If you take yohimbe supplements for erectile dysfunction and you’re not getting any results in the bedroom, it’s possible the yohimbe supplement you chose does not contain the amount of the herb stated on the label. According to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) study, an analysis of yohimbe supplements found only one matched the amount of extract claimed on the package.
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) is an evergreen tree that grows in Africa and whose bark contains alkaloids. The main alkaloid, yohimbine hydrochloride, can relax and dilate the blood vessels in the penis, which in turn can improve blood flow and may help with erectile dysfunction.
Yohimbe bark extract is used by some men to treat erectile dysfunction, although the herb is associated with dangerous side effects.
In this new study, investigators at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Services in Beltsville, Maryland, conducted chromatographic analysis of 18 yohimbe supplement samples and found two contained more of the extract than stated on the label, 15 contained 0% to 50% of the stated amount, and only one product label was accurate.
Several experts commented on the findings, including Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council. He noted that “To me, aside from the quality of the yohimbe raw materials and products, the really significant issue is what is the intended use of yohimbe and are all the commercial products adequately labeled with appropriate precautions?” Blumenthal also noted that “All potential yohimbe users should be properly and adequately warned of the potential hypertensive effect of yohimbe as well as its other numerous adverse effects and contraindications.”
Read more in our Erectile Dysfunction Health Center.
Reference
Sun J, Chen P. Chromatographic fingerprint analysis of yohimbe bark and related dietary supplements using UHPLC/UV/MS. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 2012 Mar 5; 61: 142-49