Yohimbine is an alkaloid, and is the primary active ingredient of Yohimbe bark extract. Yohimbe is not the same thing as Yohimbine. Yohimbine works by blocking pre-synaptic alpha-2-adrenergic receptors and is a moderate Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). MAOI’s are used to treat depression by preventing the breakdown of Serotonin and Norepinephrine (Nor-adrenalin) in the brain, increasing their availability. Since MAOI’s let copious amounts of amino acids into parts of the brain that the Monoamine Oxidase enzyme normally would breakdown, the amount of amino acids that you intake should be monitored. Tyramine in particular, an amino acid contained in a variety of foods; like cheese, liver, and most red wines. These foods should be avoided while taking Yohimbine. Consult your dietician if you plan to use Yohimbine for fat loss, so as to avoid any possible unwanted complications and to help speed your fat loss by reducing calories in your daily diet.
Yohimbine also has actions on peripheral blood vessels similar to that of Reserpine, although it is weaker and of shorter duration. Yohimbine's peripheral autonomic nervous system effect is to increase parasympathetic (cholinergic) activity and decrease sympathetic (adrenergic) activity. It should also be noted that in male sexual performance, erection is linked to cholinergic activity and to alpha-2 adrenergic blockade, which may cause an increased penile influx of blood, and a decreased penile blood outflow or both. Which is part of the reason why Yohimbine has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac and to prevent impotency. Yohimbine exerts a stimulating action on the mood and may increase anxiety as well. Such actions have not been adequately studied or related to dosage although they appear to require high doses of the drug. Yohimbine has a mild anti-diuretic action, probably via stimulation of hypothalamic centers and release of posterior pituitary hormone, but not much is known about the pathway this works through.
Yohimbine readily penetrates the Central Nervous System and produces a complex pattern of responses in lower doses than those required to produce peripheral alpha-adrenergic blockade. These include, anti-diuresis, central nervous system excitation including elevation of blood pressure and heart rate, increased motor activity, nervousness, irritability and tremor. Sweating, nausea and vomiting are less common after oral administration of the drug, but can become a problem with increasing dosages. Also, dizziness, headache and skin flushing are commonly reported when used orally. For these reasons, Yohimbine should be used with caution along with supplements such as Caffeine and/or Ephedrine and other stimulants. For your own safety, blood pressure and heat rate should be monitored while using Yohimbine in conjunction with drugs similar to these or others known to increase blood pressure and heart rate. But as always, you should consult your physician before using Yohimbine.
This drug is not proposed for use in females during pregnancy. Neither is this drug proposed for use in pediatric, geriatric or cardio-renal patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer history. Nor should it be used in conjunction with mood-modifying drugs such as other MAO Inhibitors, antidepressants, or in psychiatric patients in general. Consult your physician before using Yohimbine.
Yohimbine’s popularity has grown not only because of its claimed effects as an aphrodisiac and hallucinogen (in higher doses,) but also because new research has shown that it may have effective antioxidant potential. Scientific research supports its claims to aid in vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the extremities and appendages of the body. So it is an effective treatment against male impotence, as well as increasing the sex drive in both men and in women.
In addition, Yohimbe has also been shown to help prevent arteries from becoming blocked or clogged and may reduce the risk of myocardial dysfunction and/or strokes. Not only does Yohimbe help men with sexual performance, increase libido, and help prevent heart attacks, but Yohimbe also has been shown to decrease fat synthesis in the body by increasing fatty acid mobilization. This is where most of you will find interest.
A little physiology is required to explain the mechanisms through which Yohimbine functions to elicit fat loss. There are two types of adrenergic receptors, they are the alpha and beta receptors. Depending upon which receptors are activated, lipolysis is either stimulated or inhibited. The best-known adrenoreceptors to most of us in the know about fat loss drugs are the beta receptors. Which are divided into subtypes 1, 2, and 3. It is through these receptors that the well-known fat loss supplements such as the ECA stack and Clenbuterol exert their effects. Activation of the alpha 2 receptor inhibits the release of Norepinephrine. So by binding to the alpha 2 receptor in essence Norepinephrine acts as its own negative feedback signal. So through negative feedback Norepinephrine shuts down its own release. Which is less than ideal in terms of fat loss. Yohimbine is a selective alpha 2 antagonist so it can short circuit the negative feedback loop, which maximizes Norepinephrine levels, in turn maximizing fat loss.
Scientific studies have shown that the ideal dosing for Yohimbine is around .2mg/kg. To figure out your ideal dose, simply do the math. Studies using doses below .2mg/kg have produced less favorable results. At this dose, little to no side effects have been reported. Another important thing to note is that insulin reduces the lipolytic effects of Yohimbine, so Yohimbine should ideally be used on a low-carb diet, or at least first thing in the morning on an empty stomach followed by your morning cardio.
I myself would start around 2-3mg’s. And increase the dosage as needed. I personally can go up to 15-20mg’s each day, but I have a high tolerance to most drugs and stimulants. Reactions will vary a lot from person to person. Some people report using up to 30-40 mg each day, while others using 2.5 mg each day can give them unbearable side effects. It’s safest to simply increase the dose gradually. I personally wouldn't recommend going beyond 20 mg each day, even if you don’t think it’s working like you want it to.
In short, Yohimbine is a very effective fat mobilizer, which in conjunction with other drugs/supplements can have profound effects on lipolysis. While combinations with Ephedrine and Caffeine have been shown to be extremely effective for fat loss, in some they can also be very dangerous. Namely those with high blood pressure, because Yohimbine along with stimulants can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Once again, for your own safety consult your physician before beginning a supplementation routine including Yohimbine.
