Yohimbine is a specific natural compound present in certain plants such as Pausinystalia yohimbe. When used in research, its hydrochloric form is more prominent. This is due to the compound’s ability to block α₂-adrenergic receptors. As such, yohimbine HCl becomes useful in investigating stress responses, fat signaling, and reversing anesthesia in selected experimental models.
Chemical and Physical Properties
Yohimbine is the protonated salt of (+) – yohimbine. Its free base formula is C₂₁H₂₆N₂O₃. Below is a summary table that showcases Yohimbine’s chemical and physical properties:
| Property | Yohimbine HCl (Hydrochloride Salt) | Yohimbine (Free Base) |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₁H₂₆ClN₂O₃ | C₂₁H₂₆N₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | ~390.9 g/mol | ~354.45 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 65-19-0 | 146-48-5 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder | White crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | 288–290 °C (decomp.) | 234–241 °C |
| Water Solubility | ~10 mg/mL | ~0.35 g/L |
| LogP (Octanol–Water) | ~2.6 | ~2.6 |
| pKa | ~7.6 (amine group) | ~7.6 |
| Storage Conditions | Store at 2–8 °C, protect from light & moisture | Same |
The comparison effectively highlights why some laboratories are more inclined to use Yohimbine HCl over its free base variant.
The hydrochloride salt’s higher aqueous solubility (~10 mg/mL vs. ~0.35 g/L) and higher melting point make it easier to handle, weigh, and dissolve. This is observed under standard lab conditions.
Mechanisms of Action in Research Contexts
Primary Pharmacology
Yohimbine is believed to be a competitive α₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist. It applies to both the central and peripheral nervous systems of research models. When it blocks presynaptic α₂ autoreceptors, the chemical may increase the release of norepinephrine (NE). This leads to increased sympathetic outflow. This property is typically utilized in research models related to challenge paradigms.
Adipocyte Signaling
Certain adipocytes express α₂-adrenoceptors that inhibit lipolysis. Antagonism with Yohimbine removes this specific brake, shifting adrenergic signaling toward β-receptor–mediated lipolysis. With this effect, Yohimbine HCl is used experimentally to investigate regional fat biology.
CNS Research Uses
In clinical research, yohimbine is administered as a noradrenergic challenge agent. One of the goals is to examine panic circuitry and fear memory processes.
Documented Potential Benefits in Scientific Literature
IMPORTANT: “Benefits” below refer to observations in the literature that make yohimbine a useful research tool. The possible effects stated below have been reported as outcomes in specific controlled studies. This section is not guidance for human consumption.
Yohimbine HCl and Stress-Response System
This means studying Yohimbine for its possible effects on the body’s norepinephrine system. When the compound blocks certain receptors, researchers can observe changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and stress responses among research models. [2]
Research on Fat Cells and Energy Use
Some studies utilize Yohimbine when studying fat tissue and energy use. Yohimbine may enable scientists to explore how fat cells release stored energy (lipolysis). This compound also helps understand how different types of fat tissue respond to hormonal signals. [3]
Brain Studies on Fear and Memory
Certain studies using yohimbine challenge demonstrate potential modulation of fear and panic responses. Other research paradigms are focused on studying the compound’s effects on fear memory consolidation. [4]
Reversing Sedation Potential
It is suggested that yohimbine may lead to faster recovery from xylazine. This is observed among animal models in research. [5]
Yohimbine and Erectile Dysfunction
One specific review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzed eight studies comparing yohimbine to placebo research models. These demonstrate qualities of erectile dysfunction (ED). The paper observed that yohimbine was associated with a significantly higher chance of addressing ED. However, more human studies are still needed. [6]
Possible Glycemic Regulation
Yohimbine is believed to possess the potential to correct insulin release problems in models where α₂A signaling is abnormally high. This may produce some benefits for research settings wherein some models demonstrate genetic risk factors. [7]
Potential Side Effects and Limitations Observed in Research
Studies and case reports among experimental research models show that yohimbine may lead to the following adverse reactions:
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Stomach upset
- Trouble sleeping
How much yohimbine ends up in the research model may vary. This could be due to genetic differences in the enzyme CYP2D6. How the research compound interacts with other chemicals is also a factor.
