Yohimbe

Herbal Remedies and Medicinal Cures for Diseases, Ailments & Illnesses that afflict Humans and Animals
Aloe Vera • Astragalus • Bankoro • Bilberry • Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya) • Bitter Orange • Black Cohosh • Cat's Claw • Chamomile • Chasteberry • Coconut • Cranberry • Dandelion • Echinacea • Ephedra • European Elder Tree • Evening Primrose • Fenugreek • Feverfew • Flaxseed • Garlic • Ginger • Ginkgo • Ginseng (Asian) • Golden Seal • Grape Seed • Green Tea • Hawthorn • Hoodia • Horse Chestnut • Kava • Lavender • Licorice • Malunggay Moringa Oleifera • Milk Thistle • Mistletoe • Passion Flower • Peppermint Oil • Red Clover • Ringworm Bush (Akapulko) – Cassia alata • Saw Palmetto • St. John's Wort • Tawa Tawa • Turmeric • Valerian • Yohimbe •
accept the bitter to get better

---

Picture of Yohimbe bark - herbal remedy for erectile sexual dysfunction

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Yohimbe Tree

Yohimbe Tree, Leaves and Bark

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion. But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened . Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions. Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE? Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace? WHY?? There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance: The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Yohimbe

The medicinal herb Yohimbe as an alternative herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction - The yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that is native to western Africa. The bark of the tree contains a chemical called yohimbine. The amount of yohimbine in dietary supplements may vary; some yohimbe products have been found to contain very little yohimbine. However, a standardized form of yohimbine--yohimbine hydrochloride--is available as a prescription medicine that has been studied and used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

• Common Names--yohimbe, yohimbe bark
• Latin Names--Pausinystalia yohimbe

What Yohimbe Is Used For

• Yohimbe bark has traditionally been used in Africa as an aphrodisiac (to increase sexual desire).
• The herb is currently used for sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction in men.
• Yohimbe dilates the blood vessels and can lower blood pressure.

How Yohimbe Is Used

• As a dietary supplement, the dried bark of the yohimbe tree is used as a tea and taken by mouth. An extract of the bark is also put into capsules and tablets.

How to grow yohimbe

The yohimbe tree grows naturally in regions of West Africa. The bark contains a substance that may improve sexual functioning and libido. In its natural habitat, the yohimbe tree may grow as tall as 100 feet, although the average size for trees grown outside of their forest habitat is closer to 50 feet in height. They require a warm, semi-tropical environment. While these trees grow naturally from seeds, young seedlings are prone to dampening off, a condition caused by a fungal disease.

1. Create a loamy growing medium by using 1 part potting soil and 1 part peat moss. Fill your biodegradable seed pots with this mixture. Pat the loose medium with your fingertips to provide an even surface. Lay two or three seeds over the top of the soil in each pot. Sprinkle a light covering of soil over the tops of the seeds, covering them to a depth equal to about three times the diameter of the seeds.
2. Place the seed pots in a deep drip tray. Bottom-water your potted seeds by filling the drip tray with water until the moisture soaks through the soil in the pots. Drain any standing water from your drip tray to minimize the possibility of bacterial and fungal growth. Place your pots in a sunny location that receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight every day.
3. Water your seedlings as often as necessary to keep the soil barely moist, not wet. Depending on your climate and level of humidity, you may need to water them once or twice each day. Continue to use the bottom-watering method to avoid soaking the soil near the sprouting seeds.
4. Thin your yohimbe plants as soon as they develop their first set of leaves. Pull out all but the strongest seedlings from each seed pot. Turn your pots one-quarter turn each day to ensure even growth and good airflow to all parts of the developing seedlings.
5. Transplant your yohimbe seedlings into a sunny to slightly shady location in your yard. Place a 3-inch layer of vegetative compost, such as shredded pine bark, over the top of your planting site. Work this soil additive into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil, mixing well. Set your biodegradable seed pots into the soil, keeping the surface of the pots even with the surrounding soil.
6. Fertilize your yohimbe trees in the early spring. Use a time-release fertilizer labeled for use with deciduous trees, following the instructions on the label.
7. Trim off any dead or diseased branches as they appear. Although your yohimbe tree doesn't require pruning, removing damaged branches can discourage the growth of bacteria and disease pathogens.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_7829014_grow-yohimbe-plants.html

What the Science Says about Yohimbe

• It is not known whether yohimbe is effective for any health conditions because clinical trials have not been conducted on the bark or its extract. *Side Effects and Cautions of Yohimbe
• Yohimbe has been associated with high blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache, anxiety, dizziness, and sleeplessness. Yohimbe can be dangerous if taken in large doses or for long periods of time.
• People should use caution if taking yohimbe with MAO inhibitors or medicines for high blood pressure. Yohimbe should not be combined with tricyclic antidepressants or phenothiazines (a group of medicines used mostly for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia).
• People with kidney problems and people with psychiatric conditions should not use yohimbe.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Indications of Yohimbe

source verbatim: wikipedia

Sexual

The NIH states that yohimbine hydrochloride is the standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription medicine in the United States, and has been shown in human studies to be effective in the treatment of male impotence.

Yohimbine Hydrochloride, USP—a standardized form of yohimbine—is a prescription medicine that has been used to treat erectile dysfunction. Controlled studies suggest that it is not always an effective treatment for impotence, and evidence of increased sex drive (libido) is anecdotal only.

Yohimbine blocks the pre- and post-synaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Blockade of post-synaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors leads to minor corpora cavernosa smooth muscle relaxation. In fact the majority of adrenoceptors in the corpora cavernosa are alpha-1. Blockade of pre-synaptic alpha-2 adrenoceptors leads to increased release of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and in the corpora cavernosa penis such as nitric oxide, noradrenaline, and dopamine. Whether nitric oxide released in the corpora cavernosa has a relaxing effect, noradrenaline has a much powerful constricting effect by stimulating the unblocked alpha-1 adrenoceptors. Concomitant use of an alpha-1 blocking agent will prevent constriction caused by the increased adrenergic stimulation.

In addition to yohimbine, Pausinystalia yohimbe contains approximately 55 other alkaloids, of which yohimbine accounts for 1% to 20% of total alkaloids. Among them corynanthine is an alpha-1 adrenoceptor blocker. Hence the use of Yohimbe extract in sufficient dosages may provide concomitant alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptors blockade and thus may better enhance erections than yohimbine alone.

Yohimbine has been shown to be effective in the reversal of sexual satiety and exhaustion in male rats. Yohimbine has also been shown to increase the volume of ejaculated semen in dogs, with the effect lasting at least five hours after administration. Yohimbine has been shown to be effective in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction in men.

