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 | |
| |
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).
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. 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.