Print Article

WebMD Home

RAUWOLSCINE

Other Names:

Alpha-Yohimbine, Alpha-Yohimbine HCl, Corynanthidine, Isoyohimbine, Rauwolscine Hydrochloride.

Review this Treatment See Brand Products

RAUWOLSCINE Overview Information

Rauwolscine is a chemical. It's found in some plants, like yohimbe and Rauvolfia vomitoria, and can also be made in a lab. It might be unsafe.

Rauwolscine is similar to another chemical, called yohimbine. Yohimbine has known stimulant effects.

People use rauwolscine for obesity, athletic performance, sexual arousal, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Rauwolscine has been found in fat burning and workout dietary supplements in Canada. They were recalled due to safety concerns. Don't confuse rauwolscine with Rauvolfia vomitoria, Indian Snakeroot, or yohimbe, which are plants that contain rauwolscine and other chemicals.

RAUWOLSCINE Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for RAUWOLSCINE Uses & Effectiveness

RAUWOLSCINE Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Rauwolscine is possibly unsafe. It's similar to another chemical called yohimbine. Yohimbine has been linked to reports of severe side effects including paralysis, seizure, dizziness, and others.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rauwolscine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Anxiety: Rauwolscine might make anxiety worse.

Bleeding conditions: Rauwolscine might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Heart disease: Rauwolscine might harm the heart, making heart disease worse.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Rauwolscine might make symptoms of PTSD worse.

Schizophrenia: Rauwolscine might make symptoms of schizophrenia worse.

Surgery: Rauwolscine might increase the risk for bleeding. People who take rauwolscine should stop at least 2 weeks before surgery.

RAUWOLSCINE Interactions

Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination

Clonidine (Catapres) interacts with RAUWOLSCINE
Clonidine is used to decrease blood pressure. Taking rauwolscine along with clonidine might decrease the effects of clonidine.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with RAUWOLSCINE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rauwolscine might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for high blood pressure (Calcium channel blockers) interacts with RAUWOLSCINE
Rauwolscine can lower blood pressure. Some medications are also used to lower blood pressure. Taking rauwolscine along with these medications might cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
Medications that increase the chance of having a seizure (Seizure threshold lowering drugs) interacts with RAUWOLSCINE
Rauwolscine might increase the risk of seizures in some people. There are also some medications that can increase the risk of seizures. Taking these products together might increase the risk of a seizure even more.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with RAUWOLSCINE
Rauwolscine might slow blood clotting. Taking rauwolscine along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Stimulant drugs interacts with RAUWOLSCINE
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and cocaine, speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Rauwolscine might also speed up the nervous system. Taking rauwolscine along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

RAUWOLSCINE Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of rauwolscine might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement Sources

References:

Adeniyi, A. A., Brindley, G. S., Pryor, J. P., and Ralph, D. J. Yohimbine in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction. Asian J Androl 2007;9(3):403-407. View abstract.

Albus, M., Zahn, T. P., and Breier, A. Anxiogenic properties of yohimbine. I. Behavioral, physiological and biochemical measures. Eur.Arch.Psychiatry Clin.Neurosci. 1992;241(6):337-344. View abstract.

Albus, M., Zahn, T. P., and Breier, A. Anxiogenic properties of yohimbine. II. Influence of experimental set and setting. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1992;241(6):345-351. View abstract.

Bagheri, H., Schmitt, L., Berlan, M., and Montastruc, J. L. Effect of 3 weeks treatment with yohimbine on salivary secretion in healthy volunteers and in depressed patients treated with tricyclic antidepressants. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1992;34(6):555-558. View abstract.

Berlin, I., Crespo-Laumonnier, B., Cournot, A., Landault, C., Aubin, F., Legrand, J. C., and Puech, A. J. The alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine inhibits epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation in healthy subjects. Clin Pharmacol.Ther. 1991;49(4):362-369. View abstract.

