Yohimbe 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb yohimbe—common 

names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The 

yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that is native to western Africa. The bark of the 

tree contains a chemical called yohimbine. The amount of yohimbine in dietary 

supplements may vary; some yohimbe products have been found to contain 

very little yohimbine. However, a standardized form of yohimbine—yohimbine 

hydrochloride—is available as a prescription medicine that has been studied 

and used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. 

Common Names—yohimbe, yohimbe bark 

Latin Name—Pausinystalia yohimbe 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Yohimbe bark has traditionally been used in Africa as an aphrodisiac (to 

increase sexual desire). 

•	 The herb is currently used for sexual dysfunction, including erectile 

dysfunction in men. 

How It Is Used 

As a dietary supplement, the dried bark of the yohimbe tree is used as a tea and 

taken by mouth. An extract of the bark is also put into capsules and tablets. 

What the Science Says 

It is not known whether yohimbe is effective for any health conditions because 

clinical trials have not been conducted on the bark or its extract.* 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Yohimbe has been associated with high blood pressure, increased heart rate, 

headache, anxiety, dizziness, and sleeplessness. Yohimbe can be dangerous 

if taken in large doses or for long periods of time. 

•	 People should use caution if taking yohimbe with MAO inhibitors or 

medicines for high blood pressure. Yohimbe should not be combined with 

tricyclic antidepressants or phenothiazines (a group of medicines used 

mostly for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia). 

•	 People with kidney problems and people with psychiatric conditions should 

not use yohimbe. 

* Although numerous studies of the prescription medicine yohimbine hydrochloride have been 

conducted, their results cannot be interpreted as evidence for the dietary supplement yohimbe. 
 

 

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•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you 

use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. 

Sources 

Yohimbe bark extract. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on 

February 5, 2007. 

Yohimbe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

February 5, 2007. 

Yohimbe bark. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:429-431. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

•	 What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

•	 Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 


NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute 

for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage 

you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The 

mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D356 

Created February 2007 

Updated June 2008 

*D356*