Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Yohimbe bark contains yohimbine hydrochloride, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist that increases blood flow and supports sexual function. This West African tree bark also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, potentially enhancing energy and metabolic rate.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Pausinystalia yohimbe is a tree native to West Africa. The bark is harvested and used for its medicinal properties, particularly in enhancing sexual health.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Some studies indicate Yohimbe Bark may improve sexual function, but it is associated with significant side effects. More controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Pausinystalia yohimbe bark is not a significant source of macronutrients or conventional micronutrients, as it is consumed in small quantities as a botanical extract rather than a food. Its profile is dominated by bioactive alkaloids: Yohimbine (primary alkaloid, typically 1-6% of dry bark weight, standardized extracts often 2-15mg yohimbine per dose), corynanthine (alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, approximately 0.5-1% dry weight), allo-yohimbine, and pseudoyohimbine (minor alkaloids, collectively <1% dry weight). Also contains indole alkaloids including ajmalicine and rauwolscine (alpha-yohimbine, ~0.5-1% dry weight), which contribute to adrenergic modulation. Polyphenolic tannins are present at approximately 8-12% dry weight, contributing astringency and mild antioxidant activity. Flavonoids including quercetin and catechins are present in trace amounts (<0.5%). Crude fiber content is approximately 15-20% of dry bark weight, though fiber is not bioavailable in extract form. Protein content is negligible (<2% dry weight). Bioavailability notes: Yohimbine is rapidly absorbed orally with peak plasma concentration at 45-60 minutes; half-life approximately 36 minutes to 2 hours; bioavailability varies significantly between whole bark preparations (inconsistent alkaloid content, FDA studies show 25-150% variance) versus standardized pharmaceutical-grade extracts. Fat-soluble tannins may reduce yohimbine absorption when taken with high-fat meals.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Yohimbine hydrochloride blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, particularly in penile tissue, leading to vasodilation and increased blood flow. This mechanism also stimulates the release of norepinephrine, activating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate. Additionally, yohimbine may influence dopamine and serotonin pathways in the brain.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Several small clinical trials involving 20-86 participants have shown yohimbine's effectiveness for erectile dysfunction, with response rates of 34-73% compared to placebo. Studies on weight loss show modest effects, with 15-20mg daily producing 2-3 kg additional weight loss over 8 weeks. Research on athletic performance and cognitive enhancement remains limited with mixed results. Most studies use standardized yohimbine HCl rather than whole bark extracts.
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