Boon, N. A., Elliott, J. M., Grahame-Smith, D. G., John-Green, T., and Stump, K. A comparison of alpha 2-adrenoreceptor binding characteristics of intact human platelets identified by [3H]-yohimbine and [3H]- dihydroergocryptine. J Auton.Pharmacol 1983;3(2):89-95. View abstract.

Bourin, M., Malinge, M., and Guitton, B. Provocative agents in panic disorder. Therapie 1995;50(4):301-306. View abstract.

Braddock, L., Cowen, P. J., Elliott, J. M., Fraser, S., and Stump, K. Binding of yohimbine and imipramine to platelets in depressive illness. Psychol.Med 1986;16(4):765-773. View abstract.

Bremner, J. D., Innis, R. B., Ng, C. K., Staib, L. H., Salomon, R. M., Bronen, R. A., Duncan, J., Southwick, S. M., Krystal, J. H., Rich, D., Zubal, G., Dey, H., Soufer, R., and Charney, D. S. Positron emission tomography measurement of cerebral metabolic correlates of yohimbine administration in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Arch.Gen.Psychiatry 1997;54(3):246-254. View abstract.

Charney, D. S., Heninger, G. R., and Sternberg, D. E. Assessment of alpha 2 adrenergic autoreceptor function in humans: effects of oral yohimbine. Life Sci 6-7-1982;30(23):2033-2041. View abstract.

Giampreti, A., Lonati, D., Locatelli, C., Rocchi, L., and Campailla, M. T. Acute neurotoxicity after yohimbine ingestion by a body builder. Clin Toxicol.(Phila) 2009;47(8):827-829. View abstract.

Gurguis, G. N., Vitton, B. J., and Uhde, T. W. Behavioral, sympathetic and adrenocortical responses to yohimbine in panic disorder patients and normal controls. Psychiatry Res. 6-16-1997;71(1):27-39. View abstract.

Landis, E. and Shore, E. Yohimbine-induced bronchospasm. Chest 1989;96(6):1424. View abstract.

Mann, K., Klingler, T., Noe, S., Roschke, J., Muller, S., and Benkert, O. Effects of yohimbine on sexual experiences and nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity in erectile dysfunction. Arch.Sex Behav. 1996;25(1):1-16. View abstract.

Morgan, C. A., III, Grillon, C., Southwick, S. M., Nagy, L. M., Davis, M., Krystal, J. H., and Charney, D. S. Yohimbine facilitated acoustic startle in combat veterans with post- traumatic stress disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1995;117(4):466-471. View abstract.

Mustonen, P., Savola, J., and Lassila, R. Atipamezole, an imidazoline-type alpha(2)-adrenoceptor inhibitor, binds to human platelets and inhibits their adrenaline-induced aggregation more effectively than yohimbine. Thromb.Res 8-1-2000;99(3):231-237. View abstract.

Myers, A. and Barrueto, F., Jr. Refractory priapism associated with ingestion of yohimbe extract. J Med Toxicol. 2009;5(4):223-225. View abstract.

Rasmusson, A. M., Hauger, R. L., Morgan, C. A., Bremner, J. D., Charney, D. S., and Southwick, S. M. Low baseline and yohimbine-stimulated plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels in combat-related PTSD. Biol.Psychiatry 3-15-2000;47(6):526-539. View abstract.

Riley AJ, Goodman R, Kellett JM, and et al. Double blind trial of yohimbine hydrochloride in the treatment of erection inadequacy. Sexual Marital Ther 1989;4(1):17-26.

Rowland, D. L., Kallan, K., and Slob, A. K. Yohimbine, erectile capacity, and sexual response in men. Arch Sex Behav 1997;26(1):49-62. View abstract.

Siddiqui, M. A., More-O'Ferrall, D., Hammod, R. S., Baime, R. V., and Staddon, A. P. Agranulocytosis associated with yohimbine use. Arch.Intern.Med 6-10-1996;156(11):1235-1237. View abstract.