Fat loss

According to one study, oral yohimbine supplementation may actuate significant fat loss in athletes. Numerous bodybuilding supplement companies sell formulations of yohimbine for transdermal delivery to effect a local reduction of adipose tissue, although the experimental evidence for its efficacy is limited.

Production

Yohimbine is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West African evergreen Pausinystalia yohimbe (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe), family Rubiaceae (Madder family). There are 31 other yohimbane alkaloids found in Yohimbe. In Africa, yohimbe has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. However, it is very important to note that while the terms yohimbine, yohimbine hydrochloride, and yohimbe bark extract are related, they are not interchangeable.

The main active chemical present in yohimbe bark is yohimbine HCl (indole alkaloid), found in the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree. However, the levels of yohimbine that are present in yohimbe bark extract are variable and often very low.[2] Therefore, although yohimbe bark has been used traditionally to reduce male erectile dysfunction, there is not enough scientific evidence to form a definitive conclusion in this area.

The tree is currently threatened with extinction in its native habitat due to international demand.[citation needed] Its conservation is difficult because the bioactivity of the tree has led many Western governments to declare it a proscribed species.

What ENTHEOLOGY says about Yohimbe

Article below from www.entheology.org verbatim

From as far back as ancient times, the bark of the yohimbe tree, also known as Pausinystalia yohimba, johimbe, yohimbé and yohimbébaum, (among other popular names throughout the world), has been employed in Africa as an aphrodisiac, especially among the Bantu people. It is probable that the ancient Egyptians may have been aware of, and even imported, the bark of the yohimba tree through trade channels with West Africa. The yohimbe tree has long been held in high regard as an aphrodisiac and stimulant in Cameroon. The tree is native to the tropical forests of Nigeria and Cameroon, and in the jungles of the Congo.

The yohimbe tree is an evergreen which can grow to a height of almost one hundred feet tall, and it bears a slight resemblance to the oak tree. It has oval attenuated leaves with bushy inflorescences that produce winged seeds. The light brown or gray-brown bark is about a third of an inch thick with horizontal and vertical fissures and is usually overgrown with lichens. It is the bark of the tree that is the source of alkaloids which have significant pharmaceutical value.

The German chemist Spiegel isolated the alkaloid yohimbine from the bark of the yohimbe tree in the late 19th century. The chemical compound has been subsequently utilized in Western medicine as a treatment for impotence and as a local anesthetic. The psychoactive properties of the yohimbe tree is derived from its bark, and the alkaloids can only be extracted from its bark after it has dried.

The bark of the trunk of trees that are older than fifteen to twenty years contains two to fifteen percent indole alkaloids that consists of yohimbine, coryine, quebrachine, corynanthidine, isoyohimbine, mesoyohimbine, rauwolscine, amsonine, yohimbinine, corynanthine, corynanthein, dihydrocorynanthein, alloyohimbine, pseudoyohimbine, tetrahydromethylcorynanthein and ajmalcine.

In addition to its sexual stimulant and aphrodisiac qualities, the bark of the yohimbe tree has been reported to also be hallucinogenic when smoked. The psychoactive effects are primarily due to the main active constituent yohimbine. Yohimbine has sympatholytic and local anesthetic effects much like those of cocaine. It also has vasodilating effects, especially on the sex organs. Yohimbine stimulates the release of noradrenaline at the nerve endings. This makes noradrenaline available in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in sexual stimulation and ultimately in an erection in men.

In Cameroon, the bark of the yohimbe tree is used in folk medicine to treat impotence resulting from black magic and witchcraft. Preparations containing yohimbe are used in modern phytotherapy and in Western medicine to treat frigidity and impotence. It is also used in veterinary medicine. In homeopathic medicine, it has been sited as arousing the sexual organs, and affecting the central nervous and respiratory systems. Homeopathically, it is said to be able to help with congestive conditions of the sexual organs, including hyperemia of the mammary glands, resulting in stimulating milk production.

It’s likely that yohimbe was once used in western Africa as an initiatory drink in fetish and ancestor cults, as well as in initiations into secret societies. An initiation ritual was described by an explorer in West Africa who witnessed it during the late nineteenth century. Black magic sorcerers would give their followers a yohimbe drink to prepare them for a great fetishistic initiation. After imbibing the potion, the subject’s nerves would tense up in an extreme manner and an epileptic-type fit would overcome them. During this fit, the subjects would begin to unconsciously utter words that, when heard by the initiated, held prophetic meaning and demonstrated that the fetish successfully now dwells within them.

The Masai of East Africa call their warrior ritual drug “motoriki” or simply “ol motori,” meaning “the soup.” It is cooked from the bark of the yohimbe tree together with the roots of Acokanthera – a substance they also use as a poison for arrow heads. Since most archaic drug rituals almost always include an animal sacrifice, the warlike Masai kill a bull on such occasions. They collect its blood in a vessel, and then mix it into the finished brew of yohimbe bark and root pieces.

The motoriki drink produces an epilepsy-like tetanus in which the Morani – the young Masai warriors enduring this initiation – are visited by horrible visions in which they fight with demons and wild, savage animals. The terrible hallucinations are so strong that they must be watched over and held onto so that they will not injure themselves or others. However, there are reportedly numerous deaths due to Morani running amok while under the influence, or from respiratory failure. However, it is said those that survive this ritual will no longer fear anything.

In the early 20th century, yohimbe bark and yohimbine enjoyed great popularity in Germany as a psychoactive aphrodisiac. Today, yohimbe is used chiefly in North America but also throughout Europe for sexual magic rituals that borrow from the Indian Tantra and the techniques of various occultists such as Aleister Crowley. Yohimbe has also been known to be used as a sacrament for pagan wedding ceremonies.

The dried bark can be prepared as an extract in alcohol as a tincture, or brewed as a tea. To make tea, six teaspoons of dried yohimbe bark should be boiled with water and 500 mg of vitamin C per person, then sipped slowly. A recipe that can be used to decoct a tea which will produce a firm erection includes one tablespoon of dried yohimbe bark, one teaspoon of crushed dita seeds (Alstonia scholaris), one tablespoon of broken up cola nuts and one tablespoon of sasparilla. All ingredients should be boiled together for ten minutes, then sipped slowly.

The pharmaceutical industry uses yohimbe extracts to manufacture aphrodisiacs and medicines to treat impotence. These extracts are usually combined with atropine, Tunera diffusa, Strychnos nux-vomica, Stychnos, Lirisoma ovata or other substances. The bark is also used in aphrodisiac smoking blends, mixed with other herbs that soothe, while still others stimulate. Most preparations of the bark also produce mild, subtle euphoric effects.

The bark is available without restriction, while the pure alkaloids require a prescription. Ten drops of a pure 1% solution of yohimbe extract is said to stimulate the sexual organs of both men and women, although the resulting erection in men makes these effects more obvious than those experienced by women. Both sexes report feelings of mild euphoria and when taken in high concentrations, yohimbe extract has been reported to produce hallucinations and other-worldly experiences.

POTENTIAL DANGERS OF YOHIMBE / YOHIMBINE

There are widely varied reports about the dangers of Yohimbine, partly because, we suspect, it reportedly has been used as a hallucinogen by African tribes throughout history. The governments of Canada, Australia, Norway, Finland & United Kingdom have banned the trade of Yohimbe because of it’s potential to be life threatening, and the FDA in the United States is looking into ways of banning it, just like Ephedra, but it is presently still legal.

Yohimbe is reportedly showing up more and more in the recent past possibly due to its ability to reportedly provide both hallucinogenic and highly stimulating experiences when taken in dosages of 50-100 mg. Often mixed with other substances like ephedrine, the herb can be quite dangerous when taken in doses over 50mg. Yohimbe is also used in tantric rituals and when taken in excess, is also dangerous and unpleasant, causing many side effects such as severe nausea, intense irritability as well as stomach and colon reactions. In some cases Yohimbe can cause dangerously altered blood pressure. A drug that can both dilate or collapse veins, preventing blood flow can be quite dangerous for people with blood pressure or heart issues.

So, when working with any herbal product or unfamiliar entheogen, start off small, and test any reaction. It's better to feel nothing, than to find yourself in an unpleasant or worse; a dangerous situation.

News About Yohimbe

What Are the Dangers of Yohimbe Extract?

• Source:http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/dangers-yohimbe-extract-10074.html

By Janet Renee, MS, RD (Demand Media)

You may have come across yohimbe extract as an ingredient in some dietary supplements. Yohimbe became popular after proponents claimed it improved athletic performance and helped with weight loss. Yohimbe use declined greatly because of reports of potentially dangerous adverse effects. Clinically significant toxic effects were most frequently reported with products containing yohimbe, according to a dietary supplement report published in the June 2008 issue of the "Journal of Medical Toxicology." The NYU Langone Medical Center advises you to avoid using yohimbe without your doctor's supervision.

Basically a Stimulant

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree native to West Africa. The bark contains an active chemical called yohimbine, which is responsible for its effects, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Yohimbe is a nervous system stimulant. The extract is used for athletic performance, weight loss and exhaustion, according to MedlinePlus. Yohimbe hydrochloride is a standardized form used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is available as a supplement and by prescription.

Cardiovascular Dangers

Yohimbe may increase heart rate, according to the American Cancer Society. Avoid taking yohimbe if you have existing cardiovascular issues. Doses below 40 milligrams per day can cause an increase in blood pressure, while doses above 40 milligrams can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. Yohimbe has been linked to heart attacks and deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.

Dangerous Complications

Yohimbe can be dangerous if you have certain medical conditions. Yohimbe can trigger or worsen panic attacks, anxiety and psychotic episodes in people with existing psychiatric conditions, according to the American Cancer Society. Yohimbe may worsen existing kidney and liver problems, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Even if you are free of medical conditions and take normal doses, dizziness, anxiety, overstimulation and nausea are common side effects.

Dangerous Interactions

Yohimbe may interact dangerously with certain medications, according to the American Cancer Society. Avoid yohimbe if you take antidepressants, anti-psychotics, methadone or opioid pain medication. Yohimbe may interact with certain nausea medications as well, warns the American Cancer Society. It is possible for yohimbe to interact dangerously with medications not listed in this article. Consult your doctor if you are currently taking prescribed medication and are considering taking yohimbe.

---

Yohimbe Supplement Labels Lack Accurate Information

• Source:http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/09/24/supplement-yohimbe-low-on-accurate-information/?_r=0

By Nicholas Bakalar

People who use the herbal supplement yohimbe may be getting more, or less, than they bargain for.

Yohimbine, the alkaloid derived from the bark of the African yohimbe tree and the active ingredient in yohimbe supplements, is sold despite little or no evidence for its effectiveness as a weight-loss aid and for treating erectile dysfunction, depression, low libido in women and other ailments. It is banned in Great Britain, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands, but widely sold under many different brand names in the United States.

A study in Drug Testing and Analysis evaluated 49 brands of supplements presumably containing yohimbine and found that only 11 listed the quantity contained. Most did so inaccurately, and the actual quantities ranged from 23 percent to 147 percent of what was on the label.

Nine of the products provided no information about adverse effects. Only two offered accurate information about both the quantity and side effects.

The lead author, Dr. Pieter A. Cohen, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard, said that he was not taking a position against botanicals. “If it’s just simple bark extract, that’s great, people should have access to it,” he said.

But he added: “With over-the-counter drugs, companies aren’t left to prepare or label the drug any way they want. There are guidelines. A simple reform would be to apply the same standards to botanicals.”

---

What Really Turns Women On? Female Viagra, Or Flibanserin, Won't Be Your Only Option — Here Are 5 Natural Aphrodisiacs

• Source:http://www.bustle.com/articles/104907-what-really-turns-women-on-female-viagra-or-flibanserin-wont-be-your-only-option-here

By JR Thorpe

Gird your loins: the FDA's decision on the first female Viagra supplement came Tuesday, and "female Viagra," officially known as flibanserin, was approved. And not a moment too soon. Aphrodisiacs have been part of human society for thousands of years (and ladies need them as much as men), but the current landscape of natural aphrodisiacs is often less about immediate libido-boosting, and more about creating the right conditions for arousal. Your sex drive and enjoyment are based on a combination of many different conditions in the body, including skin sensitivity and blood flow so foods or substances that enhance one of those can claim to (indirectly) get your motor running. (Hence dark chocolate's claim to fame — it's chock-full of dopamine and other "pleasure chemicals"). But some substances allege a bigger, more direct impact. So what does turn women on?

Some traditional aphrodisiacs, like oysters, base their reputations on a combination of rarity and texture or shape. Foods that resemble either male or female sex organs have had a pretty strong place in the pantheon of aphrodisiacs across many human societies. Unfortunately, most of this is complete bunkum — and it can backfire. The power of suggestion does play a hand in arousal, but seeing somebody messily fellate a banana or tongue a fig may make you want to run off and become a nun. Other aphrodisiacs, like avocado, base their claims on the fact that they feature certain minerals (like zinc) and amino acids that help normal body function — including sexy times.

A 2013 review of herbal aphrodisiacs in the journal Pharmacognosy Review divided them into three groups: affecting libido, potency or sexual pleasure. If you're going to claim that gingko bilbao improves sex, for example, it has to fall into at least one of those categories. Most will fall into the last one. But there's one big problem: a lot of natural aphrodisiacs, like date palms, have only shown real results on males. Here are some aphrodisiacs that seem to turn ladies on as well.

1. Nutmeg

The news on nutmeg is that, according to a 2005 study, administering a dose of 500mg to male rats turns them into mating machines. The interesting element about this – and the one that may lead to its application to female libido, too — is that nutmeg's boost for the male mice appears to have been based its potent effect on the nervous system, rather than on any male-specific body part. It turns out that this little spice can be a serious brain stimulant. The bad news? Over-ingesting nutmeg can lead to serious hallucinations and toxic effects — so don't go raiding the spice cabinet until more studies have been done.

2. Black Truffles

This is an interesting one, as it's not actually tied to making good conditions in the body: it's a direct pheromone hit. Truffles are a fungus that grow on the roots of trees, and they come in both black and white varieties. It's now been found that the black kind has a spike of androstenol in it, a pheromone that's also found in humans — and the smell of androstenol is highly present in male sweat, an alluring scent to females. There's a viable chance, therefore, that the smell of black truffles may make you go slightly wild for no visible reason. Or you may just smell rotten mushroom. Up to you.

3. Ginseng

Ginseng gets a special inclusion because it's a one-two punch. It's an overall system-booster, improving vitality and energy, while also increasing blood flow to the genitals. A 1980 study in the British Medical Journal found that ginseng actually acts very similarly to oestrogen, which — along with testosterone — plays a huge role in sex drive. It boosts the sensitivity of the vaginal lining (known as the epithelium), but it also increases blood flow in the brain and other organs, meaning that you generally feel healthier and more alert. That's pretty potent sexy cocktail.

4. Yohimbine

Yohimbine is one of those ingredients that works as a marketer's dream. Found in the bark of a particular West African tree, it's been used as an aphrodisiac locally for centuries, and increasing pharmaceutical evidence suggests it may be that rare thing: a stimulant for both men and women. It's been shown to help with male erectile dysfunction, but, more interestingly for us, a 2002 study also gave yohimbine to post-menopausal women with sexual arousal disorder.

The results? While the women didn't necessarily report feeling different, their bodies certainly did: their vaginas pulsed remarkably fast and showed a great increase in blood flow and sensitivity. It's called vaginal pulse amplitude, and it's a pretty good indication that sex will be awesome. Careful about dosage, though: it can have serious and damaging side effects.

5. Maca Root

Maca root, a root vegetable found in the Andes, is probably one of the aphrodisiacs you've actually heard of – and that fame is reflected in the amount of studies that have been done on its aphrodisiac potential. Yet another foodstuff that attracted attention after locals reported its ancestral libido-boosting reputation, it's been subject to a bunch of science about its value – and the results are pretty positive for ladies.

The round-up in Pharmacognosy Review includes several studies that demonstrate its boosting effect for desire in both sexes. And over at Psychology Today, a researcher found studies that show it's effective in postmenopausal women and in those who've lost their libido because of anti-depressants. And it doesn't seem to have many quoted side affects. Excellent.

---

Safety Concerns of Yohimbe

• Source:https://www.verywell.com/safety-concerns-of-yohimbe-89535

By Cathy Wong, ND

What is Yohimbe?

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.

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.

The latin name for the herb yohimbe is Pausinystalia yohimbe. Why Do People Use Yohimbe?

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.

1) 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), one small uncontrolled study found that yohimbine was beneficial for men with organic erectile dysfunction.

Another study found it was no more effective than a placebo.

A German study examined whether 30 mg/day of yohimbine for 4 weeks would help men with erectile dysfunction not due to a physical problem. Yohimbine was found to be more effective than placebo (71% vs 45%).

2) 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 had no effect on body weight, body mass index, body fat, fat distribution, and cholesterol levels.

Learn about 15 Natural Weight Loss Supplements.

3) 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.

Caveats

It is imperative that you consult your physician if you are considering using yohimbe.

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.

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.

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. Overdose can be fatal.

Because yohimbe 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 women, 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 women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get tips on using supplements here, but if you're considering the use of yohimbe, it is essential that you talk with your physcian first.

---

'Natural' Supplements Often Contain High And Synthetic Doses Of Yohimbine

• Source:http://www.medicaldaily.com/natural-supplements-often-contain-high-and-synthetic-doses-yohimbine-353868

By Ed Cara

An ingredient commonly found in dietary supplements is often times improperly labeled and fraudulently marketed as "natural," according to a new study published Tuesday in the journal of Drug Testing and Analysis.

Sifting through the contents of 49 different dietary supplement brands, the study authors concluded that the quantity of yohimbine, a supposed aphrodisiac extracted from the yohimbe tree, is rarely displayed accurately on the accompanying label, if at all. Troubling still was their discovery that these brands frequently contain high, pharmaceutical levels of yohimbine, but seldom include information about the chemical's side-effects.

“If safe consumption of a product requires that both accurate quantity as well as known adverse effects be provided on the label, then only 4.1% of the yohimbine supplement brands analyzed provided sufficient safety information for consumers,” the authors concluded. “This is a particularly concerning finding given that many countries have already banned yohimbine from all over-the-counter products due to its potential serious health effects.”

To conduct their study, the authors purchased supplements known to be stocked in seven major retail chains across five different states, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Vitamin Shoppe. Though yohimbine, an alkaloid, exists in nature, it was once often prescribed to patients as a means of aiding erectile dysfunction or low libido — a souped up version known as yohimbine hydrochloride (HCI). Due to its “limited efficacy for sexual dysfunction and significant adverse effects including headaches, hypertension, and panic attacks,” and the advent of drugs like Viagra, however, yohimbine HCI fell out of favor among the mainstream medical community.

That hasn’t stopped supplement manufacturers from adding yohimbine, supposedly the “natural”, weaker version, to their products, intended as either sexual or sports enhancement, according to the authors. As they go on to note, adding the synthesized, pharmaceutical version of yohimbine to a supplement, legally considered a food by the FDA, is actually illegal under US law. And yet, that’s exactly what they found evidence of in 39 percent of the supplements tested, explaining that natural yohimbe bark extract contains two other alkaloids, rauwolscine and corynanthine, in addition to yohimbine — neither of which were found in those select products.

