Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Traditionally, yohimbe was used as an aphrodisiac (substance that stimulates sexual desire). Today, it is still marketed for sexual health and other uses. So far, scientific evidence supporting the potential benefits of yohimbe is lacking.
Yohimbine and Erectile Dysfunction
Yohimbe bark extracts are widely promoted online and in health food stores as a natural aphrodisiac to increase libido and manage erectile dysfunction. However, there is no evidence to show that the herbal supplement is effective.
Most clinical studies have looked into the prescription drug yohimbine hydrochloride and not the herbal extract yohimbe.4
For example, an analysis of eight studies examined yohimbine's use alone and combined with other interventions. Although yohimbine alone did not appear to affect the rate of sexual function significantly, the pooled results of both subgroups suggested an overall improvement.5 (Again, yohimbine is a prescription drug in the United States, and yohimbe is a supplement.)
In its guidelines on the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the American Urology Association does not recommend the use yohimbine due to a lack of sufficient evidence and potential safety risks.6
Talk to your healthcare provider first if you are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Not Recommended for Weight Loss
Yohimbe is generally not recommended for weight loss, although it is sometimes marketed as such.
Overall, the findings on yohimbine's effects on weight loss have been mixed. Yohimbine has been found in preliminary research to increase lipolysis (fat burning) by increasing the release of the neurotransmitter (chemical messengers in the body) and hormone norepinephrine available to fat cells and blocking alpha-2 receptor activation, which increases the release of norepinephrine.7
However, a systematic review (a review of multiple studies on a single topic) examining dietary supplements for weight management indicated there is not enough evidence to determine whether yohimbine aids with weight loss.
