yohimbine

American  

[yoh-him-been] / yoʊˈhɪm bin /

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.

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yohimbine British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of yohimbine

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

Compare meaning

How does yohimbine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• yohimbe vs. yohimbine

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 The 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

Yohimbine isn't without side effects, however, Rosengren said.

From US News

Rosengren explained how the drug overcomes the effects of the mutation: "It is like driving a car with the brakes constantly on. If you add yohimbine, you release the brake and the car -- the insulin-producing cells -- can go at normal speed. The cells secrete adequate amounts of insulin in response to sugar."

From US News