If you’re looking for a pill for fat loss, yohimbine, could be a good start. Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Mechanistically, weight loss supplements, herbs, and ingredients, need to be assisted with a healthy diet and exercise, for full efficacy. And rarely are customers compliant to get the results they want. Yohimbine, is a potent and effective weight loss ingredient, that has been shown to promote fat loss, and used for male erectile dysfunction. We’re going to talk about the benefits of yohimbine, how it works, and if this weight loss product can help you.
What Is Yohimbine
The origins of Yohimbine, start in Africa. Yohimbe, is an evergreen tree found in central and western Africa. Yohimbine, is a compound found within its bark. Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid, and α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist.
α2 or alpha-2 blockers, are a class of antagonists to the α2 adrenergic receptor. They have limited clinical application in humans, however, are often used in research to increase noradrenaline (adrenaline) release.
Yohimbine supplements are presented as a hydrocholoride making it more soluble, otherwise known as Yohimbine HCL.
Yohimbine was used as a pharmaceutical drug, called Aphrodyne, by Star Pharmaceuticals. The two most common indications of Yohimbine are erectile dysfunction and weight loss.
How Does Yohimbine Work, What Does Yohimbine Do
Pharmacologically, Yohimbine blocks presynaptic α2 adrenergic receptors. It’s mechanism on peripheral blood vessels, is similar to that of Reserpine.
Reserpine is an indole alkaloid extracted from Rauwolfia serpentine roots, an Indian climbing shrub. Reserpine has had FDA approval since 1955 and is one of the first agents developed to treat hypertension in clinical practice.
Yohimbine has a direct effect on the autonomic nervous system. It increases parasympathetic (cholinergic) and decreases sympathetic (adrenergic) activity. In male sexual performance, erection is linked to cholinergic activity and to alpha-2 adrenergic blockade which may theoretically result in increased penile inflow, decreased penile outflow or both.
Yohimbine exerts a stimulating action on mood and has shown to increase anxiety. These actions have not been sufficiently studied or related to dosage although they appear to require high doses. Yohimbine has a mild anti-diuretic action, possibly via stimulation of the hypothalamic center and the release of posterior pituitary hormone.
Research has shown that Yohimbine exerts no significant influence on cardiac stimulation and other effects mediated by (beta)-adrenergic receptors. Its effect on blood pressure, if any, would be to lower it; however, no adequate studies are at hand to quantitate this effect in terms of Yohimbine dosage.
Yohimbine Benefits
Fat Loss
Studies have shown that Yohimbine can help with weight loss, by blocking α2 adrenergic receptors located in fat cells.
One study in male soccer players who were given 20mg of Yohimbine per day for 21 days showed a significant decrease in body fat percentage [R].
Another study subjected 20 female obese patients to a 3-week low-energy diet (1,000 kcal/day), and assigned them randomly to a double-blind study protocol to two treatments: 10 subjects received 5mg of yohimbine 4 times a day and 10 received a placebo for 3 weeks. Results showed that women taking yohimbine lost significantly more weight than those taking a placebo — 7.8 pounds (3.6 kg) vs. 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) [R].
Erectile Dysfunction
Yohimbine is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and enhancing male sexual performance. Yohimbine increases parasympathetic (cholinergic) and decreases sympathetic (adrenergic) activity, which is directly correlated to male erectile function. Metabolic studies have shown that the potential mechanism of Yohimbine blocks presynaptic α2 adrenergic receptors, alleviating erectile dysfunction, and erection.
Use in erectile dysfunction, has largely been superseded by PDE5-Inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra). Therefore, Yohimbine is rarely used as a pharmaceutical or prescribed treatment for ED.
Yohimbine Side Effects
When taken at therapeutic dosages, yohimbine may cause
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal Pain
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
A case report, found that Yohimbine at higher doses, had the highest rate of toxicity when compared to other botanical products [R].
Supplements also vary in dosage, and are anywhere between 23-147% of the amount reported [R].
Yohimbine Dose
Based upon investigational studies for weight loss, the recommended dosage is 0.2mg/kg of bodyweight. Examples of dosages, would be
- 14mg for a 150lb person
- 18mg for a 200lb person
- 22mg for a 250lb person
Supplementation is also most effective during times of fasting before your training.
The recommended dosage for ED, is 5.4mg taken 1-3 per day. Most studies have found positive results taking 10-20mg per day. In the event of that side effects make occur, dosage is to be reduced to 1/2 capsules 3 times a day [R].
Yohimbine Benefits: Takeaway
Studies have shown that Yohimbine may help weight loss and treat erectile dysfunction, with moderate efficacy. Research has shown that weight loss data, is mixed, with studies showing an effect on fat loss, and some showing no effect at all. Yohimbine was approved for male sexual performance, and the treatment of ED, however is not prescribed, as it has been superseded, by stronger more effective PDE5-Inhibitors such as Viagra.
It is also important to note, that Yohimbine is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list, as a metabolic modulator, although yohimbine is a potent α-2 antagonist and a weaker α-1 antagonist, which presents both peripheral and central nervous system effects. Thus, if you do compete in sports, I would recommend to stay away from Yohimbine regardless.
If this product is taken for weight loss, weight loss supplements must be paired with a healthy and well-rounded diet, as well as an effective training program, to derive any positive results.
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