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Yohimbine: nature's viagra

April 8th, 2004
By now, most Americans have learned far more than they ever wanted to about the celebrity drug Viagra. In most cases, it manages to live up to its glowing reputation, relieving the symptoms of erectile dysfunction in the majority of men who take it.
While Viagra is undoubtedly effective, it isn't right for everyone. It may not be suitable for men taking certain medications for the treatment of prostatic enlargement. Viagra is usually considered to be totally off limits for men who take drugs belonging to the nitrate family, used primarily in the treatment of heart disease. The combination of the two drugs can cause blood pressure to drop, often to unsafe or even life-threatening levels.
Men who receive a prescription for Viagra--and their doctor's blessing to take it--still aren't home free. For some men, Viagra just doesn't seem to be all that effective. For others, the drug may produce intolerable side effects. Headaches, nasal congestion, and visual changes are just a few of the unwelcome conditions that can accompany the use of Viagra.
Fortunately, Viagra isn't the only drug capable of temporarily restoring sexual function in men. For those who can't take Viagra, or find that it doesn't work well for them, there are a few other options available.
One notable Viagra-alternative is a natural substance called yohimbe. Of all the herbal remedies touted for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, yohimbe is undoubtedly the most popular, and possibly the most effective.
Yohimbe is derived from the bark of a tree native to the tropical areas of West Africa. For centuries, inhabitants of the region have used the herb to enhance male virility and sexual prowess. Traditionally, West African healers used the inner layers of bark from the yohimbe tree to brew a ceremonial tea.
Since its discovery, yohimbe has enjoyed a colorful reputation as a natural aphrodisiac. In an effort to intensify its effects, the herb has been has been eaten, smoked, and rubbed directly onto the body.
In the early 1980s, the legendary powers of yohimbe sparked the interest of doctors and scientists. With the goal of discovering the mechanism behind the magic, a group of researchers set out to study the herb. They eventually succeeded in identifying its active ingredient, a compound now known as yohimbine hydrochloride.
Although it was initially speculated that the compound worked by boosting testosterone levels in men, this doesn't seem to be the case. Yohimbine hydrochloride is thought to work in a much more direct manner, simply by increasing the flow of blood to the genital area.
Following a clinical trial conducted by researchers at Queen's University Medical School in Canada, yohimbine gained the respect of the medical community. The results of the study revealed that yohimbine hydrochloride successfully restored erectile function in an impressive 44 percent of men with diabetes and heart disease.
Studies like these resulted in the development of several prescription drugs made from yohimbine hydrochloride, now marketed under various brand names, including Yocon, Yohimex, and Aphrodyne. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved these types of drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men.
Prior to the introduction of Viagra, these drugs were widely prescribed by physicians. In fact, they were the only FDA-approved medications available for treating the disorder.
Even in the era of modern medicine, and in spite of the advent of more sophisticated drugs, the use of yohimbe remains widespread. Natural yohimbe products are available without a prescription at most health food stores. The herb can be found in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, and tinctures.
Just because yohimbe is available over the counter doesn't mean that taking it is entirely risk free. If you decide to give the herb a trial run, it's a good idea to discuss it with your doctor ahead of time. Long term use of the herb has been reported to increase blood pressure and heart rate. Yohimbe should be used with caution, especially if you have hypertension or any other form of cardiovascular disease. Other side effects of the herb include nausea, headache, anxiety, and flushing.
Your doctor may be more comfortable providing you with a prescription for an FDA-approved yohimbine drug, which provides a standard dose with every pill. Since the amount of active ingredient in natural products can vary greatly, you run the risk of getting either too much or too little when you take them.
Yohimbine doesn't work for every man, but for some, it's a natural, effective alternative to Viagra.