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What is Yohimbe?
Also known as “herbal Viagra,” Yohimbe is a popular dietary supplement made from the bark of an African evergreen tree, according to Healthline [1]. It is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems in men, as well as to increase libido in women. Yohimbe has also become a growing trend among bodybuilders to help with fat loss.
Related Articles: Dietary Supplement Injury Lawsuit
How Does it Work?
Yohimbe is thought to work by blocking receptors in the body called alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. These receptors play an important role in inhibiting erections. Therefore, Yohimbe is thought to help treat ED by blocking the receptors responsible for preventing erections.
What’s the Problem?
According to Consumer Reports [2], an independent panel of doctors and dietary supplement researchers found that yohimbe can raise your blood pressure, cause rapid heart rate, as well as increase the risk of seizures, liver and kidney damage, heart problems, panic attacks, and death.
Yohimbe Side Effects
- Increased blood pressure (hypertension)
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
- Liver problems
- Kidney damage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Organ failure
- Death
- And more
Why is Yohimbe Banned?
Yohimbe is banned in the United States because it has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and seizures. Because of inaccurate labeling and the potential for serious side effects, Yohimbe supplements have been restricted or banned in many other countries, as well.
Most Yohimbe products don’t specify how much yohimbine they contain. The amount may vary a lot among products, according to a 2015 analysis of 49 brands of supplements labeled as containing yohimbe or yohimbine for sale in the U.S. Some of the yohimbine was either synthetic or from highly processed plant extract. Most of the supplements did not provide information about known side effects or potential health risks.
Class Action Alleges GNC Sold Amphetamine-Laced Dietary Supplements
A Class Action Lawsuit (PDF) has been filed against GNC and Grenade USA by a man who claims he almost died after taking a yohimbe-containing dietary supplement called “Grenade – Thermo Detonator.” Plaintiff Jay Rossi alleges that he purchased the supplement from GNC in 2017, and it “almost killed him” because it was laced with “amphetamines or an amphetamine-type substance,” including “dangerous amounts of Yohimbe Bark extract or, alternatively, bitter orange extract.”
The lawsuit is Jay Rossi vs. General Nutrition Corp. and Grenade USA, LLC. Case No. 1:19-cv-01417. U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois.
Do I Have a Yohimbe Lawsuit?
The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Yohimbe Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by any side effects, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.