Dangerous Side Effects of Yohimbe Bark Extract

Yohimbe bark extract is a popular herbal ingredient in many sexual enhancement supplements. Yohimbine (the active ingredient in yohimbe bark) has been used for its aphrodisiac properties in its native Africa for years. While the ingredient is one of the most effective available, the extract does carry with it some serious potential side effects.

Products that contain yohimbe bark can affect heart rate and blood pressure. Normal doses of yohimbine can cause blood pressure to rise, but large doses of yohimbine (40 milligrams or more daily) can cause blood pressure to drop, resulting in heart attacks or death. Yohimbine can make existing heart conditions or blood pressure problems worse. People who have high blood pressure and heart, kidney or liver disease should not take supplements that contain yohimbe bark extract. Potential interactions between yohimbine and other drugs or herbal supplements may be dangerous and should always be considered.

Side effects of yohimbe bark extract include breathing difficulty, chest pain, heart palpitations, anxiety, nausea, insomnia and vomiting. Less serious side effects include dizziness, headache, flushing, nervousness, sweating and tremors.

People with anxiety or nervous system disorders may find that symptoms become worse while using products that contain yohimbe bark extract. People suffering from emotional or psychiatric problems may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, sleeplessness and anxiety attacks. Onset of panic attacks and psychotic or manic episodes in otherwise healthy individuals have also been linked to the use of yohimbe bark products.

Yohimbine has antidepressant properties as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Foods that contain the substance tyramine (such as red wine, beer, liver, aged meats and cheeses) can elevate blood pressure to dangerously high levels if consumed while taking yohimbine.