Yohimbe
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BASIC INFORMATION
Biological name (genus and species):
- Corynanthe yohimbe
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
- Bark
- Chemical this herb contains:
- Yohimbine, also called quebrachine, aphrodine OR corynine
KNOWN EFFECTS
- Blocks responses of parts of autonomic nervous system.
- Increases blood pressure.
- Acts as a local anesthetic.
- Inhibits monamine oxidase and may cause alarming blood-pressure rise–even strokes–when taken with cheese, red wine or other foods or supplements containing tyromines.
- Causes hallucinations.
Miscellaneous information:
- Yohimbe can produce severe anxiety when given intravenously.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
- Arouses or enhances sexual desire.
- Treats impotency.
- Treats painful menstrual cramps.
- Treats chest pain due to coronary artery disease (angina).
- Treats arteriosclerosis.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don’t take if you:
- Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.
- Have kidney or liver disease.
Consult your doctor if you:
- Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn’t improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments.
- Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Pregnancy:
- Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don’t use.
Breast-feeding:
- Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don’t use.
Infants and children:
- Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
Others:
- This product will not help you and may cause toxic symptoms.
Storage:
- Keep cool and dry, but don’t freeze. Store safely away from children.
Safe dosage:
- At present no “safe” dosage has been established.
TOXICITY
Rated dangerous, particularly in children, persons over 55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for extended periods of time.
- For symptoms of toxicity: See ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS section below.
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
| Signs and symptoms: | What to do: |
| Abdominal pain | Discontinue. Call doctor |
| when convenient. | |
| Fatigue | Discontinue. Call doctor |
| when convenient. | |
| Hallucinations | Seek emergency treatment. |
| High blood pressure | Discontinue. Call doctor |
| immediately. | |
| Muscle paralysis | Seek emergency treatment. |
| Weakness | Discontinue. Call doctor |
| immediately. |
From the Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. © 1988 by Fisher Books; electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange
