Yohimbine
Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 receptors on fat cells. At 0.2 mg per kilo of body weight, fat mobilisation rose in fasted participants. That effect disappeared entirely after a meal and grew stronger during exercise.
What the research shows
Mixed or small evidence. The effect is uncertain.
Three small human studies with diverging outcomes. Galitzky (1988) saw release of fatty acids into the blood in healthy men, a surrogate outcome. Sax (1991) found no change in fat distribution. Ostojic (2006) saw a lower body fat percentage in twenty soccer players after three weeks at 20 mg a day, while strength, sprint and jump stayed the same. Larger or more recent weight loss trials are absent. On top of that, Kearney (2010) counted 238 reports to the California poison control system over seven years, with tachycardia in 43 percent and high blood pressure in 25 percent, and those reports ended severely more often than the average substance.
Who it makes sense for: In the Netherlands, herbal preparations containing yohimbe alkaloids or their derivatives have been banned since 2007 under the Warenwetbesluit kruidenpreparaten, so it belongs in no supplement sold there. Stay away from it with high blood pressure, heart problems, anxiety or panic complaints, and while using antidepressants. For anyone still considering it: the fat loss evidence rests on a single study with twenty participants.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Origin
NaturalYohimbine is extracted from the bark of the yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia yohimbe), native to West Africa. It has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine.
Safety
Start with 2.5 mg as a tolerance test, since that is lower than the studied doses of roughly 13 to 20 mg. Yohimbine can cause anxiety, palpitations and raised blood pressure. Important to know: the effect on fat mobilisation does not translate into demonstrable fat loss. In a six-month study at 43 mg per day, body fat did not change.
For comparison
Yohimbine is one of the few fat burners with actual scientific evidence. It works by blocking alpha-2 receptors, helping your body release fat more easily, especially from stubborn areas like belly and hips.
Dosage by weight and gender
The effective yohimbine dose for fat burning is 0.2mg per kg body weight (Ostojic, 2006). For someone weighing 70kg that's 14mg, for 90kg it's 18mg. Always start with 2.5mg to test your tolerance and build up slowly. Women may be more sensitive to side effects, start with an even lower dose. Take it on an empty stomach, insulin blocks the effect.
Frequently asked questions
What does yohimbine do?
Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, making it easier for your body to tap into fat reserves. It's especially effective for stubborn fat (belly, hips). It also increases adrenaline release, providing more energy and focus.
Is yohimbine dangerous?
Yohimbine is safe when used responsibly, but it has more side effects than most pre-workout ingredients. Increased heart rate, sweating, anxiety, and nausea can occur, especially at excessive doses. Start low and build up. Don't use with heart conditions or anxiety disorders.
How much yohimbine per day?
0.2mg per kg body weight, built up from 2.5mg. For an 80kg person the target dose is 16mg. Always take it on an empty stomach and not too late in the day due to the stimulant effect.
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Alpha 2-antagonist compounds and lipid mobilization: evidence for a lipid mobilizing effect of oral yohimbine in healthy male volunteersGalitzky J et al. (1988)
- Yohimbine does not affect fat distribution in menSax L (1991)
- Yohimbine: the effects on body composition and exercise performance in soccer playersOstojic SM (2006)
- Adverse drug events associated with yohimbine-containing products: a retrospective review of the California Poison Control System reported casesKearney T et al. (2010)
Pre-workouts with Yohimbine
No products found with this ingredient
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.