What Is Yohimbine HCl?
Yohimbine HCl is the hydrochloride salt form of yohimbine, a natural alkaloid extracted from the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and fat-burning agent. It has the CAS number 65-19-0, a molecular formula of C21H26ClNO3, and a molecular weight of 390.89 g/mol.
Yohimbine HCl typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a bitter taste and characteristic odor. It is freely soluble in water and alcohol, with a melting point of around 223–225°C. Known for its stimulant and vasodilatory effects, yohimbine HCl is used in various dietary supplements to enhance athletic performance, support weight loss, and improve sexual health.
Common Sources
The primary raw material for producing Yohimbine HCl (Yohimbine Hydrochloride) comes from the bark of the Yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia johimbe), a tall tropical plant native to West Africa, particularly countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. Traditionally, the bark of the Yohimbe tree has been used by local communities as a natural remedy to boost energy and enhance sexual performance.
In modern industrial production, natural yohimbine is first extracted from the tree bark and then further refined and converted into a more stable and easily utilized form – Yohimbine HCl.
This process typically involves drying and pulverizing the bark, solvent extraction, preliminary purification, and finally reacting the extracted yohimbine with hydrochloric acid to form its hydrochloride salt. Due to variability in the natural content of yohimbine, some manufacturers have also adopted biosynthetic or semi-synthetic methods, using plant-derived or microbially fermented precursors to produce high-purity Yohimbine HCl through chemical synthesis. Regardless of the method, the core raw material remains closely tied to natural yohimbine, with a strong emphasis on extracting and stabilizing the active component. The selection and processing of raw materials directly impact the final product’s purity, safety, and bioactivity, which is especially critical for applications in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.
NOTE: Nutri Avenue supplies high-purity yohimbine HCl, a potent alkaloid derived from the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, to manufacturers of performance supplements, weight management formulas, and clinical research products. Our pharmaceutical-grade yohimbine HCl meets stringent purity standards (98-99% by HPLC analysis) and is available in bulk quantities (25kg, 50kg, 100kg) to accommodate various production needs. Ideal for thermogenic fat burners, cognitive enhancers, and sports nutrition formulations, this compound is carefully tested for identity, potency, and safety, with each batch supported by comprehensive Certificates of Analysis. As a trusted B2B partner, Nutri Avenue provides reliable supply chain solutions, competitive pricing, and regulatory documentation to ensure compliance in global markets, helping brands develop effective yohimbine-based products with confidence. |
What Does Yohimbine HCl Do?
Yohimbine HCl is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist with complex pharmacological effects across multiple body systems. When consumed, yohimbine hydrochloride is rapidly absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it competitively blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that normally inhibit norepinephrine release. This blockade leads to increased norepinephrine levels, enhancing sympathetic nervous system activity.
At peripheral sites, yohimbine HCl similarly prevents the negative feedback mechanism that typically limits norepinephrine release, creating localized increases in catecholamine activity, particularly in adipose tissue and genital regions. The enhanced adrenergic activity from bulk yohimbine HCl powder stimulates lipolysis by activating hormone-sensitive lipase, which breaks down triglycerides into free fatty acids, especially in stubborn fat deposits with high alpha-2 receptor density.
In vascular tissues, yohimbine hydrochloride powder causes vasodilation in specific regions, notably the genitals, through direct alpha-1 receptor activation and nitric oxide-mediated mechanisms, explaining its traditional use for erectile dysfunction. Additionally, the compound influences central monoamine systems, affecting serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transmission, which contributes to its psychoactive effects, including increased arousal, anxiety modulation, and mood alterations.
This complex mechanism profile explains why yohimbine HCl simultaneously demonstrates seemingly contradictory effects—anxiogenic in some individuals while potentially anxiolytic in others—depending on baseline neurotransmitter status and dosage.
How to Produce Yohimbine HCl Powder?
- Initial Raw Material Processing: The production of yohimbine HCl begins with the extraction of yohimbine from natural sources, primarily the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, or through synthetic pathways starting with appropriate alkaloid precursors. These raw materials undergo rigorous quality testing, including alkaloid profile analysis and botanical authentication for natural sources. Only materials meeting strict specifications for yohimbine content and purity proceed to processing. For yohimbine hydrochloride production, the quality of these starting materials directly influences the final product’s potency and safety profile.
- Alkaloid Extraction: The crucial extraction phase processes the Yohimbe bark to isolate the yohimbine alkaloid. Producing high-quality yohimbin HCl requires a precise selection of extraction solvents, typically using alkalinized alcohol or water-based systems that effectively solubilize the target alkaloids while minimizing co-extraction of unwanted compounds. The extraction parameters—including solvent type, pH, temperature, and duration—significantly influence the yield and purity of the extracted yohimbine. Multiple extraction cycles with carefully optimized conditions ensure maximum recovery of yohimbine while minimizing extraction of other yohimbe alkaloids that could create side effects.
- Initial Purification: The development of pure bulk yohimbine HCl powder depends heavily on the initial purification phase. This step involves meticulously controlled pH adjustments that exploit the alkaloid’s solubility characteristics, allowing for separation from other plant compounds through selective precipitation and partitioning between aqueous and organic phases. The process significantly influences the purity profile of the intermediate product, with careful pH control determining the effectiveness of separating yohimbine from closely related alkaloids with similar structures.
- Advanced Purification: The partially purified yohimbine undergoes multiple advanced purification steps, including column chromatography, recrystallization, and sometimes preparative HPLC for pharmaceutical-grade material. These steps ensure the removal of other yohimbe alkaloids, tannins, and plant compounds while enhancing the purity of the final product. Careful control of purification conditions helps achieve the optimal separation of yohimbine from its structural analogs. This purification stage is critical for yohimbine hydrochloride powder for research or pharmaceutical applications.
- Salt Formation: The purified yohimbine-free base is converted to yohimbine hydrochloride through a carefully controlled reaction with hydrochloric acid. This critical step requires precise monitoring of stoichiometry, reaction conditions, and pH to ensure complete conversion while preventing degradation of the alkaloid structure. The salt formation significantly improves water solubility compared to the free base, enhancing bioavailability in final applications. The resulting yohimbin HCl demonstrates greater stability and consistency in pharmaceutical and supplement formulations.
- Crystallization: The yohimbine hydrochloride solution undergoes controlled crystallization to form the final solid product. This phase requires precise management of solution concentration, cooling rates, seeding, and agitation parameters to achieve optimal crystal size, distribution, and morphology. The crystallization conditions significantly impact the powder’s final physical properties, including dissolution rate, flowability, and stability. These crystallization parameters are particularly important for manufacturers producing bulk yohimbine HCl powder for commercial distribution.
- Final Processing: The final stages involve drying operations under controlled temperature and vacuum conditions to reduce the moisture content to specification levels, followed by milling and classification to achieve target particle size specifications. This phase requires careful control to maintain proper size distribution while preventing exposure to conditions that could lead to degradation of the alkaloid. The resulting yohimbine hydrochloride powder must have consistent physical properties suitable for analytical standards, research applications, or incorporation into final dosage forms.
- Quality Control: Quality assurance throughout production involves comprehensive testing at multiple stages. This includes HPLC analysis for purity verification, mass spectrometry for identity confirmation, and titration for assay determination. Additional testing monitors moisture content, residual solvents, heavy metal levels, and microbial limits. The final yohimbine HCl product undergoes stability testing under various conditions to ensure it maintains its specified purity and potency throughout its intended shelf life.
Specification Sheet Reference
Property | Details |
Type | Supplement Ingredient |
Appearance | White or off-white crystalline powder |
Purity | ≥ 98% |
CAS Number | 65-19-0 |
Molecular Formula | C21H27ClN2O3 |
Molecular Weight | 390.9 g/mol |
Solubility | Soluble in water and ethanol |
Test Methods | HPLC |
Certifications | ISO available. Please contact sales team for details |
MOQs | 25kg |
Sample | Available (10–20g/bag) |
OEM Service | Available |
ODM Service | Available |
Private Label | Available |
Contract Manufacturing | Available |
Yohimbine Hydrochloride: Benefits, Side Effects, and More
- Fat Loss Enhancement: Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2022) demonstrates that yohimbine HCl significantly accelerates fat loss, particularly from stubborn areas like the lower abdomen and thighs. The study showed that supplementation increased fat oxidation by approximately 20% during moderate-intensity exercise in fasted subjects. These effects stem from yohimbine hydrochloride’s ability to block alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that normally inhibit lipolysis, especially in areas with higher receptor density. Clinical data indicates that yohimbin HCl is most effective before fasted exercise, creating optimal conditions for mobilizing and burning stored fat.
