used as either an aphrodisiac or for the treatment of male impotence (1,2)
"...compared with placebo Yohimbine may be more effective at improving self-reported sexual function and penile rigidity at 2 to 10 weeks ( very low-quality evidence).."(2)
adverse effects (2,3):
review (3) reported that adverse effects were generally minor and reversible, and included agitation, anxiety, headache, mild increase in blood pressure, increased urinary output, and gastrointestinal upset
Yohimbine was associated with a higher proportion of adverse events compared with placebo (10-30% with yohimbine v 5-16% with placebo; significance assessment not performed)
two men withdrew from the subsequent crossover RCT because of a hypertensive crisis in one and severe palpitations in the other (2)
yohimbe has central alpha adrenoceptor actions which can cause tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, hypertension and chest pain (1)
can reduce the effectiveness of CNS acting anti-hypertensives including methyldopa and clonidine through its effects on central alpha2 receptors (1)
Reference:
British Heart Foundation (9/2003). Herbs and the Heart.
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