How BC9 Can Be Your Partner for Your Yohimbine HCl Research
At BC9, we understand that high-quality research begins with reliable materials. This is why we offer Yohimbine HCl in multiple research formats: capsules, tablets, and powder. By doing so, we are meeting diverse experimental needs.
Aside from that, below are the compelling reasons why our clients keep coming back to buy their research needs:
Scientific innovation
Part of our mission is to support researchers exploring the possible impact of yohimbine HCl. As we provide carefully sourced compounds, we empower laboratories to generate reliable scientific insights.
Precision formulation
All of our products are prepared with meticulous attention to accuracy and consistency. With such precision, our yohimbine HCl materials ensure reproducibility and reliability in experimental results.
Transparent documentation
Every batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). This gives researchers confidence in the identity and purity of their chosen experimental products.
Dedicated support
Our 24/7 customer support team is here to assist with everything you need to know. This includes product details, documentation, or technical inquiries.
Conclusion
In research settings, yohimbine HCl is a valuable research tool in understanding noradrenaline systems. It works mainly by blocking α₂-adrenergic receptors. This action increases norepinephrine activity. Due to this, yohimbine HCl has been applied in research studies related to fear and stress pathways and fat cell biology.
However, it also presents some challenges, such as its potential side effects. Its behavior within research models varies greatly, and the quality of commercially available research material is not always reliable.
This is why researchers need to source authenticated and third-party lab-tested yohimbine HCl. When handled in this manner, yohimbine HCl becomes a valuable compound for studying noradrenergic systems while keeping its known limitations under control.
References:
- Agnieszka Nowacka, Martyna Śniegocka, Maciej Śniegocki, Ziółkowska, E., Dominika Bożiłow, & Wojciech Smuczyński. (2024). Multifaced Nature of Yohimbine—A Promising Therapeutic Potential or a Risk? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(23), 12856–12856. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312856
- Farrow, S., Mers, A., Banta, G., Steigerwalt, S., & Lockette, W. (1990). Effect of the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine on orthostatic tolerance. Hypertension, 15(6_pt_2), 877–880. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.hyp.15.6.877
- Richelsen, B., & Pedersen, O. (1985). α2-adrenergic binding and action in human adipocytes. Comparison between binding to plasma membrane preparations and to intact adipocytes. European Journal of Pharmacology, 119(1-2), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(85)90327-9
- Vasa, R. A., Pine, D. S., Masten, C. L., Meena Vythilingam, Collin, C., Charney, D. S., Neumeister, A., Mogg, K., Bradley, B. P., Bruck, M., & Monk, C. S. (2009). Effects of yohimbine and hydrocortisone on panic symptoms, autonomic responses, and attention to threat in healthy adults. Psychopharmacology, 204(3), 445–455. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-009-1475-x
- Janssen, C. F., Maiello, P., Wright, J., Kracinovsky, K. B., & Newsome, J. T. (2017). Comparison of Atipamezole with Yohimbine for Antagonism of Xylazine in Mice Anesthetized with Ketamine and Xylazine. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science: JAALAS, 56(2), 142. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5361038/?
- Satriyo Arif Wibowo, D. N., Soebad, D. M., & Soebadi, M. A. (2021). Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Türk Üroloji Dergisi/Turkish Journal of Urology, 47(6), 482–488. https://doi.org/10.5152/tud.2021.21206
- Haurwitz, R. E., Jinek, M., Wiedenheft, B., Zhou, K., & Doudna, J. A. (2010). Sequence- and Structure-Specific RNA Processing by a CRISPR Endonuclease. Science, 329(5997), 1355–1358. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1192272
