What is yohimbine?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Yohimbine is a naturally occurring alkaloid from the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree and Rauwolfia serpentina plant and is known for blocking alpha-2-adrenergic receptors. It is primarily recognized for enhancing fat burning and addressing male sexual dysfunction, although its effectiveness for other uses, such as weight loss and treatment of phobias, lacks substantial evidence.

    Yohimbine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree and the Rauwolfia serpentina plant. Yohimbine is a stimulatory compound that primarily acts on the alpha-2-adrenergic receptors in the body.[1] It’s best known for its ability to increase fat burning (lipolysis)[2] and aid in male sexual dysfunction.[3] Yohimbine supplementation is also used for weight loss,[4][5][6] body composition,[7][6] treatment of phobias,[8][9] and orthostatic hypotension,[10] though there is a lack of evidence to support yohimbine’s benefits for many of these conditions.

    What is yohimbine? - Examine