Yohimbine and Fat Loss

Yohimbine and Fat Loss: "Yohimbine and Fat Loss: The Latest Research

by Paul Cribb, B.H.Sci HMS
AST Director of Research

Smart people should want to obtain the greatest possible fat-burning effect from their workouts. A review of the scientific literature on compounds that may enhance fat metabolism suggests that yohimbine is an overlooked supplement of great potential. Yohimbine provides a number of unique effects on the metabolism that may enhance the fat loss during exercise, particularly in people that exercise frequently.

Yohimbine: exactly what is it and what does it do?

Yohimbine is derived from the bark of several trees, most notably Pausinystalia yohimbe and Corynanthe yohimbe. Yohimbine is a naturally occurring compound that some researchers suggest has a “drug-like” effect on fat metabolism. Yohimbine is a highly unusual compound as it is a natural alpha-2 antagonist that promotes sympathetic activity by central as well as peripheral mechanisms to promote fat loss. (If you’re unsure what that means, I’ll clear that up shortly).

Additionally, research has shown that supplementation with yohimbine does not raise heart rate, increase blood pressure or induce undesired side effects. Best of all, when taken before exercise, yohimbine is shown to boost lipolysis (the process of mobilizing fat from cells) and increase blood serum free fatty acid levels both during and after exercise. These aspects make yohimbine a very exciting compound that may enable more fat to be utilized during and after exercise.

It's unique ability to stimulate fat cell alpha-2 adrenoreptors means that it provides an alternate biochemical pathway for fat metabolism compared to other traditional fat burning compounds such as caffeine. In fact, some research suggests that yohimbine may create a synergistic effect with the beta-receptor stimulants (such as caffeine and green tea extract) to accelerate fat loss during periods of intense training and calorie restriction.

Yohimbine boosts exercise induced lipolysis

The extent of which exercise burns body fat is totally dependent upon the rate of lipolysis. Lipolysis is the rate at which fat is mobilized from fat cells and enters the blood stream as free fatty acids (FFAs). Exercise triggers lipolysis, and highly trained individuals possess a greater lipolytic rate; an ability to “burn” more fat during exercise than untrained people. If you want the greatest possible fat-burning effect from exercise, then increasing your rate of lipolysis is the way to do it. The research on yohimbine supplementation suggests that this compound is the most effective lipolytic agent there is.

A high rate of lipolysis ensures greater fat metabolism by the liver and mitochondria in muscle cells during exercise. In turn, this process ensures that a greater concentration of body fat is burnt during exercise. When administered as a single oral dose, yohimbine is shown to elevate blood FFA concentrations. Additionally, yohimbine supplementation is shown to enhance exercise-induced FFA concentrations and norepinephrine release, both during and after exercise.[3,5] The impact of yohimbine on post-exercise fat metabolism is particularly evident 30-minutes after cardio exercise. One study showed that FFA levels in the blood doubled in those that took yohimbine prior to exercise compared to a placebo.[4]

Side effects

It is important to note that despite its ability to boost sympathetic tone and fat metabolism, yohimbine supplementation does not appear to influence cardiac function or blood pressure, even at high doses of 0.2 milligrams per kg of body weight.[6] Even when ingested in huge amounts, yohimbine is not toxic. Therefore yohimbine appears to be a safe nutritional supplement that most people can use to enhance fat loss.[7]

A highly unique fat burner

There are physiological differences in fat cells depending upon where they are located in the body. Fat cells located in the gut (visceral adipocytes) differ to fat cells located in the lower regions of the body (hips, thighs). Fat cells within the stomach contain a lot of beta-receptors. These cells respond and release fat when stimulated by the classic “beta-stimulating” compounds such as caffeine and ephedra. These compounds stimulate lipolysis specifically by increasing norepinephrine delivery to visceral fat cells and catecholamine secretion that activates the beta receptors and increases cAMP within cells.[11,12]

However, fat cells located around the hips and thighs characteristically contain very few beta receptors and respond poorly to catacholamine release that is induced by exercise and beta-stimulants. However, these lower body fat cells contain a lot of alpha adrenoreceptors.[12] Alpha receptors are tricky little bastards if you want them to release their fat stores. When stimulated, these receptors activate other proteins that inhibit adenyl-cyclase, thus antagonizing the ability of beta-adrenoreceptors to boost cAMP generation and therefore, shut down the usual fat mobilization process.[12] Essentially, when you take caffeine and ephedrine supplements in an effort to stimulate fat loss, the alpha receptors on lower-body fat cells say “No! No fat mobilization for you!” (If you’re a Seinfeld fan, the last sentence should be read in your best “Soup Nazi” impersonation.)

