Dry mouth (xerostomia) Studies report that yohimbine is able to increase saliva in animals and in humans. Based on these few studies, yohimbine has been used for the treatment of dry mouth caused by medications, such as antidepressants. However, yohimbe bark extract may not contain significant amounts of yohimbine, and therefore may not have these effects. More research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

C

Erectile dysfunction (male impotence) Yohimbine hydrochloride is a prescription drug that has been shown in multiple human trials to effectively treat male impotence. Although yohimbine is present in yohimbe bark extract, levels are variable and often very low. Therefore, although yohimbe bark has been used traditionally to reduce male erectile dysfunction, there is not enough scientific evidence to form a firm conclusion in this area.

C

Inhibition of platelet aggregation Pre-clinical studies report that yohimbine alkaloid, isolated from yohimbe bark, may inhibit platelet aggregation. Research in humans is limited, and more research is necessary in this area.

C

Libido (women) Yohimbine has been proposed to increase female libido (sexual interest). There is only limited poor-quality research in this area, and more study is needed before a recommendation can be made.

C

Nervous system dysfunction (autonomic failure) It is theorized that yohimbine may improve orthostatic hypotension (lowering of blood pressure with standing) or other symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, yohimbe bark extract may not contain significant amounts of yohimbine, and therefore may not have these proposed effects. More research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

C

Sexual side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants Yohimbine hydrochloride, a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States, has been suggested to treat sexual dysfunction due to SSRI antidepressants. However, research in this area is limited, and more study is needed before a recommendation can be made. In addition, yohimbe bark extract may not contain significant amounts of yohimbine, and therefore may not have these proposed effects.

C