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Yohimbe and Male Impotence - Can Yohimbe Enhance Performance?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated July 16, 2007

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Yohimbe is a tree. Its bark contains a chemical called yohimbine, which has been used to treat male sexual impotence, female hyposexual disorder, and to boost blood pressure. However, these treatments are based on the use of a standardized prescription version of yohimbine. Very little evidence exists about the yohimbe bark extract available in stores.

Impotence and Yohimbe

In its standardized, prescription form, yohimbe bark extract has been used to treat male impotence caused as a side effect of taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), drugs used in treating some forms of depression. The active chemical in the prescription form is available in very limited quantities in the commercially available yohimbe bark extract. There is a tradition of using the extract to treat male erectile dysfunction, but evidence to support this use is lacking.

Yohimbe and Aging

Yohimbe is becoming popular to counteract erectile dysfunction and other male aging-related sexual problems. So far, there is not much evidence to show that yohimbe works. Older men can improve sexual functioning by following basic tips instead of resorting to untested supplements.

Other Uses of Yohimbe

Yohimbe has been reported to help in the treatment of other conditions, too, such as dry mouth, decreased female libido, low blood pressure (hypotension), and platelet aggregation. There is, however, no clear scientific evidence that supports claims of yohimbe’s effectiveness. If you are considering using yohimbe for these conditions, you should reconsider and talk to a doctor.

Sources:

MedlinePlus Drug Information. Yohimbe

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