Southwick, S. M., Krystal, J. H., Bremner, J. D., Morgan, C. A., III, Nicolaou, A. L., Nagy, L. M., Johnson, D. R., Heninger, G. R., and Charney, D. S. Noradrenergic and serotonergic function in posttraumatic stress disorder. Arch.Gen.Psychiatry 1997;54(8):749-758. View abstract.

Susset, J. G., Tessier, C. D., Wincze, J., Bansal, S., Malhotra, C., and Schwacha, M. G. Effect of yohimbine hydrochloride on erectile impotence: a double-blind study. J Urol. 1989;141(6):1360-1363. View abstract.

Swann, A. C. Mechanisms of impulsivity in bipolar disorder and related illness. Epidemiol.Psichiatr.Soc. 2010;19(2):120-130. View abstract.

Swann, A. C., Birnbaum, D., Jagar, A. A., Dougherty, D. M., and Moeller, F. G. Acute yohimbine increases laboratory-measured impulsivity in normal subjects. Biol.Psychiatry 5-15-2005;57(10):1209-1211. View abstract.

Amato RJ, Hulin MW, Winsauer PJ. A comparison of dehydroepiandrosterone and 7-keto dehydroepiandrosterone with other drugs that modulate ethanol intake in rats responding under a multiple schedule. Behav Pharmacol 2012;23(3):250-61. View abstract.

Arthur JM, Casañas SJ, Raymond JR. Partial agonist properties of rauwolscine and yohimbine for the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by recombinant human 5-HT1A receptors. Biochem Pharmacol. 1993;45(11):2337-41. View abstract.

Aziz TA, Hussain SA, Mahwi TO, Ahmed ZA, Rahman HS, Rasedee A. The efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract as an adjuvant in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients ineffectively managed with metformin: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:735-742. View abstract.

Bernauer W. Antiarrhythmic and antinecrotic effects of yohimbine stereoisomers in rats during coronary occlusion and reperfusion. Basic Res Cardiol. 1990;85(2):132-41. View abstract.

Beyer CE, Lin Q, Rosenzweig-Lipson S, Schechter LE. Alpha 2A-adrenoceptors enhance the serotonergic effects of fluoxetine. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006;539(3):164-7. View abstract.

Callahan MF, Beales M, Oltmans GA. Yohimbine and rauwolscine reduce food intake of genetically obese (obob) and lean mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1984;20(4):591-9. View abstract.

Cheung YD, Barnett DB, Nahorski SR. [3H]Rauwolscine and [3H]yohimbine binding to rat cerebral and human platelet membranes: possible heterogeneity of alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Eur J Pharmacol. 1982;84(1-2):79-85. View abstract.

Cohen PA, Wang YH, Maller G, DeSouza R, Khan IA. Pharmaceutical quantities of yohimbine found in dietary supplements in the USA. Drug Test Anal. 2015 Sep 22. View abstract.

De Vos H, Czerwiec E, De Backer JP, De Potter W, Vauquelin G. [3H]rauwolscine behaves as an agonist for the 5-HT1A receptors in human frontal cortex membranes. Eur J Pharmacol. 1991;207(1):1-8. View abstract.

Doxey JC, Lane AC, Roach AG, Virdee NK. Comparison of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist profiles of idazoxan (RX 781094), yohimbine, rauwolscine and corynanthine. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 1984;325(2):136-44. View abstract.

Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.

Godfraind T, Miller RC, Socrates Lima J. Effects of yohimbine, rauwolscine and corynanthine on contractions and calcium fluxes induced by depolarization and prostaglandin F2 alpha in rat aorta. Br J Pharmacol. 1983;80(1):115-21. View abstract.

Health Canada. Five unauthorized products seized from Keebo Sports Supplements in Winnipeg may pose serious health risks. September 30 2016. Available at: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2016/60456a-eng.php.

Hollander E, McCarley A. Yohimbine treatment of sexual side effects induced by serotonin reuptake blockers. J Clin Psychiatry 1992;53:207-9. View abstract.

Jacobsen FM. Fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction and an open trial of yohimbine. J Clin Psychiatry 1992;53:119-22. View abstract.

