Effects of Yohimbe Bark

The part of the plant that they believed to be beneficial was the bark. Historically, the bark was believed to support the treatment of fevers and coughs. Other records indicate it was possibly used in hopes of supporting heart health, and as a local anesthetic.

Recently there is concern that it may actually be bad for the heart and may raise blood pressure.

So is it good for you or bad for you? The jury is still out. There is a controversy going on right now over this tree bark. Be advised that we cannot recommend this product until further studies demonstrate proof of possible benefits and dangers.

The current interest in this plant comes from folklore history which details the as yet unproven effects of yohimbe bark in possibly assisting in improving the libido in vitality and desire.

Modern day science has studied the effects of yohimbe bark extract and has yet to find any real proof it has any effect at all as a sexual supplement. Some advertisers claim it was listed as thus in the Physician's Desk Reference, however further scientific study is needed to prove or disprpove these claims.

On the other hand, the FTC says that "yohimbine" may raise blood pressure and interact adversely with certain medications. They advise against using it.

Yohimbe bark is thought to possibly have effects upon both the male and female reproductive, nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems. For this reason, yohimbe is usually labeled with warnings that caution people to be careful and consult a doctor before taking this powerful plant.

The chemical makeup of yohimbe bark includes indole alkaloid (plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots) and tannins (any of various complex phenolic substances of plant origin; used in tanning and in medicine).

The alkaloid yohimbine, may possibly support expansion of the blood vessels in the skin, cells, and extremities of the body. Pharmaceutical companies have separated this compound and are able to synthesize it for use in possible treatment of impotence. It is under further study at this time but no medical claims have been substantiated that we are aware of.

Yohimbine is believed to possibly act as a adreno-receptor blocker, which may reduce the effect of hormones that induce the constriction of blood vessels that normally increase as we age.

At the same time, this plant may step up the body's production of norepinephrine, while increasing adrenaline output to nerve endings which could, in theory, possibly enhance physical stimulation.

Although Yohimbe bark extract has been reportedly used as an herb to promote weight loss, it is still under study and that claim is also as yet unproven. Some companies that promote yohimbine for this purpose have been the subject of civil complaints alleging deceptive advertising. Let the buyer beware.

Historically, this extract has been used as a poultice (medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc.) for pain relief and as an analgesic so that minor surgeries could be performed.

More medical studies are needed to find out if yohimbe bark poses health dangers.

In the meantime, exercise extreme caution and consult a healthcare professional before taking anything that contains this controversial bark. The effects of yohimbe bark extract might possibly make it both a beneficial herb and a dangerous plant to use with extreme caution.

We at Quality-Nutritional-Supplements offer a consumer's guide to supplements and our motto is "when in doubt - don't." We have doubts about the safety of Yohimbe bark so we do not use it ourselves and do not recommend it to anyone else. We believe it is better to be safe than sorry so we avoid Yohimbe for this reason.

A better alternative for support of weight loss may be bee pollen. This is a natural food that gives the body extra energy and stamina. One very good bee pollen product is made by Xtend-Life of New Zealand.