Yohimbe is a supplement that may help treat erectile dysfunction and promote fat loss. However, taking yohimbe supplements carries certain health risks and is not suitable for everyone.

Yohimbe is a popular dietary supplement made from the bark of an African evergreen tree.

It is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. It has also become a growing trend among bodybuilders to help with fat loss. Despite its popularity, there are some risks that you may want to consider before taking this supplement.

This article reviews yohimbe, its potential benefits, and risks.

A note about supplement safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the same way it regulates medications. If you decide to take a vitamin or supplement, it’s best to choose products that have gone through independent third-party testing. This helps verify that the supplements contain what they say they do and in the listed amounts.

In addition, supplements typically contain much higher doses of vitamins and nutrients than are commonly found in food. It’s best to talk with a doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine, as they can cause unintended side effects and may interact with medications.

Read more about how to safely choose supplements.

Yohimbe is an herbal supplement. It has a long history of use in West African traditional medicine to improve sexual performance.

More recently, manufacturers have marketed yohimbe as a dietary supplement with various common uses, from treating medical conditions like erectile dysfunction to aiding in weight loss.

The supplement comes from the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe, an evergreen tree found in western and central Africa.

It is sold in capsule or tablet form and marketed as yohimbe bark extract or yohimbine, the active ingredient in yohimbe bark.

Yohimbe (also called yohimbine) is a popular herbal medicine that has been used in Africa for numerous health conditions, including cough, fever, and heart disease.

In Western countries, yohimbe has been used to treat sexual dysfunction. It has also been found in herbal supplements for weight loss.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH), there hasn’t yet been enough research on the effects of yohimbe to determine its effectiveness for erectile dysfunction or weight loss.

However, research to study the therapeutic potential of yohimbe, such as this study from 2024, is ongoing.

Treating erectile dysfunction

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors play an important role in hindering or preventing erections. Yohimbine is thought to help alleviate erectile dysfunction by stimulating the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors responsible for preventing erections.

A 2021 systematic review of studies found that Yohimbe showed promising results as a natural supplement for erectile dysfunction, particularly when used in conjunction with other treatments.

More research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of Yohimbe supplements for treating erectile dysfunction.

Aiding weight loss

Yohimbe supplements are also marketed as helping with weight loss and improving body composition.

Some animal studies have shown modest weight reductions with yohimbine supplementation, particularly when combined with exercise and dietary modifications.

More research in humans is needed to determine whether Yohimbe can affect weight loss.

Science-backed tips to help you lose weight fast and sustainably

Cutting carbs, eating more protein, lifting weights, and getting more sleep are all evidence-based actions that you can do to promote sustainable weight loss.

Read more about long-term healthy weight loss here.

Yohimbe is available as a prescription drug called yohimbine hydrochloride for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Supplements sold as yohimbe bark extract or yohimbine hydrochloride are also readily available over the counter.

The main concerns with yohimbe as a dietary supplement are inaccurate labeling of the product and potentially serious side effects.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), it is illegal in the United States to sell over-the-counter products that contain yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction without official approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to do so.

Reports of inaccurate labeling

Because dietary supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no guarantee that the product you are getting is exactly what is on the label.

This is highly concerning because it puts you at an increased risk of taking a higher dose of this supplement than you intended, which could lead to harmful side effects.

Adverse effects

Taking these supplements comes with the risk of several potentially dangerous side effects.

The NCCIH states that side effects can include:

People with a history of heart disease and high or low blood pressure should not take yohimbe.

In addition, people with mental health conditions should not take yohimbe as it can interact with certain types of antidepressant medications.

Pregnant people and children under the age of 18 years should also refrain from using yohimbe.

Overall, because of the prevalence of inaccurate labeling and potential side effects, it may be safest to avoid this supplement altogether.

If you do decide to take yohimbe supplements, buy from a reputable company. It’s best to choose products that have gone through independent third-party testing. This helps verify that the supplements contain what they say they do and in the listed amounts.

Erectile dysfunction and weight loss: Next steps

Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that has numerous possible causes. Treatments depend on the underlying cause.

If you have erectile dysfunction, consider talking with a doctor about your treatment options. There are now safer and more effective medications, so doctors prescribe yohimbine hydrochloride less frequently.

You can also talk with a doctor if you’re looking to lose weight. They can provide recommendations and direct you to a nutritionist if needed.

Here are some science-backed tips to help you lose weight fast and sustainably

Yohimbe is a popular herbal supplement purported to help with erectile dysfunction and aid weight loss.

Yohimbine is the main active ingredient in yohimbe supplements, and there is evidence to suggest that it can effectively treat erectile dysfunction. However, more research is needed to determine if it is effective at treating erectile dysfunction and aiding weight loss.

Studies have revealed several cases of inaccurate labeling on yohimbe products. Not to mention, taking this product comes with the risk of some potentially harmful side effects.

Because of these things, it may be safest to avoid this supplement altogether or at least make sure you are purchasing a product from a reputable company.

Talk with a doctor before starting the use of any over-the-counter supplements.