guardianactual
MuscleChemistry Registered Member
Recently yohimbe, or more accurately, its active ingredient yohimbine, has been the subject of some heated debates among fitness enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. While it was originally considered a flop of a supplement, because it did not increase testosterone levels as first suspected, it had developed a bit of a cult following by some men for its reported ability to increase libido and reverse erectile dysfunction.
</br>
</br> However, some supplement manufacturers have recently claimed that it can also aid in the loss of "stubborn fat." You know; those areas that just won't lean out no matter how hard you diet and exercise. Typically, these areas are located in the midsection of men, and on the glutes and thighs of women.
</br>
</br> With all the claims and hype being thrown around, we asked our own resident supplement expert Dan Gastelu to do a little reading on what the current research says, and shed some light on the subject for us.
</br>
</br> Currently, yohimbe bark is mostly found being used in male aphrodisiac preparations, but some supplement manufacturers have claimed that it can aid fat loss as well. Yohimbe is a small evergreen tree native to Africa, and the scientific name is Pausinystalia yohimbe. Chemically, Yohimbe bark contains a substance called yohimbine, plus additional similar compounds, known as indole alkaloids. Yohimbine is synthesized, and has been used as a drug for many decades. Traditionally, the botanical Yohimbe has been used as a male aphrodisiac to treat men who are impotent. In Western medicine, the drug yohimbine is considered an effective treatment for erectile impotence. However, yohimbine does not work for all men, and certain side effects are associated with its use.
</br>
</br> YOHIMBINE FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION In the 1960's, studies were conducted using a combination drug called Nux Vomica, which contained yohimbine and methyl testosterone. Nux Vomica was found to be effective after 2 to 3 weeks of use in most cases, various side effects were observed (see below). Keep in mind, however, no conclusive studies using the botanical Yohimbe have been published which show the same effects. Researchers E. Ernst and M.H. Pittler recently reviewed several studies concerning the use of the drug yohimbine for erectile dysfunction. They concluded that this drug, on its own, is clinically more effective then placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Using yohimbine seems to increase penile blood flow, and may also increase the amount of a substance called, cGMP, which is needed to stimulate and maintain an erection.
</br>
</br> Serious side effects observed in these short-term studies were infrequent and reversible. Side effects reported using yohimbine include: nervousness, irritability, insomnia, headache, skin flushing, anorexia, nausea, gastric distress, diarrhea, vomiting, palpitations, tachycardia, dysuria, pain, increased blood pressure, dizziness, sweating, weight gain, constipation, and anxiety. Always consult your doctor when using yohimbine-containing products.
</br>
</br> Def good during PCT if u have AAS ED problems. Do not use while taking any medications, or if other medical problems exist, such as; angina pectoris, depression, other psychiatric illness, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver disease. Do not exceed the recommended dosage for Yohimbine, as an overdose could, in extreme cases, result in death. Generally, yohimbine is not recommended for use by females for libido enhancement, and certainly is not to be used during pregnancy. [Note that a group of researchers conducted a study using yohimbine in women with decreased libido, and observed that the yohimbine treatment was not effective in improving their sexual desire.] Keep in mind that the use of Yohimbe can result in the same previously mentioned side effects as taking the drug yohimbine. In addition, it can take 3 to 6 weeks to see improvements in erectile dysfunction. Even when improvements do occur remember, the same results are not experienced by all people. With this in mind, avoid mega-dosing yohimbe supplements with the mistaken expectation of immediate results. Also note that taking the drug yohimbine or yohimbe bark will not increase male testosterone levels. At 20mg ED within a few days I felt the erections similar to test very spontaneous ~ GA
</br>
</br> YOHIMBINE AND WEIGHT LOSS The use of yohimbine for weight loss is inconclusive, and in this author's opinion not to be recommended due to the potential side effects. Some research has been conducted, and some of the key studies will be reviewed below. Keep in mind, though, that just because investigators have conducted research on using the drug yohimbine, does not mean that such studies should automatically be used to endorse the self-prescribed use of this drug.
</br>
</br> Alpha-2 receptors are common in sites of the body that tend to preferentially accumulate fat; abdomen, breasts, buttocks and thighs. When exposed to circulating catecholamines, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine, alpha-2 receptor sites inhibit lipolysis (the release of fatty acids), while the beta receptors stimulate lipolysis. Generally speaking, epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and growth hormone stimulate the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue into the blood stream. Once in the blood stream, fatty acids are usually rapidly oxidized if the fatty acid blood concentration is not elevated from fatty acid input resulting from a meal.