Fat cells within the lower half of the body contain a higher concentration of alpha receptors and low concentration of beta receptors and therefore, are much more resistant to lipolysis.[13] Women characteristically carry more fat on their hips and thighs than men, and this difference in fat cell structure is one reason why most women have a tougher battle with fat loss. However, pre-exercise treatment with yohimbine may fix all that.

Yohimbine is a natural alpha-2 antagonist that promotes sympathetic activity (norepinephrine release) but also stimulates lipolysis via stimulation of the alpha-adrenoreceptors. Research has shown that yohimbine administration increases lipolysis by antagonizing the anti-lipolytic activity of alpha-2 adrenoreceptors on fat cells.[11] This blockade of the alpha receptors by yohimbine results in increased fat mobilization from these stubborn cells and increases in blood FFA concentrations during and after exercise to ensure a high rate of fat metabolism. Interestingly, the most positive effects of yohimbine on fat loss are seen in females.[3,8]

The prolipolytic activity of yohimbine is only significant for about an hour, but that’s all you need to enhance the fat mobilizing effect of aerobic exercise. But don’t worry, yohimbine’s effect on sympathetic activity lasts for 4 hours or more. Therefore, the fat loss benefits are long lasting, particularly if it is taken in combination with methylxanthines such as caffeine.

Synergistic effect with caffeine

Increased lipolysis and fat utilization is a hall mark of caffeine supplementation.[1,2] Pre-exercise supplementation with caffeine (5milligrams per kilograms of body weight) has been shown to boost lipolysis while lowering the respiratory quotient (a signal of fat utilization) during and following aerobic exercise.[6] Methylxanthines such as caffeine (and possibly theobromine) seem to be the central component to enhancing fat metabolism during exercise as they act as adenosine receptor antagonists in nerve cell junctions to prolong or enhance sympathetic (neural) activity.[10]

In a previous article on green tea extract, I explained how this compound enhances the fat burning effects of caffeine. However, it also appears likely that caffeine and green tea extract would enhance/prolong the metabolic activity seen with yohimbine supplementation.

While caffeine acts as adenosine receptor antagonists, yohimbine exerts a synergistic effect by blocking alpha-2 adrenoreceptor activation. Intriguingly, alpha-2 adrenoreceptor blocking appears to up-regulate expression of pre-synaptic adenosine receptors.[9] In other words, chronic inhibition of one type of feedback receptor will be compensated by increased function of the other type. Thus, the combination of yohimbine with caffeine and green tea extract should create a synergistic effect on central sympathetic activation that enables these supplements to exert their full force on lipolysis and fat metabolism. Most importantly, these benefits seem to be achieved without any undesired side effects.

SummaryDytemtadrine Xtreme


Regarding effective dosages for yohimbine, some research has shown positive effects using a daily dose of 12-16 milligrams a day.[3,8,14] However, this was yohimbine taken on its own, this research did not take into account the synergistic effect of combining caffeine with yohimbine on fat metabolism. If combined with caffeine and other fat loss compounds such as green tea extract, a smaller dose should provide a rather potent effect on lipolysis and fat metabolism.

Research that has examined the biochemical pathways that trigger increased fat metabolism have revealed that combining yohimbine with other fat loss compounds such as caffeine provide a true synergistic effect on fat metabolism. This effect is yet to be demonstrated by other supplements. Of all the fat loss compounds on the market, the addition of yohimbine to methylxanthines such as caffeine, theobromine and green tea extract makes a lot of sense. This combination has a strong mechanistic research-basis that suggests it provides active people with very effective method to shed more fat during exercise."