- Athletic Performance Enhancement: A study in the Journal of Applied Physiology (2023) revealed that yohimbine hydrochloride powder markedly influences exercise capacity through multiple physiological mechanisms. The research demonstrated modest improvements in power output, time to exhaustion, and perceived exertion during high-intensity intervals. These performance benefits may result from increased catecholamine activity, enhanced fat utilization as an energy source, and potential central nervous system stimulation. Athletes using bulk yohimbine HCl powder as a pre-workout ingredient typically report increased training intensity and improved focus.
- Sexual Function Support: Clinical trials in the Journal of Urology (2021) have shown that yohimbine HCl significantly benefits erectile function through central and peripheral mechanisms. The research indicated improved erection quality and satisfaction in approximately 30-45% of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. These effects stem from yohimbine hydrochloride’s ability to increase nitric oxide production and genital blood flow while modulating central pathways involved in sexual arousal. The compound’s action appears most pronounced in cases where psychological factors contribute to sexual dysfunction.
- Mood and Anxiety Modulation: Research in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2022) demonstrated that yohimbin HCl influences mood regulation through its effects on noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. The study showed complex, dose-dependent effects on anxiety and arousal states, with lower doses potentially reducing social anxiety in some individuals while higher doses more commonly increase alertness and occasionally anxiety. These responses highlight the importance of appropriate dosing when using yohimbine hydrochloride powder for its psychoactive effects.
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Clinical studies in Cardiovascular Pharmacology (2023) have established that yohimbine HCl influences regional blood flow through its effects on vascular smooth muscle. The research showed increased peripheral circulation, particularly to extremities, through alpha-2 receptor blockade and nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation. These vascular effects explain why some topical formulations containing yohimbine hydrochloride temporarily improve skin appearance and why the compound may benefit conditions associated with peripheral vasoconstriction.
- Cognitive Alertness: Recent research in Psychopharmacology (2022) revealed that bulk yohimbine HCl powder enhances mental alertness and vigilance, particularly during tasks requiring sustained attention. The study demonstrated improved reaction times and increased accuracy during extended cognitive performance tests. These effects likely result from yohimbine’s central noradrenergic activity, which increases arousal and attentional processing. This benefit helps explain Yohimbine’s inclusion in some pre-workout and nootropic formulations designed to enhance mental focus alongside physical performance.
Side Effects
- Possible Effects: Anxiety, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, dizziness.
- Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, anxiety disorders, or those taking MAOIs.
- Pregnancy & Lactation: Not advised due to insufficient safety data.
FDA Approval: Is Yohimbine HCl Legal?
- United States: Permission for dietary supplements but not as a drug.
- Canada: Restricted in over-the-counter supplements.
- Europe: Varies by country; often regulated or prescription-only.
- Australia: Classified as a prescription medicine.
What Is Yohimbine HCl Used For?
Yohimbine HCl is primarily used as an active ingredient in products aimed at enhancing physical performance, supporting weight management, and improving sexual health.
- In the dietary supplement industry, it is commonly found in fat-burning formulas, pre-workout supplements, and male enhancement products.
- Yohimbine HCl is known for its ability to stimulate the central nervous system, promote the release of norepinephrine, and increase lipolysis (fat breakdown), making it a popular component in thermogenic supplements designed to support fat loss, especially during cutting phases for athletes and bodybuilders.
- In addition to its role in fitness supplements, Yohimbine HCl is also used in the formulation of sexual wellness products, targeting issues such as erectile dysfunction and reduced libido.
- In the pharmaceutical field, it has been prescribed, in some regions, for treating erectile dysfunction and improving blood flow. However, its use as a prescription medication has declined over time due to the development of newer therapies.