“This suggests that the yohimbine in these products may be highly refined from P. johimbe (yohimbe) bark extract or synthetically produced,” they wrote.

Additionally, the supplements had wildly varying amounts of yohimbine per pill, from 0 to 12.1 milligrams, the latter dose 21 percent stronger than what’s available in the prescription version.

Though the authors only had the opportunity to test one bottle of a particular brand each, they felt that their findings have further illuminated the reality that dietary supplements are poorly regulated and mistakenly assumed to be safer than conventional drugs. Left unanswered is whether any of the other ingredients found in these supplements — the authors noting that the majority contain more than 5 — are similarly mislabeled or potentially dangerous.

“While dietary supplements often contained pharmaceutically relevant quantities of yohimbine, the supplement labels very infrequently provide consumers with accurate information regarding quantity of yohimbine or known adverse effects,” the authors wrote. “Our study demonstrates that consumers in the USA are unable to obtain adequate safety information from the overwhelming majority of yohimbine supplement brands offered for sale by seven mainstream retailers.”

---

The Truth About Yohimbe

• Source:http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/supplements/the-truth-about-yohimbe

By Lisa Freedman

Can this herb boost your sex drive?

Where it comes from: Yohimbe is derived from the bark of a west African evergreen tree. Yohimbine is an active chemical (an alkaloid) found in said bark and is cultivated into supplement form. Yohimbine hydrochloride is a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States. These terms are all related but are interchangeable. What it’ll do for you: “Yohimbe dilates the blood vessels and can lower blood pressure,” says Dr. Patrick M. Fratellone, an integrated physician with a practice in Manhattan. “So experts figured, if it can do that, it must give you an erection and treat erectile dysfunction.” Some proponents say that yohimbe extracts are powerful antioxidants that can prevent heart attacks, act as a stimulant and an anti-depressant, and an aid to weight loss. Here, a closer look at the key benefits:

Treats erectile dysfunction: In some countries, the extract is used as a prescription drug to treat erectile dysfunction. A 2002 study in Germany found that pro-erectile effects of the bark extract may predominantly be caused by the yohimbe. But it’s unclear if the yohimbe is enough on its own to help.

Aids in fat loss: Yohimbe and other alkaloids in the bark extract are said to block specific receptors that actually inhibit fat loss. A three-week study in 1991 observed 20 obese females on 1,000-calorie diets. They were given 20 mg of yohimbe each day and lost three pounds more than the group receiving placebos. Not a drastic weight loss, but enough to give experts hope that yohimbe can help with weight loss. Other studies have found that yohimbe increases the amount of non-esterified fatty acids, a result of fat breaking down. More research is needed. Most other studies in the field are done using the drug yohimbine. Extracted chemicals are not the same as yohimbe bark. Studies with yohimbine are expected to give different results than studies that used the raw plant.

Suggested intake: “The problem with yohimbine is that you can’t regulate the amount in a dosage,” says Fratellone. “It all depends on what part of the tree it comes from, how it’s cultivated, how it’s exported, and so on. The amount of extract you get will vary.” FDA researchers analyzed a number of over-the-counter yohimbe bark products. They found that the supplements contained only seven percent or less of the amount of yohimbine that would be found in actual yohimbe bark, which suggests that they contained little or no yohimbe. However, the prescription form of yohimbine is strictly regulated by the FDA. It is approved only for the treatment of impotence, and is available in tablets and capsules. For erectile dysfunction, 5.4 to 10 milligrams three times daily has been studied and regarded as generally safe. Associated risks/scrutiny: “A dose of yohimbine that’s too big could drop your blood pressure, cause dizziness, facial flushing and nausea,” warns Fratellone. Yohimbine and yohimbe bark may also increase heart rate and raise blood pressure. “No one should experiment with herbs without talking to their doctor,” reminds Fratellone. “If you’re taking Flomax and you start taking yohimbe, you’re going to dilate your penal vessels and you’ll pee more.” Other potential interactions between yohimbe and other drugs and herbs should be considered. Some of these combinations may be dangerous.

---

Yohimbe tree bark: Herbal Viagra better gotten by Rx

• Source:http://www.encognitive.com/node/14404

(Encognitive)

Long before Viagra, there was yohimbe, derived from the bark of the West African tree, Pausinystalia yohimbe. Valued as an aphrodisiac in folkloric medicine for centuries and widely used in Europe for the past 75 years, yohimbe is said to stimulate sexual appetite and enhance performance in men. Can it really perk up a sagging love life?

What It Might Do: Small amounts of yohimbine, the active compound in yohimbe bark, increase sexual drive in male rats. The same results have not been shown in humans. However, claims that yohimbine can alleviate impotence have garnered more reliable scientific support. A recent review of seven well-controlled clinical trials found yohimbine more effective than a placebo in treating erectile dysfunction of both psychological and physical origin. One-third to almost one-half of men reported some benefit.

How It Works: Yohimbe bark contains several alkaloid compounds. The main one, yohimbine, may increase blood flow to the penis, and may also affect the central nervous system, specifically in the lower spinal cord region where sexual responses are conveyed.

If You Take: The isolated compound yohimbine is sold as a prescription drug under the brand names Yocon and Aphrodyne. The usual dose is 5.4 milligrams, three times a day. Benefits may not appear for two to three weeks, yet most drug manufacturers do not recommend long-term use. The whole herb is readily available as a dietary supplement, but nonstandardized preparations may not deliver consistent amounts of the active ingredient and may also contain other alkaloids that are potentially harmful.

Caution: Yohimbe is not an herb to mess around with. It can cause major changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, tremors, anxiety and panic attacks, even psychosis, in susceptible people. Nausea, vomiting, insomnia, dizziness, increased urination and skin flushing have also been reported. Side effects may actually be fewer with the prescription drug form.

Ironically, yohimbe is not recommended for men who may seek it most--older men and those with cardiovascular disease, hypertension and prostate problems. Neither should it be used by those with liver or kidney disease, psychiatric illness or in combination with mood-altering drugs like antidepressants. With both the herb and the drug, it's important to avoid foods containing tyramine, like aged cheeses, red wine and liver, and drugs containing phenylpropanolamine. And get your blood pressure checked regularly.

EN Weighs In: Yohimbe bark is one of the best studied herbs for relief of impotence and may be a treatment option for some men (after medical evaluation). In this case, however, EN favors the isolated herb compound in prescription form over the whole herb available over the counter. That ensures consistent amounts of the herb's active ingredient in a pure state, with fewer side effects. In Coming Issues

Bad-boy selenium makes good as cancer fighter. ... What yogurt can do for your health, plus a head-to-head comparison of brands. ... Lowdown on lycopene and licorice. ... How does fanned fish compare to fish from the wild?

