Yohimbine hydrochloride (HCl) is a purified alkaloid derived from the bark of the yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia yohimbe), an evergreen native to West and Central Africa. Historically, yohimbe bark has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as an aphrodisiac and for physical performance. Yohimbine HCl, the standardized extract, is often studied for its effects on the central nervous system and its interactions with adrenergic receptors. It is available as an over-the-counter supplement, primarily marketed for weight management and body composition improvements. It is important to distinguish between yohimbe bark (which contains various alkaloids) and yohimbine HCl (a specific, isolated compound), as their effects and safety profiles may differ due to varying concentrations of active compounds (PubChem).
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: glp1 × supplement
Note
GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.
Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider.
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.
Do not combine.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.
Do not combine.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.
Do not combine.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Yohimbine + stimulants sharply increases sympathetic tone and can trigger arrhythmia.
Do not combine.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Yohimbine + stimulants sharply increases sympathetic tone and can trigger arrhythmia.
Do not combine.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Yohimbine + stimulants sharply increases sympathetic tone and can trigger arrhythmia.
Do not combine.
Sources referenced
- PubChem
- Examine.com
- DrugBank
- MedlinePlus
- Mayo Clinic
- FDA label
- Cochrane Review (general reference to systematic reviews)
- NIH (general reference to National Institutes of Health information)
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the supplement category or studied for the same goals.
