Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceWeight management

Rauwolscine (Alpha-Yohimbine)

A yohimbine isomer sold in fat burners for 'stubborn' fat. Its receptor pharmacology is well characterised, but there is no human trial of rauwolscine as a weight-loss supplement at all.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Alpha-2 adrenoceptor blockade Limited evidence

    Radioligand binding work established rauwolscine as a specific antagonist at alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. This is the pharmacological basis for the fat-loss rationale, since alpha-2 receptors restrain lipolysis in some fat depots.

  • Human fat loss Limited evidence

    No published human trial has tested rauwolscine for body composition. The closest evidence is a randomized trial of yohimbine in soccer players, which reported a reduction in body fat with no change in performance, in a small sample.

  • Dose and product quality Limited evidence

    Because no dosing study exists, label amounts are set by manufacturers rather than by research. Yohimbe-family supplements have a documented record of inaccurate labelling.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo studied dose. Products typically list 0.5–3 mg per serving, chosen by manufacturers rather than derived from trials.
SafetyAlpha-2 antagonists raise heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety; yohimbine-family compounds have been linked to palpitations, panic, hypertensive episodes and, at high doses, seizures. Avoid with hypertension, heart disease, anxiety disorders, kidney or liver disease, in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and do not combine with MAO inhibitors, stimulants or high-dose caffeine. Restricted or prohibited as a supplement ingredient in several countries.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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