GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Yohimbine is a pharmaceutical preparation
derived from the bark of a tree, called the Corynanthe yohimbine, which has been useful in the
treatment of impotence. Yohimbine acts upon the alpha
2 adrenergic nerve cells and blocks their receptiveness to
neurotransmitter activity. It is theorized that inhibition
of these cells increases the blood flow through the penis, while at the same time reducing the flow
of blood from the penis. Furthermore, yohimbine increases
blood levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine,
one of the body’s own prosexual chemicals affecting the hypothalamus. Yohimbine may also
increase levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that
has an effect on male erection response.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
The anti-aging benefits of yohimbine are purported
to be the improvement of strength, duration and response of male erection, libido
enhancement and improved sexual performance.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Yohimbine is likely to be more sensitive in the
elderly, where it can lead to over stimulation to the point of nervousness and anxiety. Other side
effects may include nausea, vomiting, increased blood
pressure, tremors, dizziness and headaches. Patients with
inflammatory disease of the urogenital tract, known or suspected prostate or mammary cancer,
hypercalciuria, hypercalcemia, nephritic syndrome, ischemic
heart disease, untreated congestive heart failure, glaucoma,
extrapyramidal disorders and hyperexcitable states should avoid yohimbine. Although not generally
used by women, yohimbine should not be taken during
pregnancy. Yohimbine is classified as a monoamine-oxidase
(MAO) inhibitor, therefore people taking it should avoid foods containing tyramine, for example red wine, cheese,and dark chocolate. It
should also not be taken alongside the amino acids tyrosine
and phenylalanine (many soft drinks contain
phenylalanine).
Yohimbine should not be used by people taking
diet aids or nasal decongestants containing the drug phenylpropanolamine. People with a history
of angina pectoris, mental depression or any other
psychiatric illness, heart disease, high blood pressure, or
impaired kidney function, should consult their doctor before taiking yohimbine.
Distribution:
available in 1mg, 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets under the
trade manes Aphrodyne, Dayto Himbin, Plain Prowess, Yocon and Yohimes.
PHARMACOLOGY: Synonyms:
Hydrochloride; Chlorhydrate de Quebrachin; Corynine
Hydrochloride.
Chemical Name:
hydroxy yohimban-16alphacarboxylate
hydrochloride.
Molecular Formula:
Molecular Weight:
Note:
pharmaceutical preparation derived from the bark of a tree,
called the Corynanthe yohimbine. it should not be
confused with Yohimbe, which although is often the ground down bark of this tree, is not a
pharmaceutical preparation and likely to contain a minute
amount of Yohimbine.
