Also Known As:
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Variations:
Yohimbine HCl
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Related
Items:
Ephedrine |
Type:
Fat Loss Aid |
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WHAT IS YOHIMBE?
Yohimbe is a substance derived from the dried bark of the Corynanthe Johimbe
tree of the southern Cameroons and Congo region of Africa, and Quebracho of
South America. The bark contains the active ingredient Yohimbine HCl.
Yohimbine HCl is an Alpha-sub-2-Adrenergenic antagonist. This alkaloid
blocks receptors in the brain leading to such physiological responses as
increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased irritability, increased motor
functioning, and vasodialation. Used in the medical profession for years as a
treatment for male impotence as it tends to increase blood flow to the
extremities and the penis whilst tending to prevent blood from flowing back out.
Also used for this reason of increased blood flow in severe cases of diabetes
where blood flow to the legs is a problem. It is interesting to note that this
result tends to be obtained only from the synthetic variety of yohimbine and
generally not from the herbal bark. It has also shown some promise as a libido
enhancer and may have activity as an aphrodisiac.
YOHIMBE AS A FAT LOSS AID
Not only does Yohimbine improve sexual function and drive, it has been shown
to decrease fat synthesis in the body as well as increase fatty acid metabolism
from fat stores in women (especially in the hips.) This is due to the alpha 2
adrenergenic receptor blocking - a major factor in combating lower body fat.
This activity is induced by estrogen, hence the specifity of this problem to
women and those taking androgenic products. It is interesting to note that when
using a beta2 receptor agonist like ephedrine, when these receptors down
regulate you have these alpha 2 receptors which are working hard to increase
body fat storage and resist fatty acid mobilization. For this reason when the
effects of ephedrine begin to wear off it is a good idea to begin using an alpha
blocker like Yohimbine.
DOES YOHIMBE INCREASE TESTOSTERONE?
For a few years it was discussed as to whether yohimbe had any effect on
testosterone levels or production due to it's sexual action but this is not
true. However this could potentially be a useful aid in the fight against fat
loss. Some of this confusion arose when a few yohimbine preparations were found
to contain methlytestosterone - one of the orally bioactive forms of
testosterone in humans. However even this is a divided area of research as some
experts believe methlytestosterone is in fact useless in adults. Either way the
conclusive eveidence shows that there is in fact no elevation in testosterone.
HOW MUCH YOHIMBE SHOULD BE USED AND HOW OFTEN?
Useful doses vary and have been shown effective at 3 -5 mg 3 times a day.
Some studies have shown taking doses higher than this may actually have less
effect and so 'the more is better' approach just wouldn't work in this
situation. Although doses of a high 10 - 20 mg have been shown to lower platelet
aggregation in the blood stream meaning that it could help prevent arteries from
becoming blocked and causing stroke or heart attacks. When using the yohimbe
bark a correctly standardized extract should be used to give this dose of Yohimbine
HCl not 3 - 5mg of the Yohimbe bark itself as this may contain non or very
little of the actual active ingredient.
| References:
'Anabolic Primer' by Phil Embleton and Gerard Thorne, ' Sports
Supplement Review 3rd Issue' by Bill Philips |
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