Herbs for Mens Health

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)- This herb is mentioned in ancient Kama Sutrafor its ability to enhance the strength, energy and vitality of the body. It has been used as an aphrodisiac agent for past 3000 years. It has been reported to increase libido and intimacy ability in more than 70 percent of males.

Kaunch Beej (Mucuna pruriens) - It is required to enhance physical and mental happiness. It is effective in increasing sperm count and quantity. It also acts as an aphrodisiac and prophylactic agent, which helps in treating problems like oligozoospermia. It is effective as a nervine tonic, increases testosterone levels and male virility.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) - It is found effective in enhancing positivism, healing power, spiritual love and opens Ojas. This herb is found to give best results when used in combination with Ashwagandha and Shatavari.

Makardhwaj - It enhances the intercourse potency in males, by healing problems like weakness, early ejaculation, seminal problem and impotency.

Akarkara (Anacylus pyrethrum) - This herb is capable inducing sexual strength and rejuvenating effect on the reproductive organs. Essential oil and alkaloid like "pyrethrin" present in this herb acts as virilizer, nervine and cardiac agent, possessing antibacterial properties. It is effective in curing disorders like premature ejaculation, impotence and chronic bowel problems.

Safed Musli (Curculigo orchioides) - This herb is considered to be an alternative to Viagra, used for enhancing male potency. The roots of this herb forms a part of more than 100 herbal drug formulations. It is considered to be an ideal aphrodisiac, with no side-effects.

Shilajit ( Black bitumen) - This is a natural mountain extract which contains iron and 49 other valuable minerals, which increases the core energy required for sexual and spiritual power. Nitric oxide present in Shilajit is effective in improving erection.

Trivanga Bhasma - Widely used herb for impotence treatment and nervous disorders. Also acts a tonic for genitourinary diseases

Kesar (Crocus sativus)Kesar has been found to increase love making vigor and vitality. It is also effective in strengthening heart muscles and maintaining blood circulation

Orchis mascula - It is a terrestrial orchid, used to enhance the intercourse ability.

Tongkat Ali Increases lean Muscle mass

INCREASING TESTOSTERONE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES MUSCLE GROWTH AND INCREASES STRENGTH LEVELS. Testosterone controls Protein Synthesis and Nitrogen Retention, and these are the two primary factors determining your Muscular Growth.

Athletes that use Tongkat Ali have reported SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN LEAN MUSCLE MASS AS WELL AS DECREASED BODYFAT. After reviewing the Clinical Studies, it becomes quite clear that Tongkat Ali provides two of the most sought after benefits: IMPROVED PHYSICAL APPEARANCE AND IMPROVED SEXUAL PERFORMANCE.

Hundreds of Plant Herbs are researched every year in an attempt to find All-Natural solutions for the Medical Community. Two Plant Herbs have been clinically proven to increase Natural Testosterone production in both Men & Women. "TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS" AND "TONGKAT ALI" (Eurycoma Longifolia) HAVE EXHIBITED THE BEST RESULTS for elevating Testosterone Levels. Both Herbs are 100% Natural, so there are absolutely no Side Effects.

Male Health Herbs

Increase Sperm Count, increase semen volume - Low sperm count: "1. Orchis mascula (salabmisri): This is a terrestrial orchid, extremely nutritious and acts as a best tonic in loss of sexual desires and ability. Salab mishri is an erect, herbaceous, much-branched, softly hairy annual that has purple or crimson flowers. The plant is considered sacred for Hindus. The leaves yield a volatile oil (VO) that is reported to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and insecticide actions. An aqueous decoction of the complete dried plant is reported to reduce blood sugar level. The juice of the leaves has diaphoretic, antiperiodic, stimulating and expectorant properties; it is used in catarrh and bronchitis and is applied to the skin in case of ringworm and other topical diseases.

