What Is Yohimbe?

Yohimbe Risks May Outweigh Possible Benefits

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that grows in western Africa in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Congo, and Gabon. The bark of the tree contains the active compounds called alkaloids. The principal alkaloid is called yohimbine. The Latin name for the herb Yohimbe is Pausinystalia yohimbe.

Yohimbine is a prescription drug in the United States for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Its popularity has waned since the introduction of Viagra.

Yohimbe bark extracts are also sold in health food stores and online. In Germany, it is not approved for use. Yohimbe can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects.

safety concerns yohimbe
 Verywell / JR Bee

What Is Yohimbe Used For?

Traditionally, yohimbe was used in Africa for fever, coughs, leprosy, and as an aphrodisiac. So far, scientific evidence supporting the potential benefits of yohimbe is lacking.

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. However, there is no evidence to show that the herbal supplements are effective. Most clinical studies have looked at the drug yohimbine and not the herbal extract yohimbe.

Studies on the effectiveness of yohimbine have had conflicting findings. For organic erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction due to a physical problem), some studies suggest it may be beneficial for those with organic erectile dysfunction. Other studies it may be no more effective than a placebo.

A German study examined whether 30 mg/day of yohimbine for four weeks would help with erectile dysfunction not due to a physical problem. Yohimbine was found to be more effective than placebo (71 percent vs 45 percent).

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. However, a controlled study found that 43 mg/day yohimbe did not affect body mass index (BMI), body fat, fat distribution, and cholesterol levels.

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. 

Possible Side Effects

Despite the purported benefits of yohimbe, the serious health risks mean you should not take it unless it is prescribed by a qualified physician.

In Germany, yohimbe is on the Commission E (the country's herbal regulatory agency) list of unapproved herbs because of concerns about the herb's safety and effectiveness. In the United States, the FDA has had a number of reports of seizures and kidney failure following the use of yohimbe.

Side effects of normal dosages may include dizziness, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure.

As little as 40 mg a day can cause severe side effects, such as dangerous changes in blood pressure, hallucinations, paralysis, liver, kidney, and heart problems, and can even be fatal. Certain formulations of catauba, another natural remedy believed to be an aphrodisiac, have been known to be laced with yohimbine.

Because yohimbine blocks the enzyme monoamine oxidase, people taking yohimbe must avoid all tyramine-containing foods (e.g., liver, cheeses, red wine) and over-the-counter products that contain the ingredient phenylpropanolamine, such as nasal decongestants.

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.

Yohimbe supplements haven't been tested for safety and keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant people, nursing people, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.

Dosage and Preparation

There is no recommended dose of yohimbe. Yohimbe is not recommended because it has a very narrow therapeutic index. There is a relatively small dosing range—below it, the herb doesn’t work and above it the herb is toxic.

What to Look For

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction or another condition for which you are considering yohimbe, talk to a healthcare provider. There are other medications and treatments available with fewer side effects and safety concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Yohimbe safe?

    It's not clear. There isn't a lot of research to confirm whether Yohimbe could be safe for some people or in specific dosages. However, there is evidence that it can cause dangerous side effects or interactions. Yohimbe is associated with heart attacks, rapid heart rate, seizures, stomach problems, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

  • Is there a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction?

    No natural remedy has been proven to be effective and safe for ED. Many herbal remedies that claim to help erectile dysfunction contain ingredients that can be dangerous in certain dosages or when combined with prescription medication. According to researchers, lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are the most effective natural ways to improve erectile function.

  • Can Yohimbe help me lose weight?

    There are several conflicting studies regarding Yohimbe and weight loss. Some small trials have shown people lose weight while taking it, but other studies show no effect. Trying to use it on your own for weight loss is problematic since it can cause side effects. Also, the amount of Yohimbe can vary in over-the-counter supplements, so it’s impossible to regulate exactly how much you take.

7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Tam S, Worcel M, Wyllie M. Yohimbine: a clinical reviewPharmacology & Therapeutics. 2001;91(3):215-243. doi:10.1016/s0163-7258(01)00156-5

  2. Guay AT, Spark RF, Jacobson J, Murray FT, Geisser ME. Yohimbine treatment of organic erectile dysfunction in a dose-escalation trialInternational Journal of Impotence Research. 2002;14(1):25-31. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3900803

  3. Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R. Sexual Enhancement Products for Sale Online: Raising Awareness of the Psychoactive Effects of Yohimbine, Maca, Horny Goat Weed, and Ginkgo bilobaBioMed Research International. 2014;2014:1-13. doi:10.1155/2014/841798

  4. Colin Anderson, Dan Anderson, Nicole Harre, Norman Wade. Case Study: Two Fatal Case Reports of Acute Yohimbine IntoxicationJournal of Analytical Toxicology. Volume 37, Issue 8. October 2013. doi: 10.1093/jat/bkt057

  5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Yohimbe.

  6. Leisegang K, Finelli R. Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review. Arab Journal of Urology. 2021;19(3):323-339. doi:10.1080%2F2090598X.2021.1926753

  7. Cimolai N, Cimolai T. Yohimbine use for physical enhancement and its potential toxicity. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2011;8(4):346-354. doi:10.3109/19390211.2011.615806

Additional Reading
  • Yohimbe. Natural Medicines Database. Professional Monograph. 1/14/2019

  • Yohimbe. National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. September 2016

  • Yohimbe. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products. December 2013

  • Mann K et al. "Effects of Yohimbine on Sexual Experiences and Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity in Erectile Dysfunction". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 25.1 (1996):1-16.

  • Morales A et al. "Is Yohimbine Effective in the Treatment of Organic Impotence? Results of a Controlled Trial". Journal of Urology. 137.6 (1987):1168-72.

  • Sax L. "Yohimbine Does Not Affect Fat Distribution in Men". International Journal of Obesity. 15.9 (1991):561-5.

  • Vogt HJ et al. "Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Safety and Efficacy Trial With Yohimbine Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Nonorganic Erectile Dysfunction". International Journal of Impotence Research. 9.3 (1997):155-61.

By Cathy Wong
Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health.