Herbs

Yohimbe

Also called: yohimbine

Bark of an African tree containing yohimbine.

Why people take it
Erections, fat loss.
What the evidence says
Some effect on erections, but risky.
How it is usually taken
Not recommended as a supplement; doses in products vary widely.
Be careful
Can cause dangerous heart rhythms, high blood pressure, anxiety and seizures. Best avoided.
Medicines it can interact with
Dangerous with antidepressants, stimulants and blood pressure medicines.

Other herbs

Common questions

What is Yohimbe?

Bark of an African tree containing yohimbine.

Why do people take Yohimbe?

Erections, fat loss.

Does Yohimbe work?

Some effect on erections, but risky.

How much Yohimbe do people take?

Not recommended as a supplement; doses in products vary widely.

Is Yohimbe safe?

Can cause dangerous heart rhythms, high blood pressure, anxiety and seizures. Best avoided.

Does Yohimbe interact with medicines?

Dangerous with antidepressants, stimulants and blood pressure medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.