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Nearly 30 million American men suffer from impotence or erectile dysfunction and, although there are many drugs on the market said to treat this embarrassing yet common disorder, yohimbine has been used for centuries as a male aphrodisiac. While studies of its effect on patients suffering from impotence remain inconclusive, many claim to have experienced positive results from yohimbine, whether as an herbal supplement or as an active ingredient in some prescription medications. Yohimbine is derived of yohimbe bark from a wild evergreen tree that grows along the western central coast of Africa. Indigenous residents have long used yohimbe for an array of medicinal purposes from heart disease to insomnia. The alkaloid properties of yohimbine work to relax and widen the blood vessels in the penis, allowing for greater blood flow and longer lasting erections. Similarly, yohimbine is believed to trigger the part of the human brain that triggers our desire for sex. Together, these attributes make yohimbine desirable to those with sexual dysfunctions. Although yohimbe is believed to produce similar, yet less apparent results in women, it is rarely used because its side effects far outweigh its benefit to females suffering from similar disorders. However, its effect on the nervous and respiratory system have also made it a valuable tool for weight loss. The downside to yohimbe herbal and prescription medications are the high incidents of side effects. In low doses (20mg or less per day) yohimbe can elevate blood pressure and/or heart rate, increase urine production and may result in weakness, nausea, anxiety, sweating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness and drooling. In high doses (40mg or more per day) yohimbe can cause dramatic changes in heart rhythm, blood pressure and may result in difficulty breathing or temporary paralysis in the legs and feet. Mental illnesses and disorders may be worsened by yohimbe intake. Those suffering from kidney disease, high or low blood pressure, mental illness or are pregnant and/or breastfeeding should avoid taking Yohimbe. Yohimbine should never be mixed with ACE inhibitors, alpha-blockers, beta-blockers, asthma drugs, olanzapine, diuretics, clonodine, calcium channel blockers, chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine or cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine. It is best to consult your physician before taking any Yohimbine product. Although overdoses are rare, a Yohimbe overdose can result in death. By Damon Peter Rallis
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Yohimbe Bark, 90 Caps., $8.95