Pausinystalia yohimbe
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Scientific
Classification:
Synonyms:
Species
ID:
NMP-257;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 170026; Common
Names: yohimbe Local
Names:
Basic
Description:
Yohimbe
is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It has a straight
bole with a diameter rarely exceeding 50–60 cm. The bark is grey to
reddish-brown with longitudinal fissures and is bitter-tasting. The inner bark
is pinkish and fibrous. Leaves are arranged in groups of three, with short
petioles, and are oval-shaped, measuring 11–47 cm in length and 5–17 cm in
width. Distribution
and Habitat:
Yohimbe is native to western and central Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon,
Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. It thrives in lowland
forests, particularly in closed canopy and coastal forests. The species is
commonly found in the Atlantic evergreen forests extending from southeastern
Nigeria to the Congo. Medicinal
Properties:
The bark of yohimbe contains several indole alkaloids, with yohimbine being the
principal active compound. Traditionally, yohimbe bark has been used in West
African medicine as an aphrodisiac and tonic. In modern applications, yohimbine
has been studied for its potential to treat erectile dysfunction due to its
vasodilating properties. However, clinical evidence supporting its efficacy is
limited, and its use is associated with several side effects. Yohimbe
is most well knownTrusted Source for its purported ability to alleviate
erectile dysfunction. Animal studies show that the active ingredient yohimbine
can increase sexual activity by engaging the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. Pausinystalia
yohimbe bark contains the alkaloid, yohimbine, at a concentration of ∼6%. Yohimbine is an α2-adrenergic
receptor blocker and has purported aphrodisiac and hallucinogenic properties.
Yohimbine causes peripheral vasodilatation and CNS stimulation. In
intoxications, yohimbine causes severe hypotension, abdominal distress, and
weakness. CNS stimulation and paralysis have been reported. An acute IV toxic
dose for dogs is 0.55 mg/kg. The drug or crude product should never be given
without adequate medical supervision. Human formulations have been combined
with other purported sexual stimulants. Known
Toxicity: Yohimbe
bark and its extracts can be toxic, especially at high doses. Adverse effects
may include hypertension, increased heart rate, headache, nausea, tremors, and
insomnia. Due to these potential risks, the use of yohimbe supplements is
subject to legal restrictions in some countries, and caution is advised when
considering its use. Additional
Information:
The increasing demand for yohimbe bark has led to over-exploitation of the
species, raising concerns about its sustainability and potential endangerment.
Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the species does not become
threatened due to unsustainable harvesting practices. References:
External
Links
More Pictures
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| Compounds of Pausinystalia yohimbe | |
| References | Igwe, K. K., Madubuike, A. J., Ikenga, C., Otuokere, I. E., & Amaku, F. J. (2016). Studies of the medicinal plant Pausinystalia yohimbe ethanol leaf extract phytocomponents by GCMS analysis. International Journal of Scientific Research and Management, 4(5), 4116-4122. |
