Named Bioactive Compounds · Compound
Yohimbine
Strong Evidencealkaloid
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Yohimbine is an alkaloid derived from the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree that primarily acts as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist. This mechanism promotes increased norepinephrine release, potentially supporting erectile function and fat loss through enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity.
Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid derived primarily from the bark of Pausinystalia johimbe, an African tree, and also found in Rauwolfia serpentina. Modern commercial extraction employs precipitation techniques with organic solvents, achieving yields 50-65% higher than earlier methods and producing extracts with >90% purity.
The provided research dossier lacks specific clinical trial citations or PMIDs, focusing instead on extraction patents and general pharmacology. The European Food Safety Authority has conducted assessments on yohimbe, but specific trial data, sample sizes, and outcomes are not available in the provided sources.
Specific clinically studied dosage ranges are not provided in the available research. Modern standardized extracts achieve >90% purity of alpha-yohimbine. Forms include standardized extracts, powders, and isolated alkaloid preparations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Yohimbine is not a nutritional food source but rather a pharmacologically active indole alkaloid (chemically: 17α-hydroxy-yohimban-16α-carboxylic acid methyl ester, C21H26N2O3, MW ~354.44 g/mol) extracted primarily from the bark of Pausinystalia yohimbe (Rubiaceae family). Key bioactive compound details: • Yohimbine HCl is the principal active alkaloid, typically standardized at 2–10 mg per dose in supplement formulations; raw bark extracts may contain approximately 1–6% total alkaloids by weight, of which yohimbine constitutes roughly 10–15% of total alkaloid content (approximately 0.1–0.9% of bark dry weight). • Related minor alkaloids present in whole bark extracts include corynanthine (rauwolscine/alpha-yohimbine), ajmalicine, and other yohimbanoid alkaloids, which may modulate overall pharmacological activity. • Mechanism of action: selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist (Ki ≈ 1–2 nM at α2-adrenoceptors), which increases norepinephrine release, promoting sympathetic nervous system activation, catecholamine-mediated lipolysis, and vasodilation relevant to erectile function. • No significant macronutrient content (no protein, carbohydrates, fats, or dietary fiber in purified form). • No meaningful vitamin or mineral content. • Bioavailability notes: Oral bioavailability of yohimbine HCl is estimated at approximately 20–33% due to extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism (primarily via CYP3A4 and CYP2D6); peak plasma concentrations (Tmax) are reached within approximately 45–60 minutes; plasma half-life is approximately 0.5–2.5 hours. Bioavailability is highly variable among individuals, influenced by CYP2D6 polymorphism status (poor metabolizers may experience significantly higher plasma levels and increased adverse effect risk). Whole bark extracts show less predictable pharmacokinetics due to variable alkaloid composition and potential matrix effects. • Solubility: Yohimbine HCl is water-soluble (~16 mg/mL); free base form is poorly water-soluble but soluble in ethanol and chloroform.
Yohimbine functions as a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, blocking presynaptic alpha-2 receptors that normally inhibit norepinephrine release. This blockade increases sympathetic nervous system activity and norepinephrine levels, promoting lipolysis through beta-adrenergic stimulation. Additionally, yohimbine may enhance penile blood flow by blocking alpha-2 receptors in vascular smooth muscle.
Clinical evidence for yohimbine remains limited, with most studies involving small sample sizes of 20-50 participants. Some trials suggest modest benefits for erectile dysfunction, with one study showing 43% response rate versus 16% placebo in men with psychogenic ED. For fat loss, preliminary research indicates potential effects on body composition, but large-scale randomized controlled trials are lacking. Patent literature references athletic performance benefits, though peer-reviewed clinical data supporting these claims is not readily available.
Yohimbine can cause significant side effects including anxiety, elevated heart rate, hypertension, and panic attacks, particularly at higher doses. It may interact dangerously with antidepressants, especially MAOIs and tricyclics, potentially causing hypertensive crisis. The compound is contraindicated in individuals with heart disease, kidney disease, or psychiatric disorders. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid yohimbine due to insufficient safety data.
