A man’s abilities in the bedroom often play a big part in their overall mental health, especially for a sexually active male.
When problems with erectile function develop, it can cause several adverse effects with the individual. About 52% of all men suffer from some symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction. Cleveland Clinic1 released this data.
There are effective treatments for erectile dysfunction in men. The side-effects are often considered unpleasant. Viagra is linked to2 headaches, flushing, stomach upset, back pain, muscle pain. Some people experience abnormal vision changes.
Several alternative remedies have been suggested. This often includes using natural plant extracts. The goal is to enhance erectile function without worrying about the serious side-effects of Viagra and other drugs.
There are still side-effects linked to natural compounds. We look at Yohimbe in this post. We will consider what Yohimbe is, how it works, and what it might do for you.
What Is Yohimbe?
Some natural supplements are more popular among men with erectile dysfunction than others. Those looking for natural erectile dysfunction remedies have usually at least heard of Yohimbe before.
Yohimbe is a name used to refer to an evergreen tree. The tree grows in the Western parts of Africa, as well as some of the central parts of the country. It is not the entire tree that is used to produce natural medicine, though, scientists are interested in the bark of this particular tree.
There is a chemical found in the bark of a Yohimbe tree that is of interest here. The chemical is known as yohimbine. The yohimbine chemical has been associated with many possible medicinal properties.
When looking at Yohimbine, it should be noted that there are two forms of the chemical. The first is the natural one. This one is generally available in over-the-counter supplements that do not require any type of prescription.
An alternative version is available with a doctor’s prescription. In this case, the chemical is called yohimbine hydrochloride. The two brand names available for yohimbine hydrochloride include Yocon and Aphrodyne.
Supplements that contain extracts from this tree will contain one of two listed ingredients:
- Yohimbine
- Yohimbe bark extract
The dosage of the yohimbine chemical will usually also be provided. It is important to note that some supplements do not contain accurate dosage information. This may yield unexpected results.
The supplement is generally available in the form of a dietary pill. In many cases, the yohimbine chemical will be combined with other natural extracts.
The goal is to provide a combined effect. Manufacturers do this to enhance the potency of the supplement – providing a more significant boost in erectile function.
How Does Yohimbe Work?
Men should avoid using natural supplements if they are not sure exactly how the active ingredients work. By understanding what the chemicals in these supplements do to their body, the individual can know what to expect.
The chemical in Yohimbe bark, known as yohimbine, is what comes into play here. This is the chemical that causes specific effects in the body among people who use a Yohimbe supplement.
The active component, an alkaloid called yohimbine, has been tested in clinical studies to treat sexual dysfunction in men and women. Yohimbine primarily acts on the blood circulatory system.
When a man takes a Yohimbe supplement, the chemical will cause the blood circulatory system to work more effectively. This means there will be an increase in blood flow throughout the person’s body.
Nerve impulses also seem to be improved significantly when a person takes a supplement that contains the active ingredient yohimbine.
More specifically, it has been found these benefits affect the penis.
Blood flow to the penis is a critical element in allowing a man to have an erection. When blood flow is poor, it means there may be difficulty gaining an erection.
The poor blood flow also makes it harder for a man to maintain their erection. This is in case they are able to have a rigid erection.
These effects can sometimes help to offset the side-effects of problems like hypertension. Men with high blood pressure often suffer from signs associated with erectile dysfunction3.
Nerve impulses in the penis are also important. The brain signals specific nerves to allow blood to flow into the penis. When these nerves do not work properly, even a healthy blood flow toward the pelvis area would not be beneficial.
It is this combined effect that is able to help men experience an improvement in erectile function.
What are the benefits of Yohimbe?
The use of Yohimbe supplements may be effective in helping men experience an improvement in their erectile function. For most people who turn to these products, the sexual benefits would be the priority. This is the main reason for men to start using Yohimbe.
Some studies have looked at the efficacy of yohimbine in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
One study4 explains that the alpha-2-adrenoceptor antagonist activity of yohimbine is what makes it so potent. This allows the chemical to work on both the peripheral and the central nervous systems.
One four-week clinical trial5 looked at just how effective the chemical really is. The study also focused on determining the safety profile of a Yohimbe bark extract.
Participants in the study were aged between 25 and 50. All participants complained about mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction symptoms. The criteria for selecting participants primarily focused on erectile dysfunction symptoms for longer than three months.
This was a parallel-group study, meaning an equal number of participants were divided into two groups. The first group was provided with a daily supplement that contained yohimbine as an active ingredient. The second group received a placebo supplement. Results from the two groups were compared to each other at the end of the study.
By the end of the four-week trial, yohimbine showed impressive results. There was a significant improvement in erectile function scores in the yohimbine group of participants. The results were not as significant among the group who received a placebo drug.
There are other benefits of yohimbine that male patients need to consider too. The drug does not only help with erectile dysfunction.
Some studies have shown that Yohimbe could potentially improve weight loss, as well. This is because the yohimbine may block certain receptors in fat cells. When these receptors are blocked, weight loss should become easier. When obesity is reduced, it means improvements in metabolic syndrome are to be expected.
