It is impressive how some components can be so beneficial, and so dangerous for the human body at the same time if not taken properly. In the case of synephrine and yohimbe, we are talking about two fairly common ingredients that are added to supplements (mainly fat burners and pre-workouts).
Supplements, in general, are great things to have in our diet and exercise routines. They can improve our:
- General Health
- Sporting Performance
- Motivation & Confidence
- Appearance & Sex Appeal
However, despite being natural, these products can also be counterproductive; especially if not consumed in the right dosages, or if they contain potentially harmful ingredients.
For this reason, you should know what Synephrine and Yohimbe are – and why you should try to avoid them when choosing a gym supplement.
In this article, we’ll explain what these 2 ingredients are, the potential side effects they can cause, and our final verdict in the conclusion.
What is Synephrine?
Synephrine, known scientifically as p-synephrine, is an alkaloid and principal active component found in several types of oranges; especially in the “bitter orange” (Citrus aurantium).
This fruit is native from south Asia and is often used in the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
It has been used for millennia to treat bronchial problems, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma through topical applications. More recently, Synephrine has become a popular addition to fat burner and pre-workout supplements – due to its fat-loss, appetite suppressant, energy booster and muscle preservation properties.
How Does It Work?
Here’s how Synephrine works in the human body; by stimulating the central nervous system (making it a stimulant). More specifically, stimulating your adrenergic receptors β-3 and, on a reduced way in β-1 without affecting the receptors β-2, α-1 and α-2 which, if overstimulated, can cause issues in the organism like hypertension and tachycardia.
When the receptors β-3 is stimulated, the release of fatty acids and triglycerides (LDL, bad cholesterol) is increased.
Benefits
Many studies have shown the effectiveness of Synephrine regarding weight-loss; basically, it can increase your metabolic rate and fat oxidation. It has been also shown that Synephrine’s benefits can be enhanced when consumed with Caffeine.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage for synephrine is from 10 to 30 mg taken 3 times per day, though, some people take a dosage of 50 mg once a day. However, is not recommended to take it for long periods of time (two months max) with a month out.
For people with hypertension, insomnia, or any other heart issue, is not recommended the consumption of synephrine. Not only that, this chemical has been reported to cause numerous side effects and has been banned in the UK among other countries (we’ll expand on this later in this article).
What is Yohimbe?
Yohimbe is an alkaloid found in the bark of a tree called Pausinystalya johimbe, which is native to Africa. It is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and has gained attention for its fat burning ability, which is why added to fat burner supplements (and even pre-workouts).
How Does It Work?
It works similarly to the way synephrine does, but in a more powerful way; Yohimbe works by stimulating the adrenergic receptors α-2 (increasing blood flow). One of the most prominent chemicals contained in Yobimbe, is Yohimbine Hydrochloride (considered a prescription drug in North America).
However, it’s worth noting that Yohimbine has been banned in the USA, UK and Canada after being reported to cause harmful side effects – we’ll expand on this later in this article.
Benefits
As we mentioned, Yohimbe has shown promising results in helping people burn fat. It’s also believed to treat anxiety problems (although Yohimbe has also shown to cause anxiety too), and is thought to be remedy to treat type 2 diabetes.
In general, this component almost has the same benefits of Synephrine – with the difference being that Yohimbe is believed to have a positive effect to relieve stress and anxiety.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage for yohimbe is 0.2 mg/kg of body weight twice or thrice a day and in between meals for more effectiveness. Most supplements with yohimbe have around 25-250% of the recommended dosage; therefore, it is important that you start with small dosages in order for you to not have side effects.
Potential Side Effects of Synephrine and Yohimbe?
It’s worth noting that almost all ingredients can cause side effects in large dosages. However, Synephrine has been banned in the UK (among other countries such as Canada) after causing harmful side effects.
But for those thinking that Yohimbe is safer…you’re wrong. Yohimbe has also been reported to cause numerous side effects; after all, the most promiment chemical inside Yohimbe Bark Extract, is Yohimbine (which has been banned in the USA, UK, Canada, and other big countries).
In fact, besides being the yohimbine a prescription drug in North America, the yohimbe is also on the ‘black list’ of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – officially listed as a “dangerous” supplement.
Reported Side Effects of Synephrine
The most common side effects of Synephrine are:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- High Blood Pressure
- Tachycardia
- Heart Arrhythmia.
Reported Side Effects of Yohimbe
Many people have reported these side effects:
- Anxiety
- High Blood Pressure
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Stomach Upsets
- Kidney Damage
Conclusion
We can understand why some poeple enjoy consuming Synephrine and Yohimbe; they are 2 chemicals that have shown to promote fat loss. However, it’s important to know they have also proven to cause numerous harmful side effects that should be avoided.
In fact, Yohimbe has been ‘black listed’ by the FDA as a ‘dangerous’ ingredient in any supplement. And Synephrine has officially been banned in the UK among other countries, after consistently causing harmful side effects (which we’ve listed in the section above).
For this reason, we always advise you (our readers) to stay away from Synephrine and Yohimbe when choosing supplements – to stay safe. And it’s also for this reason that the highest rated fat burners and pre-workouts on the market don’t contain these 2 chemicals.
Bottom Line: Some people go to extraordinary lengths to lose body fat. However, there are tried-and-tested natural ingredients that have shown to be even more effective than potentially harmful chemicals such as Synephrine and Yohimbe.
As a result, we recommend choosing 100% natural fat burners and pre-workouts – to stay safe without suffering from any side effects, and more importantly, seeing better results and sculpting the body you’ve always worked towards.
Here’s the best natural fat burners on the market for:
- Faster Fat Loss
- More Energy
- Suppressed Appetite
- Raised Metabolism
Here’s the best natural pre-workouts on the market for:
- Energy Boosts
- Enhanced Strength & Endurance
- Increased Focus
- Skin-Splitting Muscle Pumps