Yohimbine
Research reviewed: 1988–2017
Yohimbine (Pausinystalia yohimbe bark extract) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 612 participants, researched for Fat Loss, Sexual Function, Exercise Performance and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Fat Loss
ModerateSexual Function
ModerateExercise Performance
ModerateAnxiety & Adrenergic Effects
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Fat Loss
Evaluate yohimbine on body fat in elite soccer players
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate yohimbine on body fat in elite soccer players
Dose
20 mg/day
Participants
20
Duration
21 days
Results
Yohimbine group reduced body fat by 1.8% vs 0.3% placebo; no change in muscle mass
How They Measured It
Body fat % via skinfold callipers
Test yohimbine on weight loss in obese females
Study Type
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test yohimbine on weight loss in obese females
Dose
20 mg/day (4x5 mg)
Participants
47
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant weight loss in yohimbine (−3.55 kg) vs placebo (−2.21 kg); fat mass preferentially decreased
How They Measured It
Body weight and fat by DEXA
Assess yohimbine vs placebo for fat loss in overweight adults
Study Type
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess yohimbine vs placebo for fat loss in overweight adults
Dose
18 mg/day
Participants
96
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Yohimbine produced greater fat loss; statistically significant difference in body fat percentage
How They Measured It
Body weight, body fat %
Sexual Function
Evaluate yohimbine for erectile dysfunction
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Evaluate yohimbine for erectile dysfunction
Dose
15–30 mg/day
Participants
200
Duration
4–8 weeks
Results
Yohimbine significantly improved erectile function vs placebo; strongest in psychogenic ED
How They Measured It
Meta-analysis of erectile function scores across RCTs
Exercise Performance
Investigate yohimbine on exercise performance and fat oxidation
Study Type
Randomised Crossover Trial
Purpose
Investigate yohimbine on exercise performance and fat oxidation
Dose
20 mg pre-exercise
Participants
12
Duration
Acute
Results
Increased fat oxidation during moderate exercise; no significant change in VO2 max
How They Measured It
VO2 max, fat oxidation rate, RPE
Evaluate yohimbine supplementation for weight loss
Study Type
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Purpose
Evaluate yohimbine supplementation for weight loss
Dose
5–20 mg/day
Participants
387
Duration
3–12 weeks
Results
Modest but significant reduction in body weight and fat mass; evidence quality rated moderate
How They Measured It
Pooled body weight and fat mass outcomes
Anxiety & Adrenergic Effects
Characterise yohimbine adrenergic and anxiogenic effects
Study Type
Double-Blind Crossover Trial
Purpose
Characterise yohimbine adrenergic and anxiogenic effects
Dose
20 mg single dose
Participants
18
Duration
Acute
Results
Significant increase in norepinephrine and systolic BP; elevated anxiety scores; dose-dependent
How They Measured It
Plasma norepinephrine, BP, anxiety rating scales
Assess yohimbine effects on anxiety and cardiovascular parameters
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess yohimbine effects on anxiety and cardiovascular parameters
Dose
10 mg twice daily
Participants
62
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Yohimbine increased heart rate and anxiety ratings; some subjects discontinued due to side effects
How They Measured It
Heart rate, BP, anxiety questionnaires
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Yohimbine research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Yohimbine (Pausinystalia yohimbe bark extract), involving 612 total participants. Research covers Fat Loss, Sexual Function, Energy and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Yohimbine has been researched for: Fat Loss, Sexual Function, Energy, Anxiety. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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