yohimbine

[yoh-him-been]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. an alkaloid, C 21 H 26 N 2 O 3 , extracted from the bark of Corynanthe johimbe or Rauwolfia serpentina, used as a selective alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist: purported to have aphrodisiac properties.

yohimbine

/ jəʊˈhɪmbiːn /

noun

1. an alkaloid found in the bark of the tree Corynanthe yohimbe. It is used in medicine as an adrenergic blocking agent. Formula: C 21 H 26 N 2 O 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of yohimbine¹

1895–1900; yohimb(e) + -ine ²; perhaps originally formed in German

Word History and Origins

Origin of yohimbine¹

C19: from Bantu yohimbé a tropical African tree + _-ine ¹

Example Sentences

Researchers are also looking at yohimbine, which is derived from the bark of a tree typically found in parts of Africa, and hydrocortisone, better known as an anti-itch cream, but used in pill form.

From Wall Street Journal

Yohimbine, the alkaloid derived from the bark of the African yohimbe tree and the active ingredient in yohimbe supplements, is sold despite little or no evidence for its effectiveness as a weight-loss aid and for treating erectile dysfunction, depression, low libido in women and other ailments.

From New York Times

A study in Drug Testing and Analysis evaluated 49 brands of supplements presumably containing yohimbine and found that only 11 listed the quantity contained.

From New York Times

He’s also been studying yohimbine, a prescription drug that can be extracted from the bark of a species of West African evergreen tree and sometimes appears in bodybuilding capsules.

From Science Magazine

Like ephedrine, yohimbine “comes from a plant but is pharmaceutically active,” he says, blurring the line between drug and supplement.

From Science Magazine