Yohimbe.

Date: Fri, 10 Mar 1995 11:29:49 CST
Sender: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants discussion list <HERB.TREARN.BITNET>
From: Chris Carlisle <884CC.WUVMD.BITNET>
Subject: Re: Better Sex Through Chemistry

> Read some enthusiastic testimonials excerpted from a book entitled "Better Sex Through Chemistry" and am inclined to wonder about the truth thereof. Has anyone here had any experience with any of the following in regards to sexual desire/performance:

> L-Dopa, arginine, niacin (taken right before sex), Piracetam, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), yohimbe, deprenyl
> What are these substances and are there any warnings related to any of them?

Yohimbe is toxic in just over the doseages recommended for effectiveness. I suspect that the arousal is a sort of symptom of poisoning and not worth the risk. Niacin is just another type of Vitamin B. I suspect that the effect, if there is one, results from the fact that a large dose of Niacin will turn your face red. I guess it would result in a rush of blood to the brain, which MIGHT enhance orgasm, but might direct blood away from the genitalia where it's needed to PRODUCE orgasm. The one person I know who used to take a lot of Niacin didn't enjoy the "rushes", BTW.

Kiw Carlisle

From: Rosena Roberts <c010.VIKING.DVC.EDU>

Niacin is one of the B vitamins, often prescribed for persons with high cholesterol or heart problems. It often causes "flushing" or reddening of the skin of the face and sometimes the whole body, even in small doses for some people. It wouldn't be harmful to try it, but do it without a partner first, to see what the side effects are for YOU.

From: Kevin Heffernan <kheffern.STUDENTS.WISC.EDU>

yohimbe is available OTC,usually sold by sports supplement copmanies. Herb Pharm sells yohimbe in tincture form. cautions include but are not limited to,* do not use if you have high blood pressure,are on MAO antidepressants, have diabetes, mood disorders are pregnant....* I have seen several men try the stuff and come back 4-6 weeks later looking for things to calm them down or say thet it made them uncharacteristally aggressive. do reading before you use it. Know what you are dealing with. there is a perscription form of yohimbine too. SYLETT