Yohimbine (Yohimban Alkaloid · Alpha-2 Antagonist · Fat Loss)

Compound	Yohimbine
Chemical class	Alkaloid — Indole (Yohimban; Corynane-type)
CAS	146-48-5
Primary source	Pausinystalia johimbe (yohimbe bark, Central/West Africa)
Key applications	Alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, fat loss, erectile function, athletic performance
Claim strength	Moderate
Typical form	Yohimbe bark extract (standardised to yohimbine HCl); yohimbine HCl isolate
Buy from Herbuno	Yohimbe Extract Powder - Pausinystalia johimbe → Yohimbe Bark Liquid Extract (Water Soluble) - Pausinystalia johimbe →

Commercial source: Yohimbine is commercially available as a standardised constituent of Pausinystalia johimbe bark extract in both dry powder and water-soluble liquid formats. See sourcing options below. Traditional use: Yohimbe bark has been used in West and Central African traditional medicine as an aphrodisiac, stimulant, and treatment for erectile dysfunction for centuries. It was adopted into Western botanical medicine in the late 19th century and became one of the first botanical compounds with pharmaceutical drug approval for erectile dysfunction in several countries. Research trajectory: Yohimbine is the most pharmacologically studied yohimban alkaloid, with a well-characterised mechanism as a selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist. This mechanism blocks presynaptic noradrenaline reuptake inhibition, increasing sympathetic nervous system activity, which translates to vasodilation (erectile function), fat mobilisation (adipose alpha-2 receptor blockade), and stimulant effects. Multiple human studies support fat loss and erectile function applications. See sourcing options below.

---

Evidence for Yohimbine Applications

Fat loss and body composition: Yohimbine inhibits alpha-2 adrenergic receptors on adipocytes, releasing the alpha-2-mediated brake on lipolysis and increasing fatty acid mobilisation from stubborn fat depots (particularly lower body fat in women, abdominal fat in men where alpha-2 receptor density is higher). Human RCTs demonstrate significant body fat reduction versus placebo at 20 mg/day yohimbine over 3 weeks, particularly effective in trained athletes in a fasted state. Claim strength: Moderate.

Erectile function: Yohimbine’s alpha-2 antagonism in penile vascular tissue promotes vasodilation and improved erectile response. A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs confirmed yohimbine is superior to placebo for erectile dysfunction. Effect size is modest compared to PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil) but significant versus placebo. Claim strength: Moderate.

Athletic performance and sympathomimetic: Yohimbine increases plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline, producing stimulant effects (increased heart rate, alertness, exercise performance) comparable to moderate caffeine. Useful in pre-workout formulations. Requires careful dose management due to cardiovascular effects at higher doses. Claim strength: Moderate.

---

Dosage & Formulator Specification

Human clinical dose: 5–20 mg/day yohimbine HCl, typically in 2–3 divided doses. The fat loss RCT used 20 mg/day; erectile dysfunction studies used 5–10 mg three times daily. For pre-workout applications, 2.5–5 mg per serving as a single pre-training dose is a practical range.

Specify yohimbine content (as yohimbine HCl) by HPLC for any yohimbe bark extract — crude extract alkaloid content varies enormously (0.1–15% yohimbine by weight depending on species, plant part, and processing). Herbuno’s Yohimbe Extract Powder and Bark Liquid Extract should be requested with yohimbine HCl content confirmation by HPLC.

Safety and regulatory note: Yohimbine is a cardiovascular stimulant with a narrow therapeutic window. Adverse effects include hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, and panic attacks, particularly at doses above 20 mg. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorders, or on MAOIs/antidepressants. Several markets (Canada, UK, some EU states) restrict yohimbine content in supplements. Verify current regulatory status in your target market before formulating. Include comprehensive cardiovascular advisory language on all yohimbine-containing products.

---

Frequently Asked Questions — Yohimbine

Is yohimbine the only active alkaloid in yohimbe bark?
No — yohimbe bark contains over 30 alkaloids including yohimbine (the primary active, ~15% of total alkaloids), corynanthine, rauwolscine (alpha-yohimbine), and others. Yohimbine is the most pharmacologically potent alpha-2 antagonist in the complex. Whole yohimbe bark extract delivers the full alkaloid complement; isolated yohimbine HCl provides standardised dose control. The two approaches serve different formulation intents.

What is the difference between yohimbine and alpha-yohimbine (rauwolscine)?
Rauwolscine (alpha-yohimbine) is an epimer of yohimbine — same molecular formula but different stereochemistry at C-3. Rauwolscine has approximately 3–5-fold higher alpha-2 adrenoceptor binding affinity than yohimbine, making it pharmacologically more potent on a per-milligram basis. Many sports nutrition products labelled “alpha-yohimbine” or “rauwolscine” use 1–3 mg doses versus 5–20 mg yohimbine doses for comparable physiological effect.

Can yohimbine be used safely in stimulant pre-workout formulations?
At doses of 2.5–5 mg per serving alongside caffeine, yohimbine can be included in pre-workout formulations for healthy adults without cardiovascular conditions. The combination of yohimbine (alpha-2 antagonism) + caffeine (adenosine antagonism + noradrenaline release) produces synergistic sympathomimetic effects. Include comprehensive contraindication advisory language; do not recommend for individuals with hypertension, heart conditions, anxiety disorders, or those on prescription cardiovascular or psychiatric medications.

Is yohimbe bark extract with 8% yohimbine the same as 8 mg yohimbine per 100 mg extract?
Approximately yes — if a yohimbe bark extract is standardised to 8% yohimbine, then 100 mg extract contains approximately 8 mg yohimbine (as the free base or HCl salt, which are essentially equivalent for dosing purposes given similar molecular weights). Always verify standardisation is expressed as yohimbine HCl and confirmed by HPLC, not as crude alkaloids or total indole alkaloids, which include non-yohimbine alkaloids in the count.

---

Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.

← HerbIQ Compound Index · HerbIQ P02: Extraction · HerbIQ P03: Delivery