Yohimbine is one of the few agents that effectively support fat reduction, which are still in legal circulation. It also has a different, interesting "side effect" which is the increase in libido and erection strength improvement. The vision of being slimmer and more efficient in the bedroom is very attractive, which is why the supplements with yohimbine enjoy great interest. Is there anything that can help these additional properties of yohimbine? And what is the mysterious icariin?
Yohimbine and libido
We will not focus here on the slimming effect of yohimbine, because this type of information is on the net in abundance. We will look at other, more interesting aspects of its operation. One of the significant uses of this substance is the improvement of sexual performance. The increase in the strength of erection as a result of taking yohimbine results from the antagonism of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which causes vasodilatation. Thanks to this, we gain a more efficient inflow of blood to the penis.
Research suggests that yohimbine improves erection more efficiently than placebo [1] [2] and it’s worth using it first before you reach for traditional medicines like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis). Researchers suggest that it’s particularly effective in cases of psychogenic erectile dysfunction. In addition to the effects on the circulatory system, a frequent effect of the use is a clear leap libido. The increase of sex drive is felt by both men and women, which is undoubtedly an interesting information, because usually the topic of supporting sexual life with supplementation or drugs is only raised in relation to men.
Due to the inhibition of alpha-2-adrenergic auto receptors in the central nervous system, yohimbine affects the mechanism of norepinephrine feedback, which results in its growth in synaptic spaces [3]. Thanks to this, Yohimbine gives energy, which in the aspect we are considering is also very beneficial, because without the growth of desire, the increase of possibilities alone would not give anything.
Icariin and libido
Let's go to icariin now. It’s the main active substance in the plant with the grateful name of Horny Goat Weed. The name itself perfectly illustrates the main application of extracts from this plant. However, we are more interested in biochemical activity, and these are undoubtedly interesting. Well, icariin is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5 [4]. Here, we need to return to the already mentioned Viagra and Cialis, which work with exactly the same mechanism, and their effectiveness is difficult to undermine. Due to the inhibition of PDE, cGMP levels increase in the cells of blood vessels, which extends their light and results in a better blood flow.
However, icariin has one more benefit, which is the increase in nitric oxide due to the increased expression of the neuronal form of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) as a result of taking icariin [5]. Most studies focus on the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis (eNOS), because it affects the better blood flow to the penile bodies of the penis, but it turns out that nNOS also has a significant role in erectile dysfunction. It turns out that in patients with this type of disorder the level of nNOS and nerve density in the penile tissue is reduced [6], and its alignment may give a potential improvement.
Icariin and Yohimbine combination
As you can see, combining yohimbine and Horny Goat Weed extract has quite a comprehensive effect on improving sexual performance, not to mention the other benefits of both supplements. For amateurs of extreme sensations, the whole lot can be supplemented with arginine or citrulline, which will enhance the whole composition.
Icariin and Yohimbine - summarization
In summary, if we are looking for supplements that could support our love life, Yohimbine and Horny Goat Weed seem to be a great choice. Together they provide several different mechanisms that completely support us in a given aspect, at the same time improving and willingness, and possibilities.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9649257
[2] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02674658908407870
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2054662
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17169663
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16281085
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21506911
