Some athletes say that yohimbe helps boost metabolism.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
As a stimulant, yohimbe may theoretically increase fat metabolism. The main alkaloid in yohimbe is yohimbine, which can be toxic if used in excess amounts. This alkaloid blocks a particular receptor that increases sympathetic nervous system output so you get more adrenaline and, thus, increased metabolism.
Warning: This stimulant puts stress on the heart, which is especially dangerous for anyone with a heart condition. Yohimbe should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for this supplement based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles.
Yohimbe
How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes?
The ability of yohimbine, a chemical found in yohimbe bark, to stimulate the nervous system,1, 2 promote the release of fat from fat cells,3, 4 and affect the cardiovascular system has led to claims that yohimbe might help athletic performance or improve body composition.5 However, a double-blind study of men who were not dieting reported no effect of up to 43 mg per day of yohimbine on weight or body composition after six months.6 No research has tested yohimbe herb for effects on body composition, and no human research has investigated the ability of yohimbine or yohimbe to affect athletic performance. Other studies have determined that a safe daily amount of yohimbine is 15 to 30 mg.7 However, people with kidney disorders should not take yohimbe, and side effects of nausea, dizziness, or nervousness may occur that necessitate reducing or stopping yohimbe supplementation.
Side Effects
Patients with kidney disease, peptic ulcer or pregnant or breast-feeding women should not use yohimbe.8 Standard amounts may occasionally cause dizziness, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, increased blood pressure, and rapid heart beat,9 though all of these are rare.10 Using more than 40 mg of yohimbine per day can cause dangerous side effects, including loss of muscle function, chills, and vertigo. Some people will also experience hallucinations when taking higher amounts of yohimbine.11 Taking 200 mg yohimbine in one case led to only a brief episode of hypertension, palpitations, and anxiety.12 People with post-traumatic stress disorder13 and panic disorder14 should avoid yohimbe as it may worsen their condition.
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Foods with high amounts of tyramine (such as cheese, red wine, and liver) should not be eaten while a person is taking yohimbe, as they may theoretically cause severe high blood pressure and other problems. Similarly, yohimbe should only be combined with other antidepressant drugs under the supervision of a physician, though at least one study suggests it may benefit those who are not responding to serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac).15
A 50-year-old woman who was unresponsive to traditional antidepressant therapy was reported to have a marked and persistent improvement in mood when yohimbine was added to her bupropion therapy. Further research is necessary to determine the significance of this finding.
The alkaloid yohimbine (Pausinystalia yohimbe) from the African yohimbe tree affects the nervous system in a way that may complement fluvoxamine. One report studied depressed people who had not responded to fluvoxamine. When 5 mg of yohimbine was added three times each day, there was significant improvement. Some people required higher amounts of yohimbine before their depression improved. Because yohimbine can have side effects, it should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. Yohimbine is a prescription drug, but standardized extracts of yohimbe that contain yohimbine are available as a supplement.
The active ingredients in yohimbine can block the actions of brimonidine in certain human tissues, thus reducing the drug’s beneficial effects. Adequate human studies involving the eye are lacking, and until more information is available, yohimbine should be avoided in people using brimonidine.
The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
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