✓
No active regulatory warnings
Sources: FDA MedWatch, EMA EudraVigilance, WHO VigiBase, WADA Prohibited List · 2026-05-29
Updated: 2026-05-29 · v2.0 · Prof. G. Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD📎 Cite 📄 PDF
1 Identity

Yohimbe / Yohimbine

Pausinystalia yohimbe
Use with CautionEvidence: ModerateRestricted
Yohimbe bark (Pausinystalia yohimbe) contains yohimbine, a selective α2-adrenergic ANTAGONIST that increases norepinephrine release, producing sympathomimetic effects [1]. Yohimbine is one of the few supplements with genuine pharmacological potency — it was an FDA-approved prescription drug for erectile dysfunction (Yocon®) before being superseded by PDE5 inhibitors. The supplement form is dangerous because: (1) yohimbine content varies 0–500% between products; (2) α2-antagonism causes hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, and panic attacks; (3) interactions with antidepressants (MAOIs, TCAs) can be life-threatening [1].
4
Yohimbe / Yohimbine
Pausinystalia yohimbe
Use with CautionEvidence: ModerateRestricted
Clinical verdict: Yohimbine is a genuinely potent pharmacological agent (α2-adrenergic antagonist) — one of the few supplements that actually IS a drug. Was FDA-approved (Yocon®) for ED. DANGEROUS as supplement because: (1) bark extract content varies 0–500%; (2) causes hypertension, tachycardia, panic attacks; (3) MAOI + yohimbine = hypertensive crisis. Also studied for fat loss (stubborn fat mobilization) at 0.2 mg/kg. The gap between therapeutic and toxic doses is narrow [1].
RDA
Not recommended OTC
Target range
N/A
Upper limit
No safe OTC dose established
Evidence
Moderate
Population dosing — click to filter
2 Risk self-assessment
HIGH RISK — see overview [1].
Select factors above to see your risk level
Clinical pearl for practitioners
SupplementIndex
Yohimbe / Yohimbine
Pausinystalia yohimbe · Use with Caution · Evidence: Moderate
RDA
Not recommended OTC
Upper limit
No safe OTC dose established
Evidence
Moderate
Clinical bottom line
Yohimbine is a genuinely potent pharmacological agent (α2-adrenergic antagonist) — one of the few supplements that actually IS a drug. Was FDA-approved (Yocon®) for ED. DANGEROUS as supplement because: (1) bark extract content varies 0–500%; (2) causes hypertension, tachycardia, panic attacks; (3) MAOI + yohimbine = hypertensive crisis. Also studied for fat loss (stubborn fat mobilization) at 0.2 mg/kg. The gap between therapeutic and toxic doses is narrow [1].
Do not miss
⚠ HIGH RISK — see overview [1]
Pregnancy
CONTRAINDICATED — sympathomimetic; hypertension; uterotonic [1].
4 Lab interpreter

See overview

<12 Deficient
12–20 Insufficient
20–50 Optimal
50–100 Excess
>150 Toxic
Your level:
Enter a value above
⚕ For healthcare professionals. Does not replace clinical judgment.
5 Quick facts
CategoryRestricted
Safety levelUse with Caution
EvidenceModerate
RDANot recommended OTC
Upper limit (UL)No safe OTC dose established
Scientific namePausinystalia yohimbe
HIGH RISK — see overview[1]
6 Dosage by population

Adults Moderate

See product label

Elderly Moderate

See product label
Consider reduced renal/hepatic clearance. Start at lower end of range.

Pregnancy Moderate

See guidance
CONTRAINDICATED — sympathomimetic; hypertension; uterotonic [1].

Pediatric Moderate

See guidance
Not recommended [1].

Athletes Limited

Standard dose

Obesity Limited

Standard dose
Fat-soluble compounds may require dose adjustment in obesity.

Renal Limited

Consult specialist
Dose adjustment may be needed in renal impairment.

Vegan Moderate

Standard dose
HIGH RISK ingredient — see overview for safety concerns [1].
7 Form comparison
FormBioavailabilityVeganCost/day
['Various', 'see overview', 'See overview for forms and risks [1].']StandardCheck label
8 Clinical evidence

Strong evidence

See overview [1]. HIGH

Moderate evidence

See overview [1]. MODERATE

Insufficient evidence

See overview [1]. LOW
9 Safety

🚩 Red flags — when to stop and refer

● HIGH RISK — see overview for critical safety alerts [1]

Pregnancy

CONTRAINDICATED — sympathomimetic; hypertension; uterotonic [1].

Pediatric

Not recommended [1].
10 Toxicity and overdose

11 Drug interactions
MAO inhibitors Major
Mechanism: LIFE-THREATENING: yohimbine + MAOIs = massive norepinephrine surge → hypertensive crisis [1].
Effect: See overview [1].
Action: See overview [1].
12 Supplement interactions
13 Laboratory monitoring
See overview Primary
Target: N/A · N/A
See overview [1].
14 Deficiency and prevalence
0%
[1]

Risk factors

• HIGH RISK — see overview [1].
15 Frequently asked questions
Key safety point ▼
Yohimbine is a genuinely potent pharmacological agent (α2-adrenergic antagonist) — one of the few supplements that actually IS a drug. Was FDA-approved (Yocon®) for ED. DANGEROUS as supplement because: (1) bark extract content varies 0–500%; (2) causes hypertension, tachycardia, panic attacks; (3) MAOI + yohimbine = hypertensive crisis. Also studied for fat loss (stubborn fat mobilization) at 0.2 mg/kg. The gap between therapeutic and toxic doses is narrow [1].
16 Regulatory status
See overview for regulatory status: [1].
17 References
[1]Tam SW, et al. Yohimbine: a clinical review. Pharmacol Ther. 2001;91(3):215-243. doi:10.1016/S0163-7258(01)00156-5 REVIEW
[2]Cohen PA, et al. Quantity of yohimbe alkaloids in supplements determined by LC-MS/MS. Drug Test Anal. 2016;8(3-4):357-369. doi:10.1002/dta.1849 REVIEW
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19 Cite this page
Vancouver
Pkhakadze G. Yohimbe / Yohimbine — safety profile [Internet]. Tbilisi: Public Health Institute of Georgia; 2026 [cited 2026 May 30]. Available from: https://supplement.ge/ingredients/yohimbe-yohimbine/
APA 7th
Pkhakadze, G. (2026). Yohimbe / Yohimbine — Safety profile. Public Health Institute of Georgia. https://supplement.ge/ingredients/yohimbe-yohimbine/
CC BY 4.0
🛡 SupplementIndex receives no funding from supplement manufacturers. All content independently authored by PHIG.
GP
Reviewed by Prof. G. Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD
Editor-in-Chief, Georgian Medical Journal · Chair, PHIG
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Next: November 2026
This entry is provided for educational and public health purposes under CC BY 4.0. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. For corrections: info@accreditation.ge.
Publisher: PHIG · Editor-in-Chief: Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD