Yohimbine
α2-adrenoceptor antagonist (Pausinystalia yohimbe), used as a supplement to mobilize "stubborn fat" depots.
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WHAT IS YOHIMBINE?
Detailed overview
Yohimbine is an indole alkaloid isolated from the bark of the West African Yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia yohimbe). Its mechanism is selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonism: α2 blockade inhibits the anti-lipolytic feedback loop and raises noradrenaline release in adipose tissue. α2 receptor density is high in abdominal and femoral "stubborn fat" depots, so Yohimbine is theoretically selectively effective in these areas. In the US it is an OTC dietary supplement; in the EU regulatory status varies by country. It was clinically used for erectile dysfunction (Yocon), but efficacy is debated in the post-2010 PDE5-inhibitor era.
Mechanism
α2-adrenoceptor antagonist
Half-life
0.6-2 hours (short)
Onset
30-45 min
Legal status
USA: OTC supplement. EU: mixed (HU: prescription). WADA: not listed.
Data console
Lab data
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 8
- Anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks and inner tremor – the most common, dose-dependent effect from increased noradrenaline release via central α2 blockade.
- Raised blood pressure and risk of hypertensive crisis, especially combined with MAOIs or tyramine-rich foods.
- Tachycardia, palpitations and arrhythmias; rarely angina or myocardial infarction in overdose.
- Insomnia and restlessness, especially with afternoon/evening dosing – CNS stimulation outlasts the short half-life.
- Nausea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting, more common at high doses (>0.4 mg/kg).
- Headache, dizziness, sweating and flushing from sympathomimetic activation.
- Increased urinary frequency and urine output (inhibition of antidiuretic signalling).
- Product-quality risk: many commercial yohimbine supplements are mislabelled with 0–12 mg/serving variance (Cohen 2015), causing unpredictable overdose.
Contraindications · 7
- Chronic clonidine (or other α2-agonist) use: direct pharmacological conflict, documented intracranial haemorrhage after a single dose (Pham 2022) – absolute contraindication.
- Concurrent MAOI, SSRI or tricyclic antidepressant use – risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonergic/adrenergic overload.
- Serious cardiovascular disease: uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia or prior myocardial infarction.
- Anxiety disorder, panic disorder or PTSD – α2 antagonism provokes panic attacks and anxiety.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – oxytocin-like uterotonic effect and teratogenic uncertainty.
- Severe kidney or liver disease – reduced CYP2D6 clearance leads to accumulation and increased toxicity.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – may worsen urinary symptoms.
Related Performance Compounds
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Effect of yohimbine on body composition and exercise performance in soccer players
Ostojic SM.
Yohimbine: a pharmacological probe for study of alpha 2-adrenoreceptor
Tam SW, Worcel M, Wyllie M.
Regional differences in adrenoceptor binding and fat cell lipolysis in obese, postmenopausal women.
Berman DM, Nicklas BJ, Rogus EM, Dennis KE, Goldberg AP
Ergogenic and sympathomimetic effects of yohimbine: a review
Wong V et al.
Pharmaceutical quantities of yohimbine found in dietary supplements in the USA
Cohen PA, Wang YH, Maller G, DeSouza R, Khan IA.
Intracranial hemorrhage after a single dose of yohimbine in a chronic user of clonidine
Pham KH, Tu T et al.
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The information here is for educational and scientific purposes only. Performance-enhancing compounds (AAS, prohormones, stimulants, doping agents) are illegal without prescription in Hungary and most of the EU, and carry serious health and legal risks. WADA bans them in competitive sport. This is NOT a usage guide, and we do not encourage any illegal use. If you do use them, medical supervision and regular bloodwork are ESSENTIAL. Severe endocrine, cardiovascular, hepatic and psychiatric side effects are possible.