Yohimbine
An alkaloid that’s the active principle in yohimbe (bark of the African tree, Pausinystalia yohimbe). Yohimbine hydrochloride is sold as a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction. Yohimbine is also used to treat xerostomia (dry mouth).
Yohimbine (either in standardized form or as yohimbe bark extract) is frequently used in “male enhancement” products, as well as fat loss supplements. Yohimbine stimulates lipolysis by increasing blood flow in adipose tissue and blocking the activation of a 2-adrenoceptors on fat cells…although it works better in theory than in fact.
Yohimbine is associated with a number of adverse effects, and should be avoided by individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure), diabetes, and heart, liver or kidney disease.
See David Tolson’s article “Yohimbine Science” for more information.
