Yohimbine, or Yohimbe, an Aphrodisiac

Yohimbine is also known under the outdated names quebrachin, aphrodin, corynine, yohimvetol and hydroergotocin. It is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West-African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe Pierre (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe), family Rubiaceae (Madder family), an evergreen forest tree native to southwestern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo. There are 31 other yohimbine alkaloids found in Yohimbe.

Yohimbine is a selective competitive alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist and is used for dilating the pupil of the eye, and has been used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is claimed to be an aphrodisiac, and is also used as a weight loss supplement as it increases noradrenaline (norepinephrine) levels.

It is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. It is a true aphrodisiac since it increases arousal in sexually inexperienced male rats, facilitates copulation in sexually naïve males and increases sexual activity in males that were previously sexually inactive. It has been used as a possible treatment for organic, psychogenic and substance induced erectile impotence and other male sexual dysfunctions. Its effect on male sexual performance is possibly related to its peripheral autonomic nervous system effects. It increases blood flow to erectile tissues and may increase testosterone levels. Currently, it is assumed that Yohimbine exerts its erectogenic effect through a central action.

Current researches show it is a vasodilator, which means that it increases blood flow to the extremities and appendages. It does this via an indirect mechanism of increasing the release of noradrenaline.

A word of caution before using it though, its side effects include elevated blood pressure and heart rate, irritability, headache and dizziness. Many in the medical profession regard yohimbine to be a potential health risk and advise people not to take it.