In one study6, participants were divided into two groups. Weight loss results were compared between the two groups. The first group received a daily yohimbe extract. The second group took a placebo supplement instead.
There was a significant variation in the average amount of weight loss between the groups. The placebo group lost an average of 4.9 pounds per participant. In the yohimbine group, the average weight loss per person was 7.8 pounds. The study only lasted for three weeks.
Losing weight is also beneficial for erectile dysfunction. Reduced weight means a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. This strategy may also help to improve heart health and reduce high blood pressure. All of these factors are helpful for a man trying to improve erectile function.
In veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, studies have found that yohimbine increased acoustic startle reflex (7); and resulted in greater between-session habituation and improvement in depression.
This was demonstrated in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial that piloted yohimbine augmentation in 26 males with combat-related post-traumatic stress.
Participants were given one-time dose of yohimbine or placebo prior to the first imaginal exposure. The primary outcome was trauma-cued heart-rate reactivity a week after the drug/exposure visit, a highly specified, objective measure sensitive to incremental change. Secondary outcomes included arousal during the drug/exposure visit and slope of distress, PTSD, and depression.
What Are The Warnings And Precautions For Yohimbe?
Yohimbe has been proven a potentially effective option for men. The chemical may help to improve sexual function.
Men may experience better blood flow – which means more rigid erections. On the other hand, there are side-effects that one needs to look out for.
A significant concern with yohimbine supplements is the inaccuracy of supplement labels. Many studies have shown yohimbine supplements do not accurately state the dosage of the chemical.
This means the product may not be as effective as the label claims it to be. It could also mean taking too much yohimbine. A high dose of the drug can be dangerous. There would be an increased risk of serious side effects.
Apart from this issue, men should realize that some side-effects of yohimbine can be hazardous to their health. Possible side-effects that have been reported include:
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Gastrointestinal distress
Although Yohimbine may cause an increase in blood pressure, the amount contained in our Testo-Booster is too small that could cause an increase in blood pressure. According to studies, 40mgs of Yohimbine can cause side effects, Testo-Booster only has 5mgs of Yohimbine.
The man may experience an upset stomach too. These are usually milder side-effects that might not cause too much concern. There are some cases where side-effects can become more serious.
Cases of heart attacks and seizures have been reported in some rare scenarios. Additionally, there have also been reports of acute kidney injury in men who took yohimbine supplements. These are often the case with higher doses of the supplement.
Drug Interaction
Yohimbine can interact with a number of drugs and can have adverse effects.
You should not use you have high blood pressure, heart disease, arrhythmias, Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorders, kidney, thyroid, or liver disease.
- Antianxiety agents: Yohimbine may reduce their therapeutic effects.
- Antidepressants: Yohimbine may augment side effects.
- Antihypertensives: Yohimbine may diminish their effects.
- Bupropion: Coingestion with yohimbe resulted in toxic effects.
- Opioids: May induce withdrawal and anxiety symptoms.
What To Look For?
When buying a Yohimbe supplement to treat erectile dysfunction, men do need to be careful. There are many side-effects linked to the chemical. At the same time, getting a high-quality supplement may reduce the risks of these adverse events.
Additionally, brand trustworthiness is critical with a Yohimbe supplement. This is where research becomes a crucial part of a man’s strategy for taking these products. The man should research to find a supplement that is trusted among other male users.
When buying a Yohimbe supplement, always look at the label too. Make sure there is a clear statement regarding the dosage of yohimbine in the product.
Other Ways To Naturally Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Due to the side-effects of Yohimbe, men do need to know what alternative options are available.
This is not the only natural product that has been proven to help improve erectile function. Many of the alternative natural products can help to sexual health.
Some of the ingredients to look for in male enhancement supplements include:
- Tongkat Ali: provides a boost in testosterone and helps to reduce the amount of this sex hormone that is converted into estrogen. The product may also help to enhance libido and improve sperm health.
- Ashwagandha Root: a plant-based extract that is known to fight against a low sex drive. The product is also effective at improving fertility.
- Tribulus Terrestris: this is another plant extract shown to help boost testosterone production in the body. The enhancement in testosterone is due to an increase in the stimulation of the Luteinizing hormone. Tribulus Terrestris may also help to enhance sperm health.
- Maca Root: a very popular ingredient that is often used to help balance hormones in the human body. Maca root is known to stimulate libido and may assist with improving erectile function.
- Oatstraw: a natural ingredient known to be exceptionally high in nutrients. This ingredient boost the vitamin and mineral balance in the body. Oat straw may also help to boost sexual energy and provide an enhancement in general energy levels.
- BioPerine: apart from these, it would also be useful to look for supplements that contain black pepper extract. This ingredient is often referred to as BioPerine. BioPerine is highly effective at enhancing the absorption and bioavailability of other natural ingredients included in a supplement. Additionally, a product that uses BioPerine might also help stimulate testosterone production. There may be an increase in free testosterone in the male body.
Conclusion
Yohimbe is relatively popular in male enhancement supplements. The product has been proven effective to improve sexual arousal. Some side-effects should be taken into concern.
When buying Yohimbe products patients need to understand the precautions. These products are not appropriate for everyone. Those at risk should consider alternative options as well. Several natural options can be used as an alternative to Yohimbe.