Kaumann AJ. Yohimbine and rauwolscine inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction of large coronary arteries of calf through blockade of 5 HT2 receptors. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 1983;323(2):149-54. View abstract.

Kearney T, Tu N, Haller C. Adverse drug events associated with yohimbine-containing products: a retrospective review of the California Poison Control System reported cases. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44:1022-9. View abstract.

Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol 1980;60:85-7. View abstract.

Norman TR, Kimber NM, Judd FK, Burrows GD, McIntyre IM. Platelet 3H-rauwolscine binding in patients with panic attacks. Psychiatry Res. 1987;22(1):43-8. View abstract.

Palij P, Stamford JA. Rauwolscine potentiates the effect of desipramine on limbic noradrenaline efflux. Neuroreport. 1996;7(6):1121-4. View abstract.

Pimoule C, Briley MS, Gay C, et al. 3H-Rauwolscine binding in platelets from depressed patients and healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1983;79(4):308-12. View abstract.

Ruck B, Shih RD, Marcus SM. Hypertensive crisis from herbal treatment of impotence. Am J Emerg Med. 1999;17:317-318.

Sandler B, Aronson P. Yohimbine-induced cutaneous drug eruption, progressive renal failure, and lupus-like syndrome. Urol 1993;41:343-5. View abstract.

Shepperson NB, Duval N, Massingham R, Langer SZ. Pre- and postsynaptic alpha adrenoceptor selectivity studies with yohimbine and its two diastereoisomers rauwolscine and corynanthine in the anesthetized dog. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1981;219(2):540-6. View abstract.

Southwick SM, Morgan CA III, Charney DS, High JR. Yohimbine use in a natural setting: effects on post-traumatic stress disorder. Biol Psychiatr 1999;46:442-4. View abstract.

Szabo B, Hedler L, Starke K. Peripheral presynaptic and central effects of clonidine, yohimbine and rauwolscine on the sympathetic nervous system in rabbits. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 1989;340(6):648-57. View abstract.

Tabrizchi R, Pang CC. Comparative effects of rauwolscine, prazosin, and phentolamine on blood pressure and cardiac output in anesthetized rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1987;65(7):1421-7. View abstract.

Teloken C, Rhoden EL, Sogari P, et al. Therapeutic effects of high dose yohimbine hydrochloride on organic erectile dysfunction. J Urol 1998;159:122-4. View abstract.

VandenBrink, B. M., Foti, R. S., Rock, D. A., Wienkers, L. C., and Wahlstrom, J. L. Prediction of CYP2D6 drug interactions from in vitro data: evidence for substrate-dependent inhibition. Drug Metab Dispos. 2012;40(1):47-53. View abstract.

Villazón M, Enguix MJ, Tristán H, et al. Different pharmacological properties of two equipotent antagonists (clozapine and rauwolscine) for 5-HT2B receptors in rat stomach fundus. Biochem Pharmacol. 2003;66(6):927-37. View abstract.

Wylie KR. Yohimbine and sinusitis. Br J Psychiatry. 1996;169(3):384-5. View abstract.

Yu J, Ma Y, Drisko J, Chen Q. Antitumor activities of Rauwolfia vomitoria extract and potentiation of carboplatin effects against ovarian cancer. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2013;75:8-14. View abstract.

Be the first to share your experience with this treatment.

Conditions & Treatments Related to RAUWOLSCINE

Learn about User Reviews and read IMPORTANT information about user generated content

Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009.

Vitamins & Supplements

Top Supplements

Drugs and Medications Center

Living Healthy Resources

Today on WebMD

Vitamins Quiz

Do you know your vitamin ABCs?

11 Supplements for Menopause

Ease hot flashes and other symptoms.

Vitamin B12

Are you getting enough?

Vitamin D

Wonder pill or overkill?

Video

Powerhouse Fruits and Veggies

Article

Vitamin Overload: Can It Hurt You?

Article

About Sleep Herbs and Supplements

Article

St. John's Wort for Depression

IMPORTANT: About This Section and Other User-Generated Content on WebMD

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatment or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.