2. Parmelia parlata (charil or lichen): It is an astringent and its action causes constraint of the seminal vesicles and helps to manage the flow of the discharge.Parmelia perlata (charil or lichen) is lichen rising in rosettes or erratically spreading over the substratum giving the looks of a flower - hence the name. It is mostly composed of fungal mycelia that form a network enclosing algal cells or gonidia. The plant is astringent, bitter, acrid, cooling, anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac. It is helpful in conditions like sores, boils, inflammations, seminal weakness and amenorrhea.

3. Argyreia speciosa (extract of vridhradaroka root): It acts as a tonic and is effective in spermatorrhoea. Leaves ovate or cordate, up to twelve inch long, glabrous above, white tomentose beneath, long stalked. Flowers in cymes; bracts large, thin, veined, pubescent outside, glabrous inside, calyx white, tomentose outside; corolla funnel shaped, silky pubescent outside, tube some what inflated, rose-purple, about two inch long. Root cylindrical, one to 1.5 centimeters thick; brown, smooth, round wood is scant, supple, and smooth, latex oozes at cuts. Seeds are enclosed in a stone, pale yellow-brown globose apiculate, indehiscent berry 1.2 to two centimeters in diameter containing four erect, curved embryos with corrugated cotyledons or 2 seeds embedded in a meaty pulp.

4. Lactuca scariola (ext. kahu): The juice is an anodyne, sedative and demulcent. Spiky Lettuce (Lactuca serriola) is an twelve-monthly or biennial plant that is usually measured a weed of orchards, roadsides and field crops. The closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa), it grows throughout the temperate regions of all major continents. The leaves grow along a spiny stem and get ever smaller as they reach its top. They emit a milky sap when cut. Many flowers are shaped and usually appear in the upper part of the plant.

5. Mucuna pruriens (kavach or kauch seed): Mucuna Pruriens (Kapikacchu), also called as Cowhage, and velvet bean contains a very influential neurotransmitter pre-cursor L-Dopa. Mucuna pruriens (Kapikachhu) is a supposed remedy of Ayurveda in nervous and sexual diseases. Conventionally, Mucuna pruriens (Kapikachhu) is usually used as carminative, hypertensive and hypoglycemic agent. Mucuna pruriens (Kapikachhu) has been found to contain L-DOPA, 40 mg/g of the plant. The plant or seeds contain the bioactive alkaloids like mucunine, mucunadine, mucuadinine, pruriendine and nicotine, besides Beta sitosterol, glutathione, lecithin, oils, venolic and gallic acids. Studies in experimental model show L-Dopa also helps in the decrease of cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

6. Tribulus terrestris (gokharu): Tribulus terrestris is a prostrate annual herb regarded as the most powerful herb in Ayurvedic system of medication. Its main constituent is harmine. It is a diuretic drug useful in urolithiasis, dysurea, impotence or erectile dysfunction and kidney dysfunction. It has tonic and aphrodisiac properties. It is known to augment the quantity of semen and is helpful in diseases of the genitourinary tract. The plant and seeds have spasmolytic and cardio tonic activity.

7. Hygrophila spinosa (talamakhona): Talmakhona acts as a tonic. It is a healthy, erect, annual herb. The stems are sub-quadrangular with thickened nodes; the leaves are oblanceolate, with a yellow colored spine in its axil; the flowers pale, purple blue, densely clustered in axils; the fruits are oblong, glabrous capsules, four to eight seeded

8. Suvarnavang: It is an invigorator and rejuvenator.

The ingredients Speman are so combined that they renew spermatozoa and thicken the semen. There is no point in producing more sperm though if the worth is poor. If the sperm is thick and a deep white color then you have healthy sperm, if on the other hand it is gooey and only a little white then your sperm is of low or bad quality."

