Even before there was a practice of medicine, people noticed the effects of herbs that they might consume. Did it cause diarrhea? Perhaps, they reasoned, it might be good as a purge. If the man consuming the herb got an erection, people might assume that it would be helpful for sex. It’s a pretty reasonable assumption, even if it didn’t always hold up. That seems to be how the African tree Pausinystalia johimbe got its reputation as an aphrodisiac. It isn’t actually, but it can sometimes lead to an erection. Once scientists developed pharmaceuticals that could produce the same effect–often more reliably–few people felt they needed to turn to yohimbe, as it is called. But some people prefer natural products, and others may anticipate a bargain. One reader got results he hadn’t bargained on.
Is Yohimbe Safe?
Q. Several months ago I tried using a product that contained yohimbe. I foolishly assumed it was safe because it was herbal.
After taking a couple of capsules, my heart rate and blood pressure skyrocketed dangerously. I had to see my cardiologist on an emergency visit. He prescribed medication that normalized my heart rate and blood pressure.
I thought using a natural herbal product would save me money and be better. Instead, I jeopardized my health. From now on, I’ll be taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction when I need it.
A. Yohimbe comes from the bark of an evergreen tree (Pausinystalia johimbe) native to West Africa. It has long had a reputation for counteracting erectile dysfunction. However, yohimbe can increase heart rate and blood pressure, as you discovered yourself. It may also cause anxiety and stomach problems. Most worrisome, it has the potential to interact dangerously with a number of medications (ACS Omega, Dec. 2024). Your conclusion that not all natural products are safe is worth remembering.
Learning About Yohimbine and its Side Effects:
Q. What’s the scoop on yohimbine for impotence? I’ve read that it has no serious side effects–though it may not work in humans. But I’ve also heard that there may be side effects. What is right?
I have a healthy libido, but I have recurring problems in achieving or maintaining an erection.
A. Yohimbine is a pharmaceutical derived from the natural product yohimbe. Most of the clinical research on yohimbine was done before Viagra, Levitra and Cialis became popular. It was found to be helpful for some men with erectile dysfunction (International Journal of Impotence Research, Feb., 2002). The medicine used in such studies is available by prescription under the brand name Yocon.
Yocon has well-recognized side effects, including elevated blood pressure, nervousness, nausea and vomiting, urinary retention and rapid heart rate. A new analysis of reports to the California Poison Control System noted an increase in problems between 2000 and 2006 (Annals of Pharmacotherapy, June, 2010). The majority of these reports involved herbal products. The most common problems included digestive distress, rapid heartbeat, anxiety and hypertension.
Before taking an herbal yohimbine product, you should discuss your situation with your doctor. This herb is best used under medical supervision.
Citations
- Annam SCVAR et al, "A combined approach for rapid dereplication of herb-drug interaction causative agents in botanical extracts-A molecular networking strategy to identify potential Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) modulators in yohimbe." ACS Omega, Dec. 2024. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c08293
