Yohimbe

Yohimbine, also known under the outdated names quebrachin, aphrodin, corynine, yohimvetol and hydroergotocin, is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West-African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe Pierre (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe), family Rubiaceae (Madder family). There are 31 other yohimbane alkaloids found in Yohimbe.

Pharmacology
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. It is also used as a weight loss supplement as it increases noradrenaline (norepinephrine) levels.

Higher doses of oral yohimbine create numerous side effects such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and overstimulation. Yohimbine is also used clinically to produce anxiety.

Some internet shops even sell expensive formulations of yohimbine for transdermal delivery to effect a local reduction of adipose tissue, although there is no evidence that it is effective. Demand for products of this kind is frequently found in the bodybuilding community.

Research shows 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.

Controlled studies suggest that it is not a particularly effective treatment for impotence, and evidence of increased sex drive (libido) is anecdotal only. It has significant side effects such as postural hypotension and can cause anxiety reactions.

Yohimbine also has been shown to decrease fat synthesis in the body by increasing fatty acid mobilization, thereby causing weight loss.

In veterinary medicine, yohimbine is used to reverse anesthesia from the drug xylazine in small and large animals.

While many in the medical profession regard yohimbine to be a potential health risk, and advise people not to take it, the fact that it has been a proven weight loss and body fat reduction agent continue to make it a popular supplement.