Yohimbine C

Dangerous: panic attacks, hypertension, prohibited in sport. Data are scarce

OverratedFat loss Recompositionthere are certified formsnote: doping control

Citable fact

«Yohimbine» — evidence level C. Dosage: The studies used doses of 0.2 mg per kg of body weight (about 15 mg for a 75 kg person). Higher doses sharply increase the risk of side effects and give no proportionally greater effect. Source: PMID 18500382, permanent link to the source in the list below.

How it works

Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid from yohimbe bark, an antagonist of presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. By blocking these receptors, it increases the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic endings. Norepinephrine acts on beta-adrenergic receptors of adipose tissue and enhances lipolysis, so yohimbine is considered an agent for mobilizing fat, especially in “stubborn” areas with dense alpha-2 innervation. At the same time, an excess of norepinephrine produces a pronounced sympathomimetic reaction — hence the cardiac and psychiatric risks.

Dosage and intake

Dosage

The studies used doses of 0.2 mg per kg of body weight (about 15 mg for a 75 kg person). Higher doses sharply increase the risk of side effects and give no proportionally greater effect

When to take

Regimens with intake on an empty stomach before aerobic exercise come from experiments, not from clinical recommendations. Because of the risks, intake is not recommended regardless of timing

Doses are given for adults. For profiles under 18 the app does not show doses, and during pregnancy and lactation the personal calculation is replaced by advice to consult a doctor.

Forms

Capsules with yohimbe bark extract, in which the yohimbine content often does not match the label. It is sold as a supplement, although in its action it is close to prescription drugs

What is confirmed

Increases norepinephrine release and theoretically enhances lipolysis
It has been studied in research on adipose tissue and sympathetic regulation
In medicine it was used for some forms of autonomic dysfunction

Adverse effects and limitations

Pronounced sympathomimetic reactions: panic attacks, anxiety, tremor, hypertension, tachycardia; myocardial infarction, hypertensive crisis and pulmonary edema have been described
Prohibited in sports: it is in the stimulant class of the WADA prohibited list and is detected in doping control
Dangerous interactions with tyramine contained in cheese, wine and smoked foods, and with antidepressants
The evidence base for reducing fat mass in humans is weak and not confirmed by quality studies; the substance content in supplements often does not match the label

Interactions

With MAO inhibitors and dietary tyramine — risk of hypertensive crisis
With antidepressants, especially SSRIs and tricyclics — increased anxiety and cardiovascular effects
With caffeine, other stimulants and antihypertensive drugs — additive stress on the heart and weakened effect

Who must not use it

Under 18 years: Contraindicated
Pregnancy and lactation: Contraindicated: a risk to the fetus and uterine contractions has been described
Hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias — contraindicated
Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, PTSD — contraindicated
Use of antidepressants or MAO inhibitors — contraindicated
Kidney and liver diseases — contraindicated
Athletes undergoing doping control — prohibited

Sources

Open in the app

This page holds reference data with links to studies. In the app you can calculate calories and macros for your goal, build a personal supplement stack and review weekly training volume.

Open «Yohimbine» in the app