Yohimbe
Pronunciation:yoh-HIM-bee
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:None
Formal Names:Actibine, Aphrodine, Aphrodyne, Baron-X,Corynanthe yohimbe,
Corynine, Dayto Himbin, Hydroaergotocin,Pausinystalia yohimbe, Procomil,
Prohim, Quebrachine, Thybine, Testomar, Yocon, Yohimar, Yohimex, Yohy-
drol, Yoman, Yomax, Yovital
Informal Names:Yo-Yo
Type: Stimulant.Seepage 11
Federal Schedule Listing:Unlisted
USA Availability:Nonprescription natural product
Pregnancy Category:None
Uses.Yohimbe is an evergreen tree found in African jungles. The bark con-
tains the prescription drug yohimbine (CAS RN 146-48-5), which is also com-
mercially produced in a hydrochloride form (CAS RN 65-19-0).
In folk medicine yohimbe bark is a treatment for fever, coughs, weariness,
pain, and leprosy and is considered an aphrodisiac. Preparations including
the natural product have been marketed as a bodybuilding aid, although the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shown skepticism about that
claim. Theoretical reasons exist to suspect that yohimbine might have anti-
depressant capability, but documentation of such benefit has eluded investi-
gators. Yohimbine has also been marketed as an appetite suppressant, but
scientific research has found it to have no such action. In an experiment using
patients on a controlled diet, however, those who received yohimbine
achieved more weight loss, perhaps through enhancement of energy expen-
diture. Human experiments have failed to show that the drug promotes loss
of fat, although that effect has been measured in canines.
Veterinarians have used yohimbine to speed awakening of anesthetized an-
imals ranging from foxes and finches to buffaloes and budgerigars.
Research indicates the drug can increase male sexual drive and perfor-
mance; a case report indicates similar effects in females also, but formal
experimentation has not shown such benefit for females. Experimenters ad-
ministered capsules of yohimbine to male crocodiles (by tossing food morsels
in which the capsules had been hidden). The males did not copulate more