---

UCLA Study Finds Properties of Yohimbe Tree Bark Hold Promise for Revolutionizing Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

• Source:http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/UCLA-Study-Finds-Properties-of-5062

By Dan Page

New findings at the UCLANeuropsychiatric Institute demonstrate the potential of a substance found inyohimbe tree bark to accelerate recovery from anxiety disorders suffered bymillions of Americans.

In the latest in a series ofstudies of how mice acquire, express and extinguish conditioned fear, the UCLAteam finds yohimbine helps mice learn to overcome the fear faster by enhancingthe effects of the natural release of adrenaline. Adrenaline promptsphysiological changes such as increased heart and metabolism rates in responseto physical and mental stress.

Writing in the March/April editionof the peer-reviewed journal Learning and Memory, the team reported that micetreated with yohimbine overcame their fear four times as fast as those treatedwith vehicle or propanolol, a medication commonly used to treat symptoms ofanxiety disorders by blunting the physiological effects of adrenaline.

Yohimbine is most commonly used to treat erectiledysfunction. It can cause anxiety in susceptible persons, and should never beused without a doctor's recommendation and supervision.

These new findings come on theheels of evidence published by the same UCLA research team last fall (Journalof Experimental Psychology, October 2003) that suggests full, frequent exposureto a fear during behavioral therapy may be more effective in treating anxietythan the standard practice of gradual, spaced exposure. For example, it may bemore effective to treat fear of heights by taking a patient straight to the topof a tall building in rapid succession, rather then taking them to increasinglyhigher floors over a lengthy period of time.

"We are at the threshold of a newera in our understanding and treatment ofanxiety disorders," said Dr. Mark Barad, the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute'sTennenbaum Family Center faculty scholar and an assistant professor ofpsychiatry and biobehavioral sciences. "Current treatment protocols usemedications intended to blunt the physiological effects of fear and usebehavioral therapy designed to space exposure to the fear stimulus over time.Our findings show treatment may be more effective if we do exactly theopposite.

Anxiety disorders affect about 19million Americans per year, consuming about one-third of total U.S. mentalhealth costs of $148 billion in 1990. They include obsessive-compulsivedisorder, panic disorder, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder,generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Although these diseases aregenerally not deadly, they take an enormous toll in morbidity. Sufferersconstantly avoid fearful circumstances and pay an enormous price in socialisolation, poor job performance and advancement, and time wasted on worries andfears.

Both acquiring and overcoming, orextinguishing, conditional fear are forms of active learning. A unique pairingof an initially neutral conditional stimulus with an unpleasant unconditionalstimulus is needed to acquire a conditional fear. In both UCLA studies, theconditional stimulus was a tone and the unconditional stimulus was a mild footshock.

Although extinction, the reductionof conditional responding after repeated exposures to the conditional stimulusalone, might initially appear to be a passive decay or erasure of thisassociation, many studies indicate that extinction is new inhibitory learning,which leaves the original memory intact.

The National Institute of MentalHealth is funding the research.

Other UCLA investigators involvedin the ongoing research are Chris Cain and Ashley Blouin of the UCLA InterdepartmentalProgram in Neuroscience. Barad also is affiliated with the UCLA Brain ResearchInstitute.

The Tennenbaum Family Center atthe UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute encourages research into brain plasticityby supporting the work of a faculty scholar, providing seed money to promisingresearch projects and offering graduate student and post-doctoral fellowshipsupport.

The UCLA NeuropsychiatricInstitute is an interdisciplinary research and education institute devoted tothe understanding of complex human behavior, including the genetic, biological,behavioral and sociocultural underpinnings of normal behavior, and the causesand consequences of neuropsychiatric disorders. Information about the instituteis available online at www.npi.ucla.edu.

---

Bark From Yohimbe Tree Has Potential To Treat Anxiety Disorders

• Source:http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20040304203135data_trunc_sys.shtml

By Kate Melville

Research from the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA demonstrates the potential of a substance found in yohimbe tree bark to assist in the recovery from anxiety disorders.

In the latest in a series of studies of how mice acquire, express and extinguish conditioned fear, the UCLA team found yohimbine helps mice learn to overcome the fear faster by enhancing the effects of the natural release of adrenaline. Adrenaline prompts physiological changes such as increased heart and metabolism rates in response to physical and mental stress.

Writing in the journal Learning and Memory, the team reported that mice treated with yohimbine overcame their fear four times as fast as those treated with propanolol, a medication commonly used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders by blunting the physiological effects of adrenaline.

Yohimbine is most commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction.

The researchers stress that it can have undesirable side-effects and should not be used without a doctor's recommendation and supervision.

These new findings come on the heels of evidence published by the same UCLA research team last fall that suggests full, frequent exposure to a fear during behavioral therapy may be more effective in treating anxiety than the standard practice of gradual, spaced exposure. For example, it may be more effective to treat fear of heights by taking a patient straight to the top of a tall building in rapid succession, rather then taking them to increasingly higher floors over a lengthy period of time.

"We are at the threshold of a new era in our understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders," said Dr. Mark Barad, assistant professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences. "Current treatment protocols use medications intended to blunt the physiological effects of fear and use behavioral therapy designed to space exposure to the fear stimulus over time. Our findings show treatment may be more effective if we do exactly the opposite."

Anxiety disorders affect about 19 million Americans per year, consuming over thirty percent of total American mental health costs. They include obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Although these diseases are generally not deadly, they take an enormous toll in morbidity. Sufferers constantly avoid fearful circumstances and pay an enormous price in social isolation, job performance and time wasted on worries and fears.

Both acquiring and overcoming, or extinguishing, conditional fear are forms of active learning. A unique pairing of an initially neutral conditional stimulus with an unpleasant unconditional stimulus is needed to acquire a conditional fear. In both UCLA studies, the conditional stimulus was a tone and the unconditional stimulus was a mild foot shock.

Although extinction - the reduction of conditional responding after repeated exposures to the conditional stimulus alone - might initially appear to be a passive decay or erasure of this association, many studies indicate that extinction is new inhibitory learning, which leaves the original memory intact.

---

Chewing stick - The Natural Viagra?

• Source:http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/health/Chewing-stick-The-Natural-Viagra-112771

(Ghana Web)

Chewing stick heightens sexual drive, improves blood level

SINCE the beginning of time, people have searched high and low for substances they could use to stimulate and heighten sexual desire in themselves and others.

