PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 29 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Corynanthe yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is an African tree bark used primarily for its alkaloid yohimbine, which is employed in the treatment of erectile dysfunction [PMID:31644013, PMID:8031688].
Background
Pausinystalia yohimbe is an evergreen tree native to Africa [PMID:22402817, PMID:31644013]. Its stem bark is the primary source of the indole alkaloid yohimbine [PMID:22402817, PMID:39684567].
Traditional uses
It has a rich history of use in traditional medicine as a general tonic, an aphrodisiac, and a performance enhancer [PMID:39684567, PMID:39758619].
Active compounds
The major alkaloid is yohimbine [PMID:22402817, PMID:26391406]. Other alkaloids found in the bark include rauwolscine and corynanthine [PMID:26391406].
Mechanism of action
Yohimbine primarily acts as an antagonist of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors [PMID:39684567, PMID:8031688]. Additionally, aqueous extracts have demonstrated endothelin-like actions, causing dose-dependent increases in mean blood pressure and renal medullary vasodilation in rat models [PMID:14735230].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CErectile Dysfunction
Yohimbine appears to have a modest therapeutic benefit over placebo, particularly in psychogenic erectile disorder [PMID:8031688].
Evidence CPhysical Performance
Yohimbe is used to enhance physical performance, though scientific scrutiny with controlled clinical trials is noted as a recent development [PMID:10919969].
Safety & adverse effects
Adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, increased blood pressure, headache, agitation, rash, tachycardia, and frequent urination [PMID:19876857]. Severe events include intractable priapism [PMID:19876857], severe acute intoxication, and death [PMID:33529997]. In animal models (mice), high doses caused decreased male fertility, chromosomal aberrations, and testicular cell depletion [PMID:16763724]. In vitro studies indicate cytotoxicity and profound inhibition of neuronal activity at 50 µg/mL [PMID:38191119].
Drug interactions
Concurrent use of yohimbine with tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of hypertension [PMID:10675182]. Hydroethanolic extracts of yohimbe have been identified as potential modulators of the pregnane X receptor (PXR), which is implicated in herb-drug interactions [PMID:39758619, PMID:36017806].
Evidence summary
The evidence consists primarily of reviews, case reports, and animal/in vitro studies. While there is a historical use for erectile dysfunction with some modest clinical support, significant safety concerns regarding toxicity and drug interactions are highlighted.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 10675182 (2000) — Herb-drug interactions. · Lancet (London, England)
- 2.PMID: 31644013 (2012) — Sexual Performance Anxiety. · Sexual medicine reviews
- 3.PMID: 33277212 (2021) — Botanical Medicine and Natural Products Used for Erectile Dysfunction. · Sexual medicine reviews
- 4.PMID: 39684567 (2024) — Multifaced Nature of Yohimbine-A Promising Therapeutic Potential or a Risk? · International journal of molecular sciences
- 5.PMID: 26498493 (2015) — A review of commercially important African medicinal plants. · Journal of ethnopharmacology