</br>
</br> Generally, when fatty acid blood concentration is high, it favors fat storage, which results from over-eating and inactivity. Although, keeping in mind that fatty acids are always used for energy, it is the balance between the amount of fatty acids ingested versus their use for energy that determines how much ends up stored as fat. Of course, this is a rather simplistic explanation of fatty acid metabolism. There is much more involved in these fat storage/utilization dynamics, and those who want more insight on these dynamics should click on the link below to get more information on ISSA's SPN course book. In that book, I am able to delve into these dynamics in much more detail.
</br>
</br> Hypothetically speaking, blocking the alpha-2 receptors might be useful during weight loss to free up the catecholamines like norepinephrine, making more available to stimulate beta receptor sites, resulting in a higher rate of lipolysis. Also, yohimbine, through its alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist activity, has been shown to increase levels of norepinephrine in the blood stream. Galitzky and coworkers observed during their 14- day study of yohimbine treatment that lipid-mobilizing effects were sustained during this study period. This research collaborated their earlier observations found using yohimbine as a lipid-mobilizing agent, as well as from the research of Lafontan and coworkers.
</br>
</br> IS YOHIMBINE AN EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS AID? Kucio and coworkers conducted research looking for answers to this very question. In their research report, titled, "Does yohimbine act as a slimming drug?" they found an interesting answer. In this study, twenty female obese outpatients were first subject to a 3 week 1,000 Calorie per day diet. After this 3 week period, 10 subjects were given yohimbine and the other 10 were given a placebo for three additional weeks, in addition to the 1000 Calorie per day diet.
</br>
</br> They found that the yohimbine treatment significantly increased weight loss; 3.55 kilograms body weight lost in the yohimbe group versus 2.21 kilograms body weight lost in the placebo group. However, there was not a significant effect on lipolysis observed, nor did treatment with yohimbine delay the gastric emptying rate. Keep in mind that while over two pounds more weight was lost by the yohimbine taking group, there were no measurements of where the weight was lost, body fat or muscle, and that these results were observed in sedentary obese females, eating 1000 Calories per day.
</br>
</br> Also, there are other nutritional aids that can result in greater weight loss, with fewer or no side effects. The researchers concluded that further research is warranted to determine the applicability of using alpha 2-receptor inhibitory drugs as supplementary management in the treatment of obesity. ECY Waluga and coworkers went on to examine what the combined effects of ephedrine, caffeine and yohimbine were on cardiovascular function and rate of weight loss. To do this they divided twenty-seven obese, but otherwise healthy women, into three groups of 9. The first group received only a very low calorie diet (400 Calories per day) and a placebo. The second group received the same diet, and ephedrine and caffeine drug treatment. The third group received the same diet, and ephedrine/caffeine treatment used in group 2, plus yohimbine.
</br>
</br> The treatment lasted for 10 days. At the end of the study the researchers observed a significant reduction in body mass in all groups, with no statistical difference between the groups; Group 1 lost 3.3 kilograms of body weight, group 2 lost 3.5 kilograms of body weight, and group 3 lost 3.4 kilograms of body weight. Although no significant results were seen between the groups, the researchers pointed out that this study was only 10 days long, and that the subjects were on a very low calorie diet, which may have distorted any weight loss effects of the drugs, or was too short to distinguish the real effects reported by other researchers.
</br>
</br> ever, the main aim of the study was to determine adverse effects of the drug treatment on the cardiovascular system, and in fact, the researchers did determine that the inclusion of yohimbine along with the ephedrine and caffeine, did evoke some potentially dangerous changes in the cardiovascular system. They concluded that the addition of yohimbine should be treated with caution, and must be excluded in particular obese individuals with cardiovascular complications. While yohimbine may be useful in losing weight in some clinical settings, it should not be used by non-obese people, that is, over-weight or lean people wanting to get leaner, with the expectation of being safe and effective in promoting greater fat loss results.
