An unusual study has occupied researchers for several months Crocodile Specialist Group, in 1992 in San Diego. Eighteen Nile crocodile males were divided into three groups which included a total of 90 female crocodiles. Eight rats were given a week of excerpts from an African plant, yohimbine. During the 3 month period of observation, the cycle of mating crocodiles was treated a total of 3 weeks longer than untreated animals. And the eggs from females that had mated with those crocodiles proved much more fertile. The researchers concluded their comments by noting that yohimbine had probably increased the success of copulations in the crocodile.
This little digression to recall that yohimbine is an important stimulus to sexual activity in humans, but also in the Nile crocodile, a discovery whose scope will not have you escape. But yohimbine is also a promising product in the treatment of overweight and obesity.
How it works? :
It exists in the fat cells of hormone receptors (alpha-2 adrenergic receptors) that, when stimulated, oppose a rapid weight loss. Yohimbine blocks these receptors. It therefore facilitates the loss of body fat in a diet.
Scientific report :
A study conducted several years ago suggests that yohimbine may help treat obesity. The obese volunteers following a very low calorie diet (1 000 kcal / day) each day while taking 4 capsules of 5 mg of yohimbine (an hour à une ½ hours prior to eating). Yohimbine was superior to placebo in reducing weight. Another study in women found that yohimbine increases of 36% weight loss compared to a pill have no effect. However, there are negative outcomes: a study of 19 obese people submitted to a hypocaloric diet found no difference in weight loss between the group taking yohimbine and the control group.