Herb library · Herb · Pausinystalia yohimbe (syn. P. johimbe)
Yohimbe
The bark of a central and west African tree, sold as a supplement for erectile dysfunction, exercise and weight loss. There is not enough research to say it helps with any of them, and its main compound, yohimbine, has been linked to heart problems and seizures.
Serious warning
Yohimbine, the main compound in yohimbe, has been associated with irregular heartbeat, blood pressure problems, heart attacks and seizures (NCCIH). LiverTox notes that overdose can cause seizures, paralysis and coma, and that deaths from overdose have been described.
Traditional use
The bark has been used traditionally in Africa as an aphrodisiac and as a mild hallucinogen, and LiverTox also records traditional use for cough, fever, leprosy and heart disease. In the West it became popular as a sexual stimulant. Today yohimbe supplements are promoted for erectile dysfunction, athletic performance, weight loss and mood. In 1915 J. H. Holland recorded the tree as the yohimbe of the Cameroons and endun of the French Congo, the source of the bark then sold for its alkaloid.
What studies show
- Insufficient
Erectile dysfunction, athletic performance and weight loss: NCCIH says there is very little research on yohimbe as a dietary supplement, and not enough to say whether it is helpful for any condition. Supplements may not act like the prescription drug made from purified yohimbine.
Be careful of
Cautions
- NoteLabels are unreliable. A 2015 analysis of 49 US brands found that most did not say how much yohimbine they contained, the amount varied a lot, and some contained synthetic or highly processed yohimbine. Yohimbe supplements are restricted or banned in many countries.
- NoteIn California poison-center calls, yohimbe was linked to stomach problems, a rapid heartbeat, anxiety and high blood pressure, and callers about yohimbe were more likely to need medical care than other callers. LiverTox lists insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, chest pain, sweating and high blood pressure as common side effects.
- InteractionDo not use yohimbe if you take MAO inhibitor or tricyclic antidepressants; it can interact with them.
- PregnancyIt might be unsafe to take by mouth during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, have a heart condition, high blood pressure or a seizure disorder, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“Corynanthe Yohimbe, K. Schum., the “Yohimbe” of the Cameroons, “Endun” of the French Congo, is the source of the “Yohimbe bark,” from which the alkaloid “Yohimbine” is obtained.”
Sources
- Yohimbe: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026
- Yohimbine - LiverTox (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026
Reviewed September 25, 2026.