yohimbe’s active ingredient, works in somewhat
similar fashion to sildenafil in that causes an
increase in the body’s production of NOREPHINE-
PHRINEwhich in turn increases the flow of blood to
the PENIS. Norepinephrine has numerous other
effects on cardiovascular function, including BLOOD
PRESSUREand HEART RATE, so the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) restricts the amount of it
that is permissible in over-the-counter products.
Most health experts feel the amount of yohim-
bine, and thus the amount of norepinephrine, in
over-the-counter yohimbe herbal remedies is too
low to have a physiologic effect. They recommend
that men instead see their doctors when erectile
dysfunction is a concern, to identify any physical
problems that might be responsible as well as to
discuss options for treatment. The doctor can write
a prescription for the more potent yohimbine
extract if that is an appropriate therapeutic
approach. Common causes of erectile dysfunction
include ATHEROSCLEROSISand PERIPHERAL VASCULAR
DISEASE (PVD) resulting from CARDIOVASCULAR DIS-
EASE(CVD) or DIABETES. Treating these underlying
conditions often improves erectile function at the
same time that it improves overall health. Men
who have these conditions, or who take antihy-
pertensive medications to treat HYPERTENSION(high
blood pressure) generally should not take
yohimbe and yohimbine products.
Yohimbe and yohimbine also block the actions
of the NEUROTRANSMITTER monoamine oxidase,
which may account for the mild euphoria some
people experience when taking yohimbe-derived
products. Monoamine oxidase affects BRAINactiv-
ity related to mood and emotion. Men who are
taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
medications, either as ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS
or as treatment for PARKINSON’S DISEASE, should not
use yohimbe products. Men who do use yohimbe
products should avoid foods containing the amino
acid tyramine, which requires monoamine oxidase
for METABOLISM. Excess tyramine can produce
numerous unpleasant symptoms, including severe
HEADACHE and possible extreme spikes in blood
pressure that could result in STROKE. Foods
that contain tyramine include red wines,
smoked meats and fish, aged cheeses, and dark
chocolate.
YOHIMBE (PAUSINYSTALIA YOHIMBE)
Uses Risks/Side Effects Interactions
aphrodisiac elevated BLOOD PRESSURE MAOI medications
ERECTILE tyramine in foods
DYSFUNCTIONSee also AROMATHERAPY; GINKGO BILOBA; LIBIDO;
SAW PALMETTO.zeaxanthin An ANTIOXIDANTthat is one of the
carotenoids. Zeaxanthin helps protect the health
of the RETINAand to prevent AGE-RELATED MACULAR
DEGENERATION(ARMD). Ophthalmologists often rec-
ommend zeanthin in combination with another
carotenoid, LUTEIN, for people who are middle-
aged and older. These antioxidants are present in
the cells of the retina, where they absorb blue
light that can damage the retina. As an antioxi-
dant, zeaxanthin helps the retinal cells rid them-
selves of metabolic waste. Some studies suggest
zeaxanthin and lutein may also help prevent
cataracts from forming in the EYE’s LENS.ZEAXANTHIN
Uses Risks/Side Effects Interactions
prevent CATARACT excessive amounts none known
preserve macular may turn the palms
function and soles of the feet
possibly protect orange or dark yellow
against LUNG
CANCER
possibly protect
against OVARIAN
CANCERFoods that contain zeaxanthin include dark
leafy vegetables such as spinach, collard greens,
broccoli, and kale. Yellow fruits and vegetables
such as peaches, mangoes, squash, and corn also
contain zeaxanthin. Many of the foods that are
rich in zeaxanthin also contain lutein and other
carotenoids. As an antioxidant, zeaxanthin may
also protect against certain cancers, notably LUNG
CANCERand OVARIAN CANCER. In supplement form,
zeaxanthin typically appears in products that are
blended carotenoids. Carotenoids appear to havezeaxanthin 107