Corynanthe johimbe

Yohimbe
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Corynanthe
Species:
C. johimbe
Binomial name
Corynanthe johimbe
K.Schum.
Synonyms[1]
  • Pausinystalia johimbe (K.Schum.) Pierre
  • Pausinystalia zenkeri W.Brandt

Corynanthe johimbe, synonym Pausinystalia johimbe, common name yohimbe, is a plant species in the family Rubiaceae native to western and central Africa (Nigeria, Cabinda, Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea).[1]

Extracts from yohimbe have been used in traditional medicine in West Africa as an aphrodisiac, and have been marketed in developed countries as dietary supplements.[2][3] The extracts and supplements have no proven effectiveness and pose safety concerns due to variable yohimbine levels and potential adverse effects, such as hypertension and insomnia.[2][4]

  1. ^ a b "Corynanthe johimbe K.Schum.". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference nccih was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference EFSA2013 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Yohimbe". Drugs.com. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2025.