Yohimbe bark may contain up to 6% total alkaloids, of which 10% to 15% is yohimbine. Other minor indole alkaloids include corynantheidine, beta-yohimbine, pseudoyohimbine, rauwolscine, coryanthine, and allo-yohimbine.
Yohimbine has been used primarily in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, weight (body fat) loss, and xerostomia (dry mouth). It has also been used in studies investigating autonomic failure and orthostatic hypotension. Yohimbine works by increasing adrenaline levels in the body, as well as inhibiting a regulatory process in fat cells, which normally suppresses fat burning.