Many of such herbs, man has found useful in stimulating and heighten sexual desire include Yohimbe and Ginseng.

Yohimbe comes from the bark of West Africa’s Yohimbe tree and as a sexual stimulant (aphrodisiac) that even veterinarians have used to threat impotence in stallions. It has also become widely available for human use because of the claim that this herbal remedy helps men overcome impotency by stimulating the nerve centre in the spine that controls erection.

Ginseng’s reputation as a sexual stimulant has not been substantiated however, but its use most likely stems from its resemblance to the male organ. Also, its components such as ginsenosides is believed to promote sperm formation, stimulate sexual glands, increase male hormone production, and increase sexual capability, frequency and equality of male erection.

Also, a promising herbal remedy that stimulates sexual capability is the bark of Sphenocentrum jollyanum, an erect shrub occurring from the Ivory Coast to southern Nigeria.

This plant was first discovered by Diels in England. Locally, it is called Obalabi or Obanabe in the southern part of Nigeria. Yorubas calls it Ajo or Akerejupon. The plant occurs mainly in the rain forest areas, usually in damp places under forest cover. Its fruit tastes like mango and is edible.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is believed by medicine men to have unusual leading properties, so explaining why the root extract is swallowed for constipation and to increase appetite as well as a stomachic in southern Nigeria and Ghana.

Even the root pulped with salt, fruit of maniguette and palm oil into a soft paste is eaten for abdominal troubles in Ivory Coast. A cough drop is prepared from the fruits together with the fruits of Piper guineanse (black pepper) and lime juice. Similarly, the fruits are used as anti -fatigue snack.

Dr. Yinusa Raji, a senior lecturer with the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, speaking on this wonder herb for stimulating sexual drive confirmed its ability to act as an aphrodisiac.

The use of the plant’s root as a chewing stick he said has been found effective in boosting sexual drive in men due to its tendency to boost the blood’s testosterone level. Basically,the secretion of the hormone ,testosterone, is needed for the expression of sexual characteristics or virility and to stimulate male sexual organs.

He said that basically all aphrodisiacic substances can be classified into four main types: Narcotics, used to intoxicate the user’s object of desire. The second type are substances that irritate the mucous membrane of the genitals, producing a warm, itching feeling similar to sexual arousal.

The other group tends to have the effect of directly increasing sexual desire and prowess, even increasing the intensity of the sensations felt during organism. The last group are herbs that alleviate medical problems that interfere with normal sexual function.

Such herbs alleviate the symptoms of a variety of genito-urinary tract infections, or supplies badly needed vitamins or minerals that are lacking in the diet, so allowing the individual with previously physical problems to function normally.

On Sphenocentrum jollyanum, much as the herb is able to boost sexual drive, he said people that use it needs to be cautious because some of its chemical constituents can also affect fertility negatively, creating a marked reduction in sperm quality and quantity.

The word of caution Dr. Raji said is based on the fact that when the herb was tried on rats, there was a significant reduction in sperm’s ability to move. The reduction in the sperm’s ability to move in the male organ of the rats was also dependent on the amount of the herb the rat was fed.

Also, there was an overall decrease in the total sperm count, depending on the amount of the herb the rat was given. Similarly, many of the sperms were also found to have become abnormal – headless tail, tailless head, bent tail, curved mid-piece and bent mid-piece.

Given the deleterious effects of the herb on sperm quality and testicles, Dr. Raji said men still wanting to have children should be careful to use the herb regularly to boost their sexual drive.

“We known defective sperm is the most common cause of male infertility and this is difficult to treat,” he said.

While the plant was found to help to boost blood level (packed cell volume and red blood cell count), he said like researchers such as Iwu did find out, the aphrodisiac quality of the plant many be due on its neurological effect (ranging from relaxation to euphoria) as well as ability to increase blood flow to the male sex organ.

Similarly, almond, a large deciduous tree can help to boost sexual drive. The kernel of Indian almond was not only shown to have aphrodisiac activity, it is also useful in the treatment of some forms of sexual inadequacies (premature ejaculation).

Also, clove has been used in Unani medicine since ancient times as an aphrodisiac for the treatment of male sexual disorders. Scientists that worked on it in BMC complement Alternative medical journal found 50 per cent ethanolic extract of clove produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any adverse effects.

The effects of black pepper and Aframomum melegaueta to enhance the orientation of male rats towards the female ones by increasing mounting and anal sniffing behaviour of rats has also been proven scientifically.

---

Is Yohimbine a testosterone booster or fat metabolizer?

• Source:https://ast-ss.com/is-yohimbine-a-testosterone-booster-or-fat-metabolizer/

By Paul Cribb Ph.D. CSCS.

Yohimbine is derived from the bark of several trees, most notably Pausinystalia yohimbe and Corynanthe yohimbe. Yohimbine has been marketed as a testosterone booster but I’m not sure how that one came about ― there is no science-based evidence to suggest yohimbine has any effect on anabolic hormone production. However, some researchers suggest that yohimbine can have a very favorable impact on fat metabolism.

Yohimbine is a highly unusual compound as it is a natural alpha-2 antagonist that promotes sympathetic activity by central as well as peripheral mechanisms to promote fat loss.

Additionally, research has shown that supplementation with yohimbine does not raise heart rate, increase blood pressure or induce any other undesired side effect that is characteristic of other stimulants. Best of all, when taken before exercise, yohimbine is shown to boost lipolysis (the process of mobilizing fat from cells) and increase blood free fatty acid levels both during and after exercise. This is why the highest quality yohimbine is a key ingredient in Dymetadrine Xtreme.

