(Pausinystalia johimbe)
Part Used: Bark Properties: Aphrodisiac
The yohimbe tree is found growing in the wild throughout tropical
west Africa from Nigeria to Gabon along the coast. It is a tall
evergreen with large, leathery leaves.
The inner bark has been used traditionally to treat angina
and hypertension. It was also smoked and snuffed by natives
for its hallucinogenic effect.
519
In some areas of western Africa including Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Upper
Volta, a decoction is used to treat fevers and leprosy. It is also
chewed to help relieve a cough.
520 The yohimbe bark was first brought
to the attention of Europeans by early traders. While on their adventures
in western Africa, they heard about the yohimbe tree.
They became interested in finding and
trying the legendary yohimbe bark. They were able to acquire some of the
bark and return with it to Europe. Future trips
brought interest in the yohimbe bark, and it soon was in demand.
Yohimbe has gained popularity because of its use as an aphrodisiac.
Compounds found in yohimbe are known to be precursors of testosterone.
It is found in some athletic formulas
for muscle development and body building. This may also help with both male
and female sexual dysfunction and impotency. A form of yohimbine, yohimbien
hydrochloride, a constituent of yohimbe has been used in some prescription
formulas to treat erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe dilates blood vessels near
the skin, mucous membranes and sex organs. This may cause fatigue in
individuals with low blood pressure therefore, yohimbe should be avoided
by individuals with blood pressure or heart irregularities.
Yohimbine is the active ingredient found in the yohimbe bark. Both the
crude bark and the purified compound are used as aphrodisiacs.
521 The
yohimbine content is thought to be approximately 6%. Other minor alkaloids
found in yohimbe bark include ajmaline, alloyohimbine, corynanthine,
quebrachine and tetrahydromethylcorynanthein.
522
Compounds found in yohimbe are known to be a precursor of testosterone.
Studies have found that yohimbine works as a treatment for impotent men.
523
Yohimbe is listed in the Physicians Desk Reference as a sensual stimulant.
It aids to increase the sexual desire, but the main function is to increase
the blood flow to the erectile tissue.
524 It has been found to be effective
in treating both organic (physiological) and psychogenic (mental) forms of
impotence. The aphrodisiac effects associated with yohimbe are related
to this dilation.
It increases the blood flow and enlarges the vessels in the sexual organs as
well as increases reflex excitability in the lower spinal cord.
521 Yohimbe
has been found to make the erections harder and firmer through the increased
circulation to the area. It is also thought to aid in maintaining an erection
by causing a compression and preventing the blood from flowing out of the
organ. Vascular disease is known to be a major factor in many cases of
impotence. Atherosclerosis in the body also effects the penile artery
reducing circulation to that area. Atherosclerosis is a common cause of
impotence.
526
A study done using rats in 1984 gave small doses of yohimbine
to sexually active male rats. Though they showed normal sexual activity
before, their sexual arousal increased with the addition of the yohimbine.
527
This has lead to an increase in studies involving yohimbe and yohimbine.
It seems to have a similar effect in human studies. It may also help to
increase the production of norepinephrine in the body, which is known to
decrease with age, and effects the formation of erections. The adrenaline
supply may also increase which can heighten the male sensual stimulation.
528
An Italian clinical study was conducted in 1994 using yohimbine for cases
of impotence. The individuals involved in the study were suffering from
psychogenic forms of impotence due to stress, tension and fatigue. The
group taking the yohimbe had a 71% success rate while the placebo group
had only a 22% improvement.
The placebo group then had the opportunity of trying the yohimbe tablets
and the positive results reached 74% among the placebo group. The study
also found that yohimbe had the ability of stimulating the male libido.
529
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology, tested yohimbine on
a group of men who suffered from chronic sexual dysfunction. The improvement
rate for men who had suffered impotence for less than two years was 81%.
They all took a moderate dose of yohimbine for one month. These results
are very encouraging as the improvement was seen quickly. There was also
significant improvement for men who had trouble sustaining an erection.
They reported fuller and more lasting erections.
530 The results for all
the studies have been positive.
Some medical professionals feel that yohimbe should be avoided because of
the possible side effects associated with its use. The use of yohimbe should
be closely watched and monitored for side effects. Yohimbine is thought to
be toxic if ingested in high doses.
531
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