Yohimbe bark has traditionally been used in western Africa as a sexual aphrodisiac, especially in male erectile disorders, reportedly stimulating both erection and salivation. Medicinal use of yohimbe bark reached Europe in the 1890s. The majority of pharmacological data is on one of its isolated constituents, the indole alkaloid yohimbine, rather than on whole bark preparations (Bown, 1995; Duke, 1997; Grasing et al., 1996; Leung and Foster, 1996).  A dressing of the ground bark is applied topically to yaws (an infectious tropical skin disease) and itching skin (Bown, 1995; Budavari, 1996; Duke, 1997).

In Germany, yohimbe bark is the subject of an unapproved monograph in the Commission E due to lack of data and safety concerns. In the United States, yohimbe bark is widely used in numerous aphrodisiac, athletic performance (as an alternative to anabolic steroids) and male sexual performance dietary supplements.

Numerous studies, however, have investigated the actions of the isolated constituent yohimbine; for example, some pharmacokinetic studies have been performed in humans (Grasing et al., 1996; Owen et al., 1987) and human clinical studies have investigated its use for erectile dysfunction or male impotence (Morales et al., 1987; Reid et al., 1987; Riley, 1994). One study indicated that lower doses of yohimbine, given to patients who are fasting or eating a low-fat diet, may be more effective (Grasing et al., 1996).

There are a few studies showing that yohimbine is effective for some impotence, especially of vascular, diabetic, or psychogenic origins. It can improve the quality and staying power of erections, usually without increasing sexual excitement. The Commission E noted side effects, however, including dizziness, nervousness, and anxiety. To determine its therapeutic efficacy and evaluate the safety of yohimbine in regard to its specific use for erectile dysfunction, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was conducted (Ernst and Pittler, 1998).

WARNING: Therapeutic administration of yohimbine can cause nervous excitation, tremor, sleeplessness, anxiety, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, nausea and vomiting.  In case of existing liver and kidney diseases, yohimbe preparations should not be used.  Interactions with psychopharmacological herbs have been reported.  Do not use if you have chronic inflammation of the sexual organ or prostate gland or if taking MAO-inhibitors. Not recommended for excessive or long term use.