</br>
</br> I have used this a few time.. I cation others to not mix caffeine or any stimulants w/ Yohimbine. It really messed up my BP & gave me wicked fast HR! 140BPM RESTING! Solo Yohimbine made me feel like caffeine. I used ECA 4x EW & Yohimbine 3x EW opposite days... ECA M/T/T/F Yohimbine 20mg W/S/S to keep ephedrine in play bc it becomes ineffective for me w/ prolonged use normally a week of ephedrine the it makes me tired. So I use it cardio days only.~GA
</br>
</br> However, some supplement manufacturers have recently claimed that it can also aid in the loss of "stubborn fat." You know; those areas that just won't lean out no matter how hard you diet and exercise. Typically, these areas are located in the midsection of men, and on the glutes and thighs of women.
</br>
</br> With all the claims and hype being thrown around, we asked our own resident supplement expert Dan Gastelu to do a little reading on what the current research says, and shed some light on the subject for us.
</br>
</br> Currently, yohimbe bark is mostly found being used in male aphrodisiac preparations, but some supplement manufacturers have claimed that it can aid fat loss as well. Yohimbe is a small evergreen tree native to Africa, and the scientific name is Pausinystalia yohimbe. Chemically, Yohimbe bark contains a substance called yohimbine, plus additional similar compounds, known as indole alkaloids. Yohimbine is synthesized, and has been used as a drug for many decades. Traditionally, the botanical Yohimbe has been used as a male aphrodisiac to treat men who are impotent. In Western medicine, the drug yohimbine is considered an effective treatment for erectile impotence. However, yohimbine does not work for all men, and certain side effects are associated with its use.
</br>
</br> YOHIMBINE FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION In the 1960's, studies were conducted using a combination drug called Nux Vomica, which contained yohimbine and methyl testosterone. Nux Vomica was found to be effective after 2 to 3 weeks of use in most cases, various side effects were observed (see below). Keep in mind, however, no conclusive studies using the botanical Yohimbe have been published which show the same effects. Researchers E. Ernst and M.H. Pittler recently reviewed several studies concerning the use of the drug yohimbine for erectile dysfunction. They concluded that this drug, on its own, is clinically more effective then placebo in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Using yohimbine seems to increase penile blood flow, and may also increase the amount of a substance called, cGMP, which is needed to stimulate and maintain an erection.
</br>
</br> Serious side effects observed in these short-term studies were infrequent and reversible. Side effects reported using yohimbine include: nervousness, irritability, insomnia, headache, skin flushing, anorexia, nausea, gastric distress, diarrhea, vomiting, palpitations, tachycardia, dysuria, pain, increased blood pressure, dizziness, sweating, weight gain, constipation, and anxiety. Always consult your doctor when using yohimbine-containing products.
</br>
</br> Def good during PCT if u have AAS ED problems. Do not use while taking any medications, or if other medical problems exist, such as; angina pectoris, depression, other psychiatric illness, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver disease. Do not exceed the recommended dosage for Yohimbine, as an overdose could, in extreme cases, result in death. Generally, yohimbine is not recommended for use by females for libido enhancement, and certainly is not to be used during pregnancy. [Note that a group of researchers conducted a study using yohimbine in women with decreased libido, and observed that the yohimbine treatment was not effective in improving their sexual desire.] Keep in mind that the use of Yohimbe can result in the same previously mentioned side effects as taking the drug yohimbine. In addition, it can take 3 to 6 weeks to see improvements in erectile dysfunction. Even when improvements do occur remember, the same results are not experienced by all people. With this in mind, avoid mega-dosing yohimbe supplements with the mistaken expectation of immediate results. Also note that taking the drug yohimbine or yohimbe bark will not increase male testosterone levels. At 20mg ED within a few days I felt the erections similar to test very spontaneous ~ GA
</br>
</br> YOHIMBINE AND WEIGHT LOSS The use of yohimbine for weight loss is inconclusive, and in this author's opinion not to be recommended due to the potential side effects. Some research has been conducted, and some of the key studies will be reviewed below. Keep in mind, though, that just because investigators have conducted research on using the drug yohimbine, does not mean that such studies should automatically be used to endorse the self-prescribed use of this drug.
</br>
</br> Alpha-2 receptors are common in sites of the body that tend to preferentially accumulate fat; abdomen, breasts, buttocks and thighs. When exposed to circulating catecholamines, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine, alpha-2 receptor sites inhibit lipolysis (the release of fatty acids), while the beta receptors stimulate lipolysis. Generally speaking, epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucagon, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and growth hormone stimulate the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue into the blood stream. Once in the blood stream, fatty acids are usually rapidly oxidized if the fatty acid blood concentration is not elevated from fatty acid input resulting from a meal.
