Yohimbine for fat burning and libido: properties and application in sports

Author: Slauta Alexander - sports nutrition specialist and gym trainer.
2015-04-10

If you are professionally engaged in sports or are simply preparing your body for the beach season, you have surely thought about using fat burners and increasing your workout performance. If we take almost any fat burner with a thermogenic effect, we will see that it contains yohimbine hydrochloride (Yohimbine HCL). In this article, I will discuss the beneficial properties of this substance, how it is applied in fitness, and debunk the myth among bodybuilders regarding its role in increasing testosterone production.

Yohimbine is a substance obtained from the African yohimbe tree, which grows in countries across Africa and is marketed as an extract to increase male libido. The drug has strong stimulating and sympatholytic effects. It is often used to treat impotence and improve libido in men.

Proven Effects of Yohimbine on the Human Body:

1. Enhances thermogenesis (fat burning).
2. Elevates mood, increases physical activity, and raises heart rate.
3. Boosts male libido in cases of decline due to fatigue or stress. Based on this property, yohimbine has been included in the international list of drugs that can act as an aphrodisiac (a substance that increases sexual desire).
4. Stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), improving concentration.

In simple terms, yohimbine can successfully mobilize fatty acids to release energy. This property is similar to that of ephedrine. However, yohimbine does not enhance the release of adrenaline; when taken in reasonable dosages, it does not affect heart function or raise blood pressure. The most significant aspect of fat burning when using yohimbine is the slowing down of alpha-adrenergic receptors. As a result, norepinephrine and catecholamine hormones are released more intensively, leading to a fat-mobilizing and thermogenic (body temperature-increasing) effect.

Use in Sports

Taking yohimbine before training can lead to a significantly greater release of norepinephrine compared to a regular workout without this supplement. Since the concentration of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors is found in problematic areas in both men and women, yohimbine specifically blocks these receptors, making its use justified during the pre-competition period for improved and quality subcutaneous fat burning.

Due to its effective CNS stimulation and increased physical activity, yohimbine is also beneficial for increasing workout duration and enhancing its quality.

Yohimbine and Testosterone

Many athletes, particularly bodybuilders, believe that yohimbine can raise testosterone levels. However, this has not been proven. This opinion arises because yohimbine is included in many medications used to treat impotence. The use of these medications enhances blood circulation in the genital organs, leading to improved erections and increased sexual activity. But all this can happen with high testosterone levels as well.

In other words, yohimbine's ability to enhance erections does not indicate its ability to raise testosterone levels. I emphasize that the effect of yohimbine on testosterone levels has not been proven.

Drugs Containing Yohimbine

Drugs that contain yohimbine can be either single-component or multi-component.

Supplements containing only yohimbine:

• WATT-N: Yohimbe Bark Extract
• Yohimbe Fuel by Twinlab

I once came across a "Yohimbine Hydrochloride" produced in Ukraine. The package contained 50 tablets of 5 mg each. It can also be used for the aforementioned purposes.

Fat-burning drugs that contain yohimbine:

• Shred Matrix by MusclePharm
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite by MuscleTech
• Lipo 6 Hers by Nutrex
• Lipo 6X by Nutrex
• Lipo 6 Black \ Black Hers by Nutrex

Combination with Other Drugs

You can enhance fat burning while taking yohimbine by using caffeine tablets (about 250 mg before training). This will boost the release of norepinephrine. Generally, if you are using a complex fat burner that contains yohimbine and anhydrous caffeine, you should not take any additional drugs that enhance lipolysis and thermogenesis.

Dosages and Contraindications

Typically, yohimbine is taken 30-45 minutes before a workout. A safe dosage ranges from 5 to 10 mg. However, if you do not experience discomfort, you can confidently increase it to 20 mg, which will enhance the fat-burning process.

The following side effects may occur with use: fluctuations in blood pressure, excitability, insomnia, and heart rhythm disturbances. If you experience these symptoms, you should reduce the dosage or discontinue use.

Personal Fitness Training by the Author of This Article:

• Development of online training and nutrition programs;
• Weight loss and correction;
• Muscle mass gain;
• Physical rehabilitation for various conditions (including back issues);
• Rehabilitation after injuries;
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