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Yohimbe

Yohimbe is a vasodilator used as a sensual stimulant for healthy men and women and to treat organic impotence. Yohimbe is thought to stimulate the pelvic nerve ganglia and is thus useful for the treatment of erection problems. Effects may include increased libido, increased sensation and increased stamina. For a number of reasons, elevated testosterone levels are associated with sense of enhanced well-being in men. Testosterone levels in men decline with age. Testosterone deficiency has been associated with hip fracture and reduced bone mass in older men. Testosterone replacement therapy has been used to improve the level of this hormone. Total testosterone levels decline with aging, about 0.2% per year in men, and testosterone replacement therapy has been used to improve the status of this hormone. Some phytochemicals found in edible plants have importance in health promotion due to activity which promotes improved fat metabolism. This activity results from support for the action of catecholamine hormones which trigger the release of stored fatty acids from fat cells. A number of botanical preparations have been used to restore erectile function, including ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, yohimbine (Pausinytalia yohimbe), and muira puama (Ptychopetoalum olacoides). Yohimbine is a dietary indole and one of a family of stereoisomers (i.e., yohimbine, corynanthine and rauwolscine) found in extracts from the bark of Pausinystalia yohimbe. This group of compounds posses a number of uses as modulators of catecholamine hormone action. Apart from possible medical uses as an anti-depressant, as a therapy for male impotence, and to promote salivation, an important application of yohimbe alkaloids is as a means of inducing mobilization of stored fat through blocking the action of catecholamines at alpha-adrenergic receptors. Alkaloids are competitive antagonists that are selective for alpha2 -adrenergic receptors. In humans, these compounds have been observed to increase blood pressure and heart rate and has been used in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction. Blocking the alpha2-adrenergic receptors on the surface of fat cells (adipocytes) results in greater influence of competing beta-adrenergic receptors promoting more active breakdown and release of stored triglycerides. This causes the release of non-esterified free fatty acids into the general circulation for use as a metabolic energy source during dieting and exercise. The peripheral action of yohimbe alkaloids combines with a separate central nervous system activity and the subsequent .alpha. adrenergic blocking results in suppression of appetite. Together these actions make Pausinystalia yohimbe alkaloids desirable as compounds to facilitate weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. Yohimbine can be provided in the form of a plant extract containing yohimbine, preferably, yohimbe bark powder or yohimbe bark extract. Yohimbine may also be provided in a free-base form or in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Yohimbine is preferably in the form of yohimbine hydrochloride, yohimbe bark powder or yohimbe bark extract, more preferably yohimbine hydrochloride.

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