</br>
</br> Generally, when fatty acid blood concentration is high, it favors fat storage, which results from over-eating and inactivity. Although, keeping in mind that fatty acids are always used for energy, it is the balance between the amount of fatty acids ingested versus their use for energy that determines how much ends up stored as fat. Of course, this is a rather simplistic explanation of fatty acid metabolism. There is much more involved in these fat storage/utilization dynamics, and those who want more insight on these dynamics should click on the link below to get more information on ISSA's SPN course book. In that book, I am able to delve into these dynamics in much more detail.
</br>
</br> Hypothetically speaking, blocking the alpha-2 receptors might be useful during weight loss to free up the catecholamines like norepinephrine, making more available to stimulate beta receptor sites, resulting in a higher rate of lipolysis. Also, yohimbine, through its alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist activity, has been shown to increase levels of norepinephrine in the blood stream. Galitzky and coworkers observed during their 14- day study of yohimbine treatment that lipid-mobilizing effects were sustained during this study period. This research collaborated their earlier observations found using yohimbine as a lipid-mobilizing agent, as well as from the research of Lafontan and coworkers.
</br>
</br> IS YOHIMBINE AN EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS AID? Kucio and coworkers conducted research looking for answers to this very question. In their research report, titled, "Does yohimbine act as a slimming drug?" they found an interesting answer. In this study, twenty female obese outpatients were first subject to a 3 week 1,000 Calorie per day diet. After this 3 week period, 10 subjects were given yohimbine and the other 10 were given a placebo for three additional weeks, in addition to the 1000 Calorie per day diet.
</br>
</br> They found that the yohimbine treatment significantly increased weight loss; 3.55 kilograms body weight lost in the yohimbe group versus 2.21 kilograms body weight lost in the placebo group. However, there was not a significant effect on lipolysis observed, nor did treatment with yohimbine delay the gastric emptying rate. Keep in mind that while over two pounds more weight was lost by the yohimbine taking group, there were no measurements of where the weight was lost, body fat or muscle, and that these results were observed in sedentary obese females, eating 1000 Calories per day.
</br>
</br> Also, there are other nutritional aids that can result in greater weight loss, with fewer or no side effects. The researchers concluded that further research is warranted to determine the applicability of using alpha 2-receptor inhibitory drugs as supplementary management in the treatment of obesity. ECY Waluga and coworkers went on to examine what the combined effects of ephedrine, caffeine and yohimbine were on cardiovascular function and rate of weight loss. To do this they divided twenty-seven obese, but otherwise healthy women, into three groups of 9. The first group received only a very low calorie diet (400 Calories per day) and a placebo. The second group received the same diet, and ephedrine and caffeine drug treatment. The third group received the same diet, and ephedrine/caffeine treatment used in group 2, plus yohimbine.
</br>
</br> The treatment lasted for 10 days. At the end of the study the researchers observed a significant reduction in body mass in all groups, with no statistical difference between the groups; Group 1 lost 3.3 kilograms of body weight, group 2 lost 3.5 kilograms of body weight, and group 3 lost 3.4 kilograms of body weight. Although no significant results were seen between the groups, the researchers pointed out that this study was only 10 days long, and that the subjects were on a very low calorie diet, which may have distorted any weight loss effects of the drugs, or was too short to distinguish the real effects reported by other researchers.
</br>
</br> ever, the main aim of the study was to determine adverse effects of the drug treatment on the cardiovascular system, and in fact, the researchers did determine that the inclusion of yohimbine along with the ephedrine and caffeine, did evoke some potentially dangerous changes in the cardiovascular system. They concluded that the addition of yohimbine should be treated with caution, and must be excluded in particular obese individuals with cardiovascular complications. While yohimbine may be useful in losing weight in some clinical settings, it should not be used by non-obese people, that is, over-weight or lean people wanting to get leaner, with the expectation of being safe and effective in promoting greater fat loss results.
</br>
</br> I have used this a few time.. I cation others to not mix caffeine or any stimulants w/ Yohimbine. It really messed up my BP & gave me wicked fast HR! 140BPM RESTING! Solo Yohimbine made me feel like caffeine. I used ECA 4x EW & Yohimbine 3x EW opposite days... ECA M/T/T/F Yohimbine 20mg W/S/S to keep ephedrine in play bc it becomes ineffective for me w/ prolonged use normally a week of ephedrine the it makes me tired. So I use it cardio days only.~GA