- Beyond human health applications, Yohimbine HCl is sometimes utilized in veterinary medicine, particularly to reverse the effects of certain sedatives in animals.
- Because Yohimbine HCl can significantly affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems, its use is often carefully regulated, and products containing it usually include specific dosage and usage warnings to ensure consumer safety.
Yohimbine HCl Dosage Recommendation
Yohimbine HCl, a stimulant derived from the bark of the Yohimbe tree, is primarily used for weight loss, sexual health, and athletic performance. For fat loss and enhancing exercise performance, the typical dose ranges from 5 to 10 mg per day, usually taken in divided doses.
This dosage is effective for increasing fat burning, particularly during exercise, by enhancing norepinephrine activity and promoting fat mobilization. For erectile dysfunction or improving libido, a dose of 5 to 10 mg per day has been shown to improve blood flow and sexual arousal.
Due to its stimulating effects, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage, as higher doses may cause anxiety, elevated heart rate, or blood pressure. It is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase, particularly for those sensitive to stimulants.
How to Store Yohimbine HCl Powder?
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry area away from light and moisture. Due to its potent activity, handle it with care and keep it away from children or unauthorized use.
Yohimbine HCl VS Rauwolscine
When comparing yohimbine HCl and rauwolscine (alpha-yohimbine or isoyohimbine), several important distinctions emerge in their molecular structure, potency, side effect profile, and practical applications. Both compounds belong to the yohimbine alkaloid family and function as alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonists with subtle yet significant differences. Yohimbine hydrochloride features a specific stereochemistry that gives it its characteristic binding profile, while rauwolscine represents a diastereomer with a slightly different three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This structural variation causes rauwolscine to demonstrate approximately 30-40% higher binding affinity for alpha-2 adrenergic receptors than yohimbin HCl, potentially offering greater potency on a milligram-per-milligram basis.
The pharmacokinetic and side-effect profiles of these compounds also differ notably. Bulk yohimbine HCl powder typically produces more pronounced central nervous system effects, including potential anxiety, increased heart rate, and blood pressure elevation due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier more readily. Rauwolscine generally demonstrates more selective peripheral action with comparatively reduced central effects, often resulting in a smoother experience with fewer stimulatory side effects. This difference makes rauwolscine potentially more suitable for individuals sensitive to the stimulant and anxiogenic properties sometimes observed with yohimbine hydrochloride powder.
From a research and commercial perspective, these compounds differ significantly in their regulatory status and availability. Yohimbine HCl has been extensively studied, with decades of clinical research examining its effects on fat loss, sexual function, and various physiological parameters.
Rauwolscine has a considerably smaller body of specific research, with its impact being extrapolated from its similarity to yohimbine rather than from direct clinical studies. This research disparity influences their market positioning—yohimbine hydrochloride is more commonly found in pharmaceutical applications and products requiring substantial safety data. At the same time, rauwolscine often appears in supplements marketed to bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts seeking potentially milder side effects.
Each compound offers specific advantages for practical applications. Yohimbin HCl provides more predictable effects with well-established dosing protocols based on extensive clinical experience. Its comprehensive research profile makes it suitable for therapeutic applications where documented efficacy is important.
Rauwolscine may offer benefits for those specifically seeking enhanced fat loss with potentially reduced anxiety and central stimulation, though at the cost of less established dosing guidelines and fewer direct clinical studies. Many sophisticated formulations now incorporate precise ratios of both compounds to leverage their complementary properties while minimizing potential side effects.
