Yohimbine

Yohimbine
Chemical name	17α-hydroxy-yohimban-16α- carboxylic acid methyl ester
Chemical formula	C21H26N2O3
Molecular mass	354.44 g/mol (base) 390.90 g/mol (hydrochloride)
CAS number	146-48-5
SMILES	[H][C@@]3(N(CC4)C[C@@]5([H])[C@] ([C@@H]([C@@](OC)=O)[C@@H](O)CC5) ([H])C3)C2=C4C1=C(N2)C=CC=C1

Yohimbine, also known under the outdated names quebrachin, aphrodin, corynine, yohimvetol, and hydroergotocin, is the principal alkaloid of the bark of the West-African tree Pausinystalia yohimbe Pierre (formerly Corynanthe yohimbe), family Rubiaceae (Madder family). There are 31 other yohimbane alkaloids found in Yohimbe.

Pharmacology

Yohimbine is a selective competitive alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonist and is used for treating erectile dysfunction. It is claimed to be an aphrodisiac. It is also used as a weight loss supplement as it increases Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) levels.

Higher doses of oral Yohimbine create numerous side effects such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and overstimulation. Yohimbine is also used clinically to produce anxiety.

Some internet shops even sell expensive formulations of Yohimbine for percutaneous delivery to effect a local reduction of adipose tissue. From a pharmaceutical standpoint this seems highly unlikely and no evidence whatsoever is presented.

External links

• Chemical data (German).
• German article (a good review).
• Pausinystalia yohimbe
• Pausinystalia yohimbe
• Yohimbe Herb