimbe preparations, consumers should be very suspicious of the quality of yohimbe products that exist in health food stores. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| Yohimbe Bark
Pausinystalia yohimbe description
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the bark.
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence consists of racemes of yellow blooms.
Leaves, Stem, and Root: The evergreen tree grows up to 30 m in height. The bark is gray-brown, fissured and split, and is often spotted. The inner fracture is reddish brown and grooved. The leaves are oblong or elliptical.
Characteristics: The taste is bitter, and the plant is odorless.
Habitat: The plant grows in the jungles of West Africa, Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 Because it is such a powerful herb, yohimbe can produce the same kind of side effects as yohimbine (see above). It is my opinion that yohimbe and yohimbine are best used under the supervision of a physician. In addition to the problem of side effects with the use of commercial yohimbe preparations, I am also very suspicious of the quality of yohimbe products that exist in health food stores. To my knowledge there are no commercial sources of yohimbe bark available in health food stores that actually state the level of yohimbine per dose. |
J. Douglas Bremner
See book keywords and concepts |
| Yohimbe is known to block certain receptors in the brain that results in a stimulation of the adrenergic system. yohimbe does not work better than Viagra and friends, and has the same side effects (anxiety, restlessness, and the potential for cardiac events).
Diet and Behavior
Studies have shown that obese men with ED who underwent a diet and exercise program lost fourteen pounds and had an improvement of 14 to 19 on the International Index of Erectile Function. These gains were statistically significant, although not of the same magnitude as those of Viagra. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 The most common is yohimbe, a traditional aphrodisiac, and there are others, which are often strange botanical mixtures and usually sold under the description 'Herbal Viagra'. There is no real evidence of efficacy for any of these, although they may have a placebo effect.
Yohimbe, Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre
The plant and the drug
Yohimbe bark (Rubiaceae) occurs in commerce as flat or slightly quilled pieces, often covered with lichen.
Constituents
Indole alkaloids, the major one being yohimbine, together with a- and (3-yohimbane, pseudoyohimbine and coryantheine. |
American Medical Publishing
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| Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)
Yohimbe is a tree bark containing a variety of pharmacologically active chemicals. It is marketed in a number of products for body building and "enhanced male performance." Serious adverse effects, including renal failure, seizures and death, have been reported to FDA with products containing yohimbe and are currently under investigation.
The major identified alkaloid in yohimbe is yohimbine, a chemical that causes vasodilation, thereby lowering blood pressure. Yohimbine is also a prescription drug in the United States. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| Yohimbe Bark (May decrease hypotensive effect of Minoxidil)
MOCLOBEMIDE
5-HTP
(Concurrent use may result in an increased risk of serotonin syndrome (hypertension, hyperthermia, myoclonus, mental status change))
MOEXIPRIL HYDROCHLORIDE
Kudzu
(P. lobata may interfere with hypotensive agents)
MOMORDICA CHARANTIA
(See under Bitter Melon)
MORICIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Kudzu
(P. lobata may interfere with antiarrhythmic agents)
MORPHINE SULFATE
Yohimbe Bark (Potentiates effects of morphine)
NADOLOL
Kudzu
(P. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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| Range and Appearance
Native to tropical West Africa, yohimbe is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach a height of 90 feet. It has sessile, obovate leaves that grow in whorls of three. Its reddish brown bark has many furrows. The flowers are white at first and later turn yellow and red. A tree must be at least ten years old before its bark is ready to be harvested, and harvesting the bark can kill the tree. Overharvesting of this plant is contributing to its decreased populations, so use this herb with care and only when needed.
YUCCA
Botanical Name
Yucca spp. |
| It should be ingested no more than twice a week and used only in small doses, as large doses can cause depression and reduced sex drive. yohimbe can elevate blood pressure and cause insomnia, mania, tremors, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid using in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, particularly MAO inhibitors and medications for treating diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Avoid in cases of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, liver disease, prostate inflammation, bipolar conditions, and schizophrenia. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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| Yohimbe, Pausinystalia yohimbe (K. Schum.) Pierre
The plant and the drug
Yohimbe bark (Rubiaceae) occurs in commerce as flat or slightly quilled pieces, often covered with lichen.
Constituents
Indole alkaloids, the major one being yohimbine, together with a- and (3-yohimbane, pseudoyohimbine and coryantheine.
Pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy
Yohimbine (Fig. 19.2) is an a-adrenergic blocker and has a wide reputation as a sexual stimulant. It should be used
H H
Me02C OH Yohimbine
Fig. 19.2
Fig. 19. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| Ma-Huang
(Increased pressor response to ephedrine) yohimbe Bark
(Reduced effectiveness of clonidine)
CLONIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Kudzu
(P. lobata may interfere with hypotensive agents)
CLOZAPINE
St. |
Earl Mindell
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 Yohimbe Bark
The herb yohimbe is one of the few so-called aphrodisiacs that has been shown to help treat male impotence. Unfortunately, it is also quite dangerous because it contains yohimbine, which is sold by prescription and should only be used under the supervision of a physician. This weaker form, yohimbe bark, is available without prescription, although it is not as effective. (The usual dose is 1-3 capsules daily.)
CAUTION: yohimbe can lower blood pressure and should not be used by people with hypotension. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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| It is our opinion that yohimbe and yohimbine are best used under the supervision of a physician. In addition to the problem of side effects with the use of commercial yohimbe preparations, consumers should be very suspicious of the quality of yohimbe products that exist in health food stores. A 1995 analysis showed that, while crude yohimbe bark typically contains six percent yohimbine, most commercial products contained virtually no yohimbine. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Because of the yohimbine content of yohimbe bark, the FDA classifies yohimbe as an unsafe herb. I think there is some validity to this classification. I have used yohimbine in my practice and have found that because of side effects it is very difficult to work with. Some men are much more sensitive to yohimbine than others. Because it is such a powerful herb, yohimbe can produce the same kind of side effects as yohimbine (see above). It is my opinion that yohimbe and yohimbine are best used under the supervision of a physician. |
Brigitte Mars, A.H.G.
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| Topically, yohimbe can be used as a poultice for pain relief, to treat skin infection and itchiness, and as an analgesic. The powdered bark is sometimes smoked, used as snuff, or rubbed on the body as an aphrodisiac.
Edible Uses
Not generally considered edible, aside from as tea. |
Marshall Editions
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 If any of these side effects occur, stop taking yohimbe and consult a medical herbalist for guidance. In addition, this herb may interact with heart medications, anti-depressants, and caffeine. This plant should be used under the direction of an experienced medical herbalist.
DIAGNOSIS
Mastitis, an inflammation and infection of the breast, is a common problem in women. It generally occurs between the ages of 18 and 50 and affects both those who are breastfeeding and those who are not. |
| In addition, yohimbe may interact with heart medications, anti-depressants, and caffeine.
Pygeum: The bark of this African plum tree has been extensively studied for its use in prostate troubles, but there are also reports of improvement in cases of impotence. A standardized extract of pygeum can be purchased and taken at 50 mg twice a day. This extract contains phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol and n-docosanol that may help to increase testosterone through changes in prolactin levels. |
| Damiana, a traditional remedy for increasing libido and potency, can be taken at 400 mg three times a day, and yohimbe, which increases blood flow to the penis during an erection, can be taken at 10 mg three times a day under a doctor's supervision. This latter herb should be avoided if patients have high blood pressure, a heart condition, kidney disease, or psychological disorders.
TIP: USE ESSENTIAL OILS
Some essential oils relieve stress and at the same time stimulate sexual desire. Add
10 drops of ylang ylang, sandalwood, and/or jasmine oil to a bath or a massage
011 mix. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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| Not to be Confused With: Incorrect identification can occur with Cinchonae cortex and sometimes with yohimbe Cortex.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Indole alkaloids of the beta-carboline and oxindole type: chief alkaloids corynanthine (1.2%) and corynantheidine, including as well, corynanthidine (alpha-yohimbine), beta-yohimbine, corynantheine, dihydrocorynantheine, corynox-ine, corynoxeine
EFFECTS
The alkaloid-containing drug (yohimbine-corynantheine type) affects the CNS by inhibiting motility in animal experiments. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) increases blood flow to erectile tissue and increases libido. Take a product standardized to yohimbine hydrochloride at a dosage of 10 mg three times daily. It should be used under the supervision of a doctor and should be avoided by people with high blood pressure, any cardiovascular condition, or kidney disease; by pregnant women; or by individuals being treated for a psychological disorder.
Homeopathy
Agnus Castus is a remedy for men who were involved in frequent sexual activity for many years. There may be a cold sensation in the genitals. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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| It is my opinion that yohimbe and yohimbine are best used under the supervision of a physician. In addition to the problem of side effects with the use of commercial yohimbe preparations, I am also very suspicious of the quality of yohimbe products that exist in health food stores. To my knowledge there are no commercial sources of yohimbe bark available in health food stores that actually state the level of yohimbine per dose. Without knowing the content of yohimbine, it is virtually impossible to prescribe an effective and consistent dosage. |
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