Trusted by 50,000 Customers
Yohimbine is a natural compound that helps athletes burn fat and improve overall performance. Here’s how yohimbine works, what results to expect, how to take it safely for maximum effect, and how to combine it with other supplements.
Key information
|
Parameter |
Key Information |
|
What it is |
A natural stimulant that increases adrenaline levels and accelerates fat burning. |
|
How it works |
Blocks receptors that prevent the body from using fat as fuel; enhances focus and endurance. |
|
When to use |
During cutting phases, before high-intensity or interval workouts, sprints, or strength sessions to failure. |
|
Dosage |
0.2 mg per kg of body weight (typically 10-20 mg per day); start with 2.5-5 mg. |
|
When to take |
20-30 minutes before a workout on an empty stomach; avoid taking in the evening. |
|
Cycle |
Short-term use for 2-4 weeks followed by a break; prolonged use reduces effectiveness. |
|
Effect |
Increases energy, improves concentration, and promotes fat loss without reducing strength. |
|
Risks |
May cause anxiety, insomnia, or elevated blood pressure if overdosed. |
How yohimbine works: effects on fat loss and muscle definition
Yohimbine acts as a mild central nervous system stimulant that helps the body use stored fat more efficiently as a source of energy.
Here’s how it works:
- Blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which normally inhibit the release of adrenaline and slow down fat burning;
- Increases the production of catecholamines — mainly adrenaline and noradrenaline — enhancing alertness, focus, and metabolic rate;
- Accelerates lipolysis, aka the breakdown of fat cells into free fatty acids that the body can use for fuel.
As a result, yohimbine can basically help you train with greater intensity, improve muscle definition, and burn stubborn fat — that one in the belly area.
When to take yohimbine & what to expect
Yohimbine is most effective in short, high-intensity cycles on cutting. Here’s when you can run it to get the best effects:
- During fat-cutting phases. Yohimbine activates fat burning by blocking receptors that normally prevent fat breakdown. In a study with professional soccer players, taking 20 mg daily for 21 days reduced body fat without affecting strength or performance.
- Before intense or interval workouts. A single 2,5-5 mg dose taken 20-30 minutes before training raises adrenaline and noradrenaline levels, improving blood flow and reducing fatigue.
- For focus and motivation. It stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing mental energy and alertness — especially useful for workouts to failure.
- Before short, powerful sessions. Taking 5 mg before resistance or sprint training helped participants perform more repetitions and maintain power longer.
In short, yohimbine supports energy, concentration, and fat metabolism when you’re on a cut. It’s in no way an effective way to achieve a 6-pack beach-ready look but it’s a nice addition to your cut. Just the thing you sprinkle on top of your diet, cardio, and possibly other cutting gear.
Chemical structure
Yohimbine is the main active alkaloid found in the bark of the Pausinystalia johimbe tree that grows in Central Africa.
Yohimbe bark contains 0,5-1,5% indole alkaloids (mainly yohimbine, though others — like aymalicine, alloyohimbine, corinantheine — also come from this source).
How to take Yohimbine
The right yohimbine dosage depends on your goal — fat loss, endurance, or focus. It’s a potent stimulant, so starting small and observing your body’s response is a must.
Here’s the baseline:
Basic Yohimbine dosage
A safe dose for adult men is about 0,2 mg per kilogram of body weight. For example, if you weigh about 70 kg (155 lb), you’d have to take around 14 mg per day.
Keep in mind: higher doses don’t increase effectiveness and may cause side effects. It’s not a ‘the more — the better’ thing.
When to take Yohimbine
Yohimbine works fast: its effects appear within 15-30 minutes. You can take it right before workouts, especially for interval or strength training.
It works best taken on an empty stomach: insulin that spikes after meals can reduce Yohimbine’s fat-burning effect.
How to Use It
- For fat loss: 0,2 mg/kg in the morning or before training on an empty stomach;
- For energy and focus: 2,5-5 mg, 20-30 minutes before a workout;
- For a short performance boost: a single 5-10 mg dose. Avoid taking yohimbine in the evening — it can cause restlessness or insomnia.
Cycle duration
You can’t run Yohimbine forever: it promotes tolerance (aka ‘stops working once your body is desensitized to it)’. Run it in short cycles of 2-4 weeks (always followed by a break for a week or two).
Best stacks with Yohimbine
Yohimbine works best in stacks with beta-receptor agonists like Clenbuterol to enhance thermogenic effects.
Should you stack it right ahead? No, it’s not a good idea.
Here’s the best way to approach fat-burning stacks with Yohimbine:
- Run it solo for 2-3 weeks in sensible doses, see how your body reacts
- If you feel the effect and don’t get too many side effects, consider it a success
- Take a break for 1-2 weeks
- When you’re ready, stack it with Clenbuterol in moderate doses. Don’t forget to add Ketotifen to the mix to keep Clen side effects at bay.
- Run the stack for about 4 weeks
- Enjoy the results (again: if you react well to it)
- This way, you stay safe and have the highest chances to get leaner at a natural pace
Possible Yohimbine side effects (and how to minimize them)
if you run too much of Yohimbine for too long, you’ll eventually get both little to no benefits because of tolerance and an increasing number of side effects.
Here’s what anyone who abuses it can expect:
- Anxiety and restlessness. Since the compound increases norepinephrine, it can cause inner tension, nervousness, or alertness.
- Sleep and mood changes. You can find plenty of reports on irritability and insomnia, especially notable if you take yohimbine in the evening or combine it with caffeine (or other stimulants).
- High BP and heart rate issues. Yohimbine can raise blood pressure and pulse rate, so it’s unsuitable for people with hypertension, heart disease, or anxiety disorders
Drug interactions
It’s an important part to consider: Yohimbine totally can (and will) amplify the effects of antidepressants and interfere with blood pressure medications. If you’re on AD or know you have heart health issues, it’s best to skip it and lose weight naturally.
Yohimbine FAQ in 2025
How does yohimbine make you feel?
It increases alertness, focus, and energy — similar to mild caffeine stimulation. Some people also feel warmer or slightly more anxious due to higher adrenaline.
Why do bodybuilders use yohimbine?
To burn fat while preserving muscle during cutting phases and to stay focused and energized during intense workouts.
Is yohimbe hard on the liver?
Not usually at moderate doses, but excessive or prolonged use can stress the liver. Always follow safe dosage guidelines.
Is yohimbine a steroid?
No. It’s a natural plant alkaloid and stimulant, not an anabolic steroid.
Is yohimbine safe for men?
Generally yes, in moderate doses. It’s even used to support sexual function. But men with heart or blood pressure issues should avoid it.
Can you take yohimbine while bulking?
You can, but it’s less effective. Yohimbine works best in a calorie deficit, so it’s mainly used during cutting.
What does yohimbine do for bodybuilders?
It helps reveal muscle definition by promoting fat loss, boosts energy and concentration, and improves workout intensity.
Summary
Yohimbine is a powerful supplement that can support both physical performance and fat loss when used correctly.
Again: if it comes from some tree and is available OTC, it doesn’t mean you can take it lightly.
It works best in short cycles, at the right dosage, and in a stack with Clen + Ketotifen. That’s why compounds like Apoxar YCZ (literally just a mix of Clenbuterol, Ketotifen and Yohimbine in low doses in a single pill) are quite popular. For safe and effective use, always start with the lowest dose and monitor your body’s response. If you get a notable effect from it — enjoy the ride.
