Yohimbine

Yohimbine is a fat burning compound that works by inhibiting a process found in fat cells that is normally suppressive of fat burning, as well as increasing noradrenaline levels from nerve endings stimulating fat breakdown, therefore leading to increased fat burning potential. In addition to its main function as a fat butner, Yohimbine is also a known aphrodesiac and an aid in erectile dysfunction.

Yohimbine is an alkaloid naturally found in the Corynanthe Yohimbe Tree (Pausinystalia Yohimbe), and can be found in the plant known as Indian Snakeroot (Rauvolfia Serpentina), as well as the Rauvolfia family of plants in general. Yohimbine is a crystalline white powder that is sensitive to excessive light, like some structurally similar alkaloids. It is recommended to store Yohimbine HCl in a dry cool place, and is deemed stable under these conditions.

Note that Yombine and Yohimbe (or Yohimbe Bark) is not the same thing. These are the elements where the Yohimbine is extracted from and contain only about 5-20% Yohimbine. They also come with their own list of side effects especially nausea. Stay away from these products especially from shady suppliers.

Mechanism in the body:

Yohimbine is a selective antagonist (inactivator) of the Alpha-2 Adrenoceptors,. Alpha-2 receptors are found in sites of the body where one tends to accumulate fat (abdomen, butt, breasts, and thighs). Hence, Yohimbine is known for its ability to help with stubborn fat deposits. Yohimbine has a moderate affinity for the Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptors (45 times less than for Alpha-2 Adrenoceptors) which regulate thermogenesis in the body and also acts as an antagonist.

It appears that most of the effects of Yohimbine are through the indirect mechanism of increased adrenaline release, rather than by direct binding to alpha-2 receptors.

The beta-subunits of the adrenergic receptors (targets of Clenbuterol and Ephedrine) can be seen as stimulatory for fat loss as they increase the activity of the enzyme Adenyl Cyclase. In terms of fat loss, beta-receptors are in essence an ‘accelerator’ for certain metabolic processes while alpha-receptors are the ‘brake’. Using both Yohimbine and Clenbuterol/Ephedrine is similar to pressing on the accelerator as well as releasing the brake at the same time. Hence the synergetic relationship between Yohimbine and beta-2 agonists (Clenbuterol or Ephedrine).

Things to Note:

• Yohimbine is highly stimulatory.
• Yohimbine interacts with Norepinephrine Uptake Inhibitors (NRI's) such as Dextromethorphan, Tramadol, some antidepressants, and CNS-stimulants used to treat ADHD. Interactions with these medicines have been known to cause a hypertensive crisis. This is due to those compounds in combination with an Alpha-2 receptor antagonist leads to too much norepinephrine in the brain, which can cause blood pressure to spike to dangerous levels.
• Insulin completely blunts its lipolytic effects (fat burning effects), and thus it should ideally be used in a low-carb/ketogenic diet, or at the very least first thing in the morning on an empty stomach followed by fasted cardio. Take half the dosage before fasted cardio and half after your last carb meal of the day if you are on a moderate carb diet, and before every gym session if you are on a low carb/ketogenic diet.

Caution Notice:

• Yohimbine can cause extreme anxiety in individuals predisposed to anxiety.
• Yohimbine may trigger manic psychosis or suicidal episodes in Bipolars.
• Yohimbine can interact with a large amount of neurological medications and caution should be taken with simultaneous use.
• For anyone with high blood pressure, hypertension, angina pectoris, or heart disease, Yohimbine can cause hypertension and tachycardia at recommended dosages. Large doses may cause hypotension and cardiac conduction disturbances.
• For anyone with a history of peptic ulcer diseases, Yohimbine may increase gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility secondary to its cholinergic activity.
• For anyone with renal deseases, Yohimbine has mild antidiuretic effects, probably via stimulation of hypothalamic centers and release of posterior pituitary hormone. Compounds that reduce or suppress diuresis aggravates renal diseases.

Dosage and Instructions:

Many clinical studies suggest that the optimal dose for Yohimbine is 0.2mg/kg of bodyweight. This works out to 20mg per day for a 100kg person. Studies using smaller doses have concluded less favorable results. I would not use this is as a rule but merely a guideline. Remember that every person has unique genetic make-up and as a result we respond differently to compounds. I would advise starting at 10mg, then if sides are bearable increase to 20mg.

The best time to take Yohimbine would be after an overnight fast, first thing in the morning, prior to aerobic exercise. In addition, the combination of yohimbine and exercise leads to increased energy expenditure compared to aerobic exercise done alone. However, this also causes an increased heart rate response to exercise.

Yohimbine does not yield great results on its own and should be used in conjunction with Clenbuterol or Ephedrine to take advantage of their synergetic relationship. Be cautious when using Yohimbine with the ECA stack (also very stimulatory) as the potential for side effects is high.

Suggested cycle:
Day 1-5: 10mg ED (to assess tolerance)
Day 6-End: 20mg ED

Side Effects:

At the recommended dosage of 0.2mg/kg of bodyweight studies indicate a minor increase in:

• Blood Pressure
• Erections
• Cortisol levels immediately after ingestion, especially when used with Caffeine at a dosage of 10mg/kg
• Anxiety
• Heart Rate
• Alcohol Cravings (only noticed with the injectable form and not in oral forms)
• Urge to Urinate
• Penile Girth (yes really, but only noticeable when divided into groups of responders and non-responders)
• Impulsiveness
• Yohimbine increases the efficacy of ADHD medications, but it has no efficacy by itself
• Body Temperature

At the recommended dosage studies indicate a minor decrease in:

• Fat Mass (major difference)
• Appetite
• Cerebral Blood Flow
• Erectile Dysfunction (your giggle-stick will work better)

To put some lengths of bro-science to sleep, studies note that Yohimbine does NOT alter the following:

• Lean Mass
• Power Output
• Plasma Melatonin Levels (although one does seem to excrete more Melatonin in the urine)
• Testosterone
• Sleep Quality

If you experience severe anxiety issues with Yohimbine you can take Diazepam (anxiolytic sedative) and/or Clodine, a compound that activates the alpha-2-a receptor that Yohimbine inhibits. For most people one of the two is sufficient and they both work extremely well for this purpose.

From reviews from respected and knowledgeable peers, common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, nervousness and mild anxiety, skin breakouts, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure on low doses, decreased blood pressure on higher doses, increased libido, red & watery eyes, and in doses exceeding 40mg (stupid!) side effects include a severe drop in blood pressure, hallucinations, and even paralysis has been experienced.

Personally I experience zero side effects at 10mg per day, but significant side effects at 20mg per day. Note that at 0.2mg/kg I should only be using +-17mg at 85kg bodyweight, hence the reason I think for the heavy side effects. Side effects include bad headaches, skin breakouts, hot flushes, generally feeling warm even on cold days, and horny as hell.