Rauwolscine is a plant-based molecule that some use to boost fat loss & physical performance. It might also improve sexual function, but none of its uses are backed up by clinical evidence. This article explores the science behind the uses, potential benefits, and side effects of rauwolscine.<\/p>\n
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Rauwolscine is a molecule mainly found in two groups of plants: Rauwolfia<\/em> and Pausinystalia<\/em>. Sometimes it is called alpha yohimbine or isoyohimbine. Structurally, rauwolscine is very similar to yohimbine<\/a> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Both rauwolscine and yohimbine are alkaloids found in the yohimbe plant <\/strong>(Pausinystalia johimbe<\/em>), used traditionally as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. Rauwolscine appears to have similar effects as yohimbine but may be more potent and may have additional perks [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Like yohimbine, rauwolscine is primarily taken for boosting fat loss, improving physical performance, and enhancing libido and sexual function. Both are ingredients in various pre-workout supplements.<\/p>\n While animal and cell-based studies back some of these benefits, human trials are lacking to confirm them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n To start with, norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) play key roles in the fight-or-flight (sympathetic) nervous system. Their activity is called adrenergic<\/strong>. It mostly opposes cholinergic activity<\/a> of the rest-and-digest (parasympathetic) nervous system [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Rauwolscine blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (\u03b12 receptors), binding to them more selectively than yohimbine [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Alpha-2 receptors are found in the brain and throughout the body. Mildly activated, they counter the stress response; they calm the heart and brain. That\u2019s why rauwolscine may raise heart rate<\/a> and act as a stimulant; this also explains its potential to trigger anxiety [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n When strongly activated, alpha-2 receptors can promote the stress response and raise blood pressure. That\u2019s why rauwolscine may also counter the effects of high stress and anxiety [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n As another drawback, alpha-2 activation prevents insulin<\/a> release and fat burning. Rauwolscine\u2019s blockage may rev fat burning and raise insulin [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n And by blocking alpha-2 receptors, rauwolscine increases norepinephrine<\/a>, epinephrine, and dopamine<\/a> levels and decreases serotonin<\/a> levels. This chemical shift adds to the stimulant effect [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Rauwolscine also weakly activates certain serotonin (5-HT1A<\/a> and 5-HT1D) receptors and blocks others (5-HT1B, 5-HT2A<\/a>, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C<\/a>). As a result, it may reduce appetite and offer antianxiety and antidepressant effects [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Still, the above effects are based on animal and cellular research and thus shouldn\u2019t be taken for granted.<\/p>\n No clinical evidence supports the use of Rauwolscine for any of the conditions listed in this section. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based studies; they should guide further investigational efforts but should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Snapshot<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Proponents:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/a>Skeptics:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/a>How It Works<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Potential Health Benefits & Effects of Rauwolscine<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Animal and Cellular Research (Lacking Evidence)<\/span><\/h3>\n