---

The Benefits of Yohimbe Bark for Women

• Source:healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-yohimbe-bark-women-10325.html

By K.T. Parker (Demand Media)

Yohimbe is a type of evergreen tree native to parts of Africa, including Ghana, Cameroon and Zaire. More commonly used by men, yohimbe is a powerful sexual stimulant for women as well, according to Chris Kilham, author of "Hot Plants: Nature's Proven Sex Boosters for Men and Women." People with certain conditions shouldn't take yohimbe bark, so consult a health care provider before use. Benefits for Both Genders

Yohimbe bark may increase sexual pleasure and interest for both genders, according to Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of "Natural Sex Boosters." MedlinePlus states yohimbe could be effective for sexual dysfunction caused by using selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, a type of antidepressant. Other unproven uses for yohimbe in both genders include for complications of diabetes, for enhancing athletic performance, as a sedative and for exhaustion. How It Works

Yohimbe bark appears to have a stimulatory effect on sex organs. In women, it might increase arousal and sensitivity of the clitoris. Yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe bark, stimulates the central nervous system, especially the nerves in the lower spine, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This causes increased circulation to the genital area and might promote greater clitoral sensation, per Kilham. How to Use

The bark of the yohimbe tree is used medicinally by boiling strips and drinking the brew, but a capsule may be more convenient. Sahelian suggests a starting dose of 300 milligrams. He cautions that different brands will have different amounts of yohimbe, but there is no way to know the effectiveness of each extraction percentage, so start with a lower dose and work up. Yohimbe typically absorbs within 45 minutes of taking it and may be used daily or as needed. Sahelian recommends using it one to three hours before sex rather than every day. Side Effects

Side effects of yohimbe bark could include anxiety, nausea, dizziness and increased need to urinate. According to Sahelian, higher doses can cause greater side effects, including disorientation, confusion, increased heart rate and tremors. MedlinePlus warns serious reactions associated with yohimbe bark include insomnia, paralysis, increased blood pressure and death. Yohimbe bark should not be used by nursing mothers or pregnant women because of the likelihood of fetal harm or miscarriage.

---

The Benefits of Yohimbine

• Source:http://www.livestrong.com/article/125469-benefits-yohimbine/

By Brian Willett

Overview

Yohimbine is a chemical that is derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree, a tall evergreen. While the tree is native to Western Africa, supplements containing yohimbine are sold across the world due to the chemical's wide variety of benefits. Yohimbine is a common ingredient in energy drinks and sports nutrition supplements. Circulation

Yohimbine is a vasodilator, which means that it expands blood vessels. This allows for easier blood flow and superior circulation. In particular, studies have shown that yohimbine is effective in improving blood flow to extremities, such as your hands and feet. Lower doses of yohimbine can also lower blood pressure and increase heart rate, which can help your body deliver nutrients to working cells. Fat Burning

Yohimbine is also a popular ingredient in weight-loss and fat-burning products. This is because some studies have shown yohimbine to be effective in removing "stubborn fat"--slimming down problem spots like the abdomen and thighs.

Yohimbine's slimming effect is due to its blockage of alpha(2) andrenoreceptors, which prevent the release of a fat-mobilizing hormone, norepinephrine. Yohimbine ensures higher norepinephrine levels, which causes your body to break down fat cells. This also increases blood flow to fat tissue, which causes less fat to be retained

Appetite Suppressant

Yohimbine also has another advantage for dieters--appetite suppression. Studies have shown that supplementation with yohimbine reduces overall calorie intake by neutralizing feelings of hunger.

Interestingly, one study found that yohimbine reduced carbohydrate and fat intake, but not protein intake. This assists in appetite suppression because protein increases feelings of fullness. Your body also burns more calories digesting protein than it does digesting carbohydrates or fat.

Sexual Health

Supplements that promise to optimize sexual health and battle erectile dysfunction also contain yohimbine. This is because of yohimbine's tendency to increase blood flow to extremities--in this case, your genitals.

In addition, yohimbine can slightly increase testosterone levels in men. Women can benefit from yohimbine as well, as the chemical can increase feelings of sexual arousal.

---

New uses for West Africa's miracle yohimbe tree

• Source:http://www.afrol.com/articles/12054

Staff writer (Afrol News)

Bark from West Africa's yohimbe tree, mainly commercially grown in Cameroon and Nigeria, already has a large Northern market as an aphrodisiac. New findings in the US suggest that yohimbe tree bark may revolutionise the treatment of anxiety disorders, but West African growers are not ready for an increased production of the already over-exploited tree.

According to a much published study issued today by the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute at the University Of California, yohimbe tree bark may find an enormous new market. The institute maintains the West African bark "holds promise for revolutionising treatment of anxiety disorders."

Writing in the March/April edition of the journal 'Learning and Memory', a UCLA team reported that mice treated with yohimbe bark overcame their fear four times as fast as those treated with vehicle or propanolol, a medication commonly used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders by blunting the physiological effects of adrenaline.

- We are at the threshold of a new era in our understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders, said Dr Mark Barad, at the UCLA Institute. Treatment with yohimbe bark, according to Mr Barad, revolutionised the way of thinking around overcoming fears and anxieties.

These disorders are an enormous health problem. Only in the US, anxiety disorders affect about 19 million people each year. They include obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and specific phobias, according to Mr Barad. These disorders are consuming about one-third of total US mental health costs of US$ 148 billion in 1990.

According to the Californian scientists, yohimbine - the active ingredient in yohimbe bark - treats anxiety disorders in a totally new manner as it in fact causes anxieties by enhancing the effects of the natural release of adrenaline. This anxiety helps learn to overcome the fear faster as part of the treatment.

Yohimbine is currently most commonly used to treat erection dysfunction. In Europe, America and Asia, there is a large market for the West African bark, said to produce a "sexual enhancement." In West Africa, yohimbe has been used as a medical plant for centuries and continues to widely used.

There is even a growing black market of yohimbe bark in the North, mostly trading in false products. The reason behind the growing trade in false yohimbe bark is found in West Africa, where producers cannot meet the international demand. In Cameroon and Nigeria, the main yohimbe tree growers, natural occurrence of "the miracle tree" is almost depleted.

The fast-growing yohimbe tree takes at least ten years to become harvestable and its only desired product is its bark. When producers cut the bark, the yohimbe tree dies. Over-exploitation of this resource has been reported for years. Therefore, the tree is becoming increasingly hard to find and growth on plantations has yet to start in a larger scale.

Cameroon has been the main supplier of yohimbe bark during the 1990s, with some production reported from Nigeria. As export markets have grown, the commercial exploitation of the tree is now also considered in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, where yohimbe densities are equal to Cameroon.

According to a recent FAO study, the majority of bark is collected by local people who are paid at the roadside for the delivery of bark. The Cameroonian pharmaceutical plant Plantecam is the only producer of yohimbe tablets and the sole supplier of yohimbe to international markets. It has an annual production of an estimated 100 tonnes of yohimbe bark.

FAO has warned about "the destructive harvesting methods employed and the rapidly-growing market for aphrodisiac remedies," suggesting that the unique resource soon may become endangered. The UN agency, in cooperation with the Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), has reportedly begun a research programme in Cameroon to investigate the potential of the tree for domestication.

Meanwhile, the growing market for yohimbe bark products is increasingly difficult to satisfy. A "revolutionised" treatment of anxiety disorders based on yohimbe bark would lead to an enormous increase in the demand for the West African tree, with a large potential for West and Central African growers.