There are many substances that are regarded as fat burners, but not all can claim as much of a reputation as yohimbine. Although it is not treated the same way as vitamins and minerals by the law and health authorities, it is still readily available and legal to purchase as a dietary supplement, and according to many, it rivals many hard, illegal drugs in effectiveness. Although many adepts in figure sports have experience with yohimbine, not everyone knows its exact mechanism of action. From this article you will learn how yohimbine works and how to configure yohimbine dosage.

• What is yohimbine?
• Mechanism of action and unique effect on fat reduction
• How is it that yohimbine so magically burns resistant fat?
• Yohimbine - dosage
• Side effects of yohimbine

What is yohimbine?

Yohimbine (yohimbine) is an indole alkaloid that occurs naturally in plants such as Yohimba medicinalis(Pausinystalia yohimbe) or in the roots of several plants of the genus Rauwolfia.

Because of its mechanism of action, yohimbine is valued as a weight loss aid. Fat burners usually use synthetic yohimbine hydrochloride(Yohimbine HCL). Less commonly used is alpha-yohimbine from plant extracts.

Mechanism of action and unique effect on fat reduction

Yohimbine has a unique reputation. It is considered to be a very effective aid in burning so-called resistant fat. Resistant fat is considered to be that located on specific parts of the body (such as the lower abdomen and flanks), which usually remains at the very end of weight loss and requires special stimuli to burn it off. For this reason, yohimbine is recommended especially in the last phase of reduction, when fat from resistant parts does not want to disappear despite efforts.

How is it that yohimbine so magically burns resistant fat?

Let's first find out what the differences are between resistant fat and the usual, easier-to-burn fat. Well, α and β type adrenergic receptors are located on fat cells. They are activated mainly by catecholamines such as adrenaline. However, their activation has different effects on fat. Stimulation of β receptors enhances energy release, while α does the opposite. Between fat cells in different parts of the body, there are differences in the proportion of quantities between these receptors. Thus, "normal" fat has more β receptors, while resistant fat has more α receptors.

Getting to the point, yohimbine is a potent, selective antagonist of α2 receptors. When yohimbine inhibits their activity, resistant fat tissue ceases to be resistant and responds better to catecholamines. That's the whole secret!

In addition to the above mechanism, there are additional actions. Yohimbine affects the CNS by acting as an energizer. Thus, it can increase the amount of spontaneous motor activity, and using it before training promotes an increase in training volume. These factors result in greater energy expenditure. Another bonus is that yohimbine can suppress appetite.

Yohimbine - dosage

One of the best-known guidelines for yohimbine dosage is based on the conversion factor:

Body weight [kg] * 0.2 mg yohimbine

For quick reference: this is how yohimbine dosage looks like according to the above conversion factor for different people:

However, yohimbine is specific in nature. Certain individual conditions mean that different people can react very differently to yohimbine. One person may not feel even large doses at all, while another will feel very strong stimulation and discomfort after just 2.5 mg. For this reason, many people recommend not to use target doses right away, but to start with the minimum possible dose (usually 2.5 or 3 mg) and raise it as needed to assess your level of sensitivity to its effects. Sometimes you will find that a lower dose than those shown in the table will suffice for optimal effect.

The above dosage information is not our recommendation. It is only a collection of anecdotal information especially often presented by Internet users on the subject of yohimbine use. This information should be treated as a curiosity.

Side effects of yohimbine

The potential side effects of yohimbine are the subject of controversy surrounding it. The most common ones are an increase in blood pressure, diuretic effects, and aggravation or induction of mild anxiety and restlessness. However, these are easily reversible - when side effects are noticed, simply discontinue yohimbine use.

Side effects can be much more severe when this one is combined with certain medications. This is because yohimbine has quite a few interactions with many drugs, by affecting the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Sources:

• Tam SW, Worcel M, Wyllie M. Yohimbine: a clinical review. Pharmacol Ther. 2001 Sep;91(3):215-43.