Corynanthe johimbe

Botanical According to Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online, the accepted name is Corynanthe johimbe K.Schum (first published in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 3: 94, 1901) and it has the following recognised synonyms: Homotypic: • Pausinystalia johimbe (K.Schum.) Pierre in Actes Soc. Linn. Bordeaux 61: 130 (1906) • Pseudocinchona johimbe (K.Schum.) A.Chev. in : 266 (1926) Heterotypic: • Pausinystalia trillesii Beille in Actes Soc. Linn. Bordeaux 61: 130 (1906) • Pausinystalia zenkeri W.Brandt in Arch. Pharm. (Berlin) 260: 67 (1922). Scientific (general) In scientific papers generally (i.e. not just in specialist botanical literature) the usage Pausinystalia johimbe is the most frequent, followed by Pausinystalia yohimbe. == Description ==

Yohimbe is one of a number of Corynanthe evergreen species growing in West and Central Africa in lowland forests. ==Conservation==

The demand for yohimbe bark has led to over-exploitation, with the possibility of long-term threat to sustainability of the species. Cameroon is the biggest exporter. == Uses ==

The wood and bark are used for firewood and construction. Bark the most commercially important product is used in extractions to make tinctures for traditional medicine and dietary supplements. The main phytochemical in the extract is the indoloquinolizidine alkaloid yohimbine. Yohimbe bark and extract are used in manufactured dietary supplements, but there is inconclusive scientific evidence that they have an effect or are safe to use, as yohimbine levels may vary substantially among supplement products. Yohimbe bark extract is insufficiently characterized for its properties, and is possibly unsafe to consume. Although proposed as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction in humans, there are concerns about the safety of yohimbe and no good evidence for its effectiveness. Adverse effects of using yohimbe, particularly in high doses, may include hypertension, increased heart rate, headache, nausea, tremors, and insomnia. Yohimbe products should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. == See also ==