FolkKB

Yohimbe

Corynanthe johimbe

Corynanthe johimbe is a plant traditionally used in various African medicinal practices, though specific uses are not well-documented. Scientific studies have shown that its extracts exhibit varying effects on neuronal activity, ranging from mild inhibition to hyperexcitation, with differing potencies among different samples. The study also indicates that alkaloid-containing species of this plant show higher average occurrences in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database, often linked to cultivation practices, compared to non-medicinal ones. Additionally, research has characterized enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids and outlined a series of in vitro assays to evaluate their neurotoxic potential using primary rat cortical neurons, zebrafish embryos, and C. elegans. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for Corynanthe johimbe.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Alkaloid-containing medicinal plant species showed higher average GBIF occurrences, often linked to cultivation, compared to non-medicinal ones. D PMID
  • The study found that various botanical extracts had different effects on neuronal activity in vitro, ranging from mild inhibition to hyperexcitation. D PMID
  • The study identifies and characterizes enzymes HYC3O and HYC3R, which invert C3 stereochemistry in monoterpenoid indole alkaloids across diverse plant species. D PMID
  • The study outlines a battery of in vitro assays to evaluate the neurotoxic potential of botanicals, including primary rat cortical neurons, zebrafish embryos, and C. elegans. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Yohimbe?

Yohimbe (Corynanthe johimbe) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Yohimbe?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Yohimbe; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Alkaloid-containing medicinal plant species showed higher average GBIF occurrences, often linked to cultivation, compared to non-medicinal ones.

How strong is the evidence for Yohimbe?

The strongest finding for Yohimbe carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Yohimbe safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Yohimbe in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Yohimbe interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Yohimbe in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Yohimbe?

Yohimbe is also known as: Йохимбе, Yohimbé.

Is Yohimbe a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Alkaloids Used as Medicines: Structural Phytochemistry Meets Biodiversity-An Update and Forward Look. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Screening tools to evaluate the neurotoxic potential of botanicals: building a strategy to assess safety. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Dose-response assessment of neuroactive botanical extracts and their bioactive constituents using microelectrode array (MEA) recordings in rat primary cortical cultures. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Ancient gene clusters govern the initiation of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis and C3 stereochemistry inversion. literature abstract metadata