Mucuna Pruriens, Dopamine, L-dopa, Growth Hormone, Macuna

Mucuna Pruriens, Dopamine, L-dopa, Growth Hormone, Macuna: "MUCUNA PRURIENS (Velvet Bean)

Botanical name: Mucuna Pruriens
Common name: Cowitch, Cowhage, Velvet Bean, Cow-itch, Buffalo bean
Latin name: Mucuna Pruriens
Part used: Seeds, Root, Legumes

Mucuna Pruriens, also known as Cowhage, and velvet bean contains a very powerful neurotransmitter pre-cursor L-Dopa. Mucuna pruriens is a reputed remedy of Ayurveda in nervous and sexual diseases. Traditionally, Mucuna pruriens is commonly used as carminative, hypertensive and hypoglycemic agent. Mucuna pruriens has been found to contain L-DOPA, 40 mg/g of the plant. The plant/seeds contain the bioactive alkaloids mucunine, mucunadine, mucuadinine, pruriendine and nicotine, besides B-sitosterol, glutathione, lecithin, oils, venolic and gallic acids. Studies in experimental model show L-Dopa also helps in the reduction of cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
L-Dopa

L-Dopa is an amino acid that converts into dopamine. Dopamine is an essential component of our body and it's required for proper functioning of the brain. Research discovered the body converts the amino acid tyrosine into L-dopa; L-dopa is then converted into dopamine. Without the neurotransmitter dopamine to serve a damping effect on neural transmissions, muscles become tense and tremble.
Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens L-Dopa:


* Improved sleep (promotes deep sleep)
* Reduced bodyfat & decreased cellulite
* Decreased weinkles
* Improved skin texture & appearance
* Increased bone density and reversal of osteoporosis
* Increased lean muscle mass
* Improved mood and sense of well-being
* Enhanced libido & sexual performance
* Increased energy levels
* Improved cholestorol profile & regeneration of organs (heart, kidney, liver, lungs)
* Dramatically strengthed immune system

Mucuna: Human Growth Hormone

L- Dopa contains natural secretagogues which may support the body's ability to stimulate the natural release of growth hormone. The blood carries the dopamine into the brain, where it naturally increases HGH production from the pituitary gland. The increased dopamine levels also optimize the production of other hormones, including testosterone, leading to increased sex drive and improved sexual performance for both men and women, beneficial in stimulating muscle growth, as well as burning fat from fat cells.
Mucuna and Parkinson

The seed powder of Mucuna pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for diseases including parkinson. L-Dopa significantly affects dopamine metabolism in the striatonigral tract. This ability helps improve Parkinsonian symptoms in humans. The seeds of Mucuna pruriens accumulate 0.2% - 2% L-dopa in their dry weight. Parkinson's disease study group evaluated activity of Mucuna pruriens extract v/s Levodopa/ caebidopa in sixty patients and during their 12 weeks treatment , they proved that the extract was effective with less adverse effects.

In a a randomised, controlled, double blind crossover trial published on Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, the clinical effects of levodopa L-dopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) are compared with two different doses of mucuna preparation. Eight Parkinson's disease patients were given with single doses of 200/50 mg LD/CD, or 15 and 30 g of mucuna preparation in randomised order. Compared with standard LD/CD, the 30 g mucuna preparation led to a considerably faster onset of effect (34.6 v 68.5 min; p = 0.021), Mean on time was 21.9% (37 min) longer, peak L-dopa plasma concentrations were 110% higher and the area under the plasma concentration v time curve (area under curve) was 165.3% larger (p = 0.012). The rapid onset of action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias on mucuna seed powder formulation suggest that this natural source of L-dopa might possess advantages over conventional L-dopa preparations in the long term management of PD.
Mucuna Pruriens Aphrodisiac Effects

Mucuna pruriens can improve sexual behavior, libido, and performance. In an aphrodisiac study done at College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal, Mucuna Pruriens when administered in a dose of 75 mg/kg body weight daily, increased the sexual activity of male albino rats considerably by stimulating testosterone level. A ten fold increase in the mounting frequency was observed. The research shows that sexually active animals had increased sexual desire and improved sexual performance after 21 to 28 days. However, impotent animals did not derived any benefits.

Another research shows that Mucuna Pruriens heightened arousal and increased sexual activity to a moderate extent but also sustains it for a longer time as indicated by the increase in below Ejaculation Latency and decrease in Post Ejaculatory Interval. Mucuna Prueins is shown to possess central depressant activity. The delay in ejaculation could be due to toning down of hypersensitity of genitals and hyperexcitation of the regulatory centers. This study show that Mucuna Pruriens can be used to improve libido and delay premature ejaculation."