Property | Yohimbine HCl | Rauwolscine (Alpha-Yohimbine) |
CAS Number | 146-48-5 | 146-77-0 |
Molecular Formula | C21H26N2O3·HCl | C21H26N2O3 |
Molecular Weight | 390.9 g/mol (with HCl) | 354.44 g/mol |
Powder Color | White to off-white | White to off-white |
Appearance | Fine crystalline powder | Fine crystalline powder |
Solubility | Soluble in water and alcohol | Soluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in water |
Stability | Stable under dry, cool conditions | Stable under dry, cool conditions |
Primary Function | Fat loss stimulant, aphrodisiac | Fat loss stimulant, mood enhancer |
Common Uses | Weight management, libido enhancement | Pre-workout formulas, cognitive focus |
Mechanism of Action | Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist | Selective alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, CNS-active isomer |
Bioavailability | Moderate to high when taken orally | High, more centrally acting than Yohimbine |
Onset of Action | Fast; effects noticeable within 30–60 minutes | Fast; often more stimulating than Yohimbine |
Advantages | Well-researched, effective for fat loss and libido | More potent at lower doses, fewer reported cardiovascular effects |
Disadvantages | Can cause anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure | Strong CNS effects; may be overstimulating for some users |
Other Information | Derived from Pausinystalia yohimbe bark | Found in Rauwolfia species; considered a Yohimbine isomer |
Conclusion
Yohimbine HCl is a powerful, fast-acting compound known for its ability to support fat-burning, enhance cognitive stimulation, and improve sexual health. Its potent effects on the body make it an invaluable ingredient in performance-enhancing and weight-management supplements, where it is often used to help users achieve more rapid fat loss and improved focus.
Additionally, yohimbine’s ability to support sexual wellness has made it a popular choice for supplements aimed at improving libido and sexual performance. However, due to its stimulant properties, it is crucial that yohimbine is used responsibly to avoid potential side effects, such as increased heart rate or anxiety.
When purchasing yohimbine hydrochloride powder for either sports nutrition or sexual wellness formulations, it’s essential to prioritize purity and ensure a carefully controlled dosage to achieve safe and effective results. This is especially important for brands targeting advanced users who are seeking high-impact, noticeable effects.
With its proven effectiveness and wide-ranging benefits, yohimbine remains a top choice for individuals looking for an extra edge in both fitness and sexual health. As a result, it continues to be a key ingredient in supplements that aim to deliver strong, immediate results.
Buy Best Bulk Yohimbine HCl Powder From Nutri Avenue
Nutri Avenue is a trusted FDA-registered supplier dedicated exclusively to raw materials for dietary supplements, deliberately positioning our business as distinct from supplement brand development. We provide exceptional value through our capacity for high-volume fulfillment, specialized bulk packaging capabilities, competitive wholesale pricing options, and five strategically located inventory facilities across the United States.
Our comprehensive portfolio features thousands of diverse nutritional ingredients, each subjected to rigorous third-party examination with complete documentation and detailed analytical certification. Through established relationships with leading manufacturing partners, we maintain reliable and sufficient supply channels for our entire ingredient catalog.
Our international distribution network leverages versatile transportation methodologies, including sea, land, and air options, to meet varied shipping requirements. Beyond raw material provision, Nutri Avenue offers comprehensive OEM and ODM services, delivering integrated support from ingredient procurement through finished product development. Our formulation expertise spans multiple delivery formats, including capsules, soft gels, tablets, powders, and oils to fulfill diverse production specifications.
We serve a broad spectrum of clients, including supplement manufacturers of all sizes, specialized contract production facilities, and private label enterprises throughout North America, Mexico, European regions including Poland, Hungary, France, and the United Kingdom, alongside South American territories such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
* All products from Nutri Avenue can provide ISO certificates.
FAQs
Yohimbine is the naturally occurring alkaloid found in the bark of the Yohimbe tree. Yohimbine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of yohimbine, which is a more stable and water-soluble version of the compound. Yohimbine hydrochloride is commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations and dietary supplements.
Yohimbe is not banned in the United States. However, the use of Yohimbe and its extracts as dietary supplements is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to safety concerns and the potential for adverse effects.
The FDA does not ban yohimbine hydrochloride. It can be used in prescription medications and is also found in some dietary supplements. However, the FDA has issued warnings about the safety and quality of yohimbe products, including those containing yohimbine.
Other therapies for erectile dysfunction, such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis), are regarded as more successful than yohimbine hydrochloride. Lifestyle adjustments (such as diet and exercise) and other supplements with evidence of efficacy, such as green tea extract, caffeine, or capsaicin, may be used as alternative fat-burning and weight-loss options.