Yohimbe is a supplement that can help treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or promote fat loss. However, taking yohimbe supplements carries certain health risks, and it’s not suitable for everyone.
Yohimbe is a popular dietary supplement made from the bark of an African evergreen tree.
It is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. It has also become a growing trend among bodybuilders to help with fat loss. Despite its popularity, there are some risks that you may want to consider before taking this supplement.
Yohimbe is an herbal supplement. It has a long history of use in West African traditional medicine to improve sexual performance.
More recently, manufacturers have marketed yohimbe as a dietary supplement with various common uses, from treating medical conditions like erectile dysfunction to aiding in weight loss.
The supplement comes from the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe
It is sold in capsule or tablet form and marketed as yohimbe bark extract or yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe bark. Many believe that yohimbine works by blocking receptorsTrusted Source called alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.
Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors play an important role in inhibiting erections. Therefore, yohimbine is thoughtTrusted Source to help alleviate erectile dysfunction by blocking the receptors responsible for preventing erections.

Erectile dysfunction

Yohimbe is most well knownTrusted Source for its purported ability to alleviate erectile dysfunction. Animal studies show that the active ingredient yohimbine can increase sexual activity by engaging the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.
Its effects likely stem from the engagement of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the corpus cavernosum, the chambers in the penis that fill with blood during an erection. Taking yohimbe can result in sustained engorgement of blood in the penis tissue.

Weight loss

Yohimbe supplements are also marketed as helping with weight loss and improving body composition.

Studies say it may increase the plasma concentration in fatty free acids, although the time a person takes the supplement can affect the proposed result of weight loss.