Yohimbe is an evergreen tree that grows in western Africa in Nigeria
, Cameroon, the Congo and Gabon. The specialty of the tree is that the bark of the tree contains an active compound called alkaloids. The principal alkaloid is known as yohimbine. Generally yohimbine is a prescription drug in the United States that has been used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. But due to the introduction of Viagra its popularity has waned. The bark extracts are also sold in health food stores and online. But in many countries it is not approved for use. An example is Germany. It can cause dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects.
Traditionally yohimbe was used in Africa for treatment of some general illnesses such as fever, coughs, leprosy and is also used as an aphrodisiac. Now days it is generally prescribed for the following uses such as the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It has been found to relax and dilate blood vessels in the penis thus resulting in increased blood flow and erection. It has also been thought that it also stimulate areas in the brain involved in sexual desire.
Yohimbe also finds its use in weight loss mechanisms. It is also found to increase lipolysis by increasing the release of nor-epinephrine available to fat cells and blocking alpha-2 receptor activation. It is also promoted as a general herbal remedy for curing depression as it has the ability to block an enzyme known as monoamine oxidase. However like all other cases higher doses are unsafe hence should be used under the prescription of a registered practitioner.