Pausinystalia yohimbe [Yohimbe] Weight Loss

Yohimbine decreases fat mass with resistance-training

Yohimbine is an alkaloid with stimulant and aphrodisiac effects found naturally in the bark of Pausinystalia yohimbe (Yohimbe). Yohimbe is most often used to treat erectile dysfunction, sexual problems caused by medications for depression, and general sexual problems in both men and women [1].

Ostojic and Sergej M. [2] wanted to determine the effects of yohimbine supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in professional soccer players. Twenty top-level male soccer players were orally ingesting either yohimbine (20 milligrams per day) or a placebo for 21 days. There were no statistically significant in-between group differences in body mass and muscle mass. However, percentage of body fat significantly decreased in the yohimbine group after the supplementation (9.3 +/- 1.1 vs. 7.1 +/- 2.2%; p < 0.05). Researchers concluded that yohimbine combined with resistance training does not significantly alter the body mass, muscle mass, or performance but it nonetheless appears to be suitable as a fat loss strategy in elite athletes.

Kucio, C. and colleagues [3] conducted a three-week long, low-calorie diet (1,000 kcal/day) on twenty women. 10 subjects received yohimbine (5 mg) 4 times a day and 10 received a placebo. They found that Yohimbine supplementation significantly increased weight loss (3,55 kg) compared to placebo group (2,21 kg).

Yohimbe and Yohimbine side effects

Subject from previous study didn’t report any side effects from yohimbine ingestion [3]. According to WebMD.com [1]: “Yohimbe, taken by mouth, is possibly unsafe. Yohimbe has been linked to reports of severe side effects including irregular or rapid heart beat, kidney failure, seizure, heart attack, and others.”

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References

  1. Find a Vitamin or Supplement. “Yohimbe” Retrieved from WebMD.com at 23. May 2013
  2. Ostojic, Sergej M. “Yohimbine: the effects on body composition and exercise performance in soccer players.” Research in Sports Medicine 14.4 (2006): 289-299.
  3. Kucio, C., K. Jonderko, and D. Piskorska. “Does yohimbine act as a slimming drug?.” Israel journal of medical sciences 27.10 (1991): 550.