Exploring how yohimbine is processed in men and women based on genetics

Kinetics of Yohimbine in Humans to Explore Sex and CYP2D6 Genotype Interactions - YOKI-1 Study

Not applicable Interventional University Medicine Greifswald · NCT06939608

This study is testing how different people process yohimbine based on their sex and genetics to see how it affects their bodies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medicine Greifswald Academic / other
Locations1 site (Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)
Trial IDNCT06939608 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how yohimbine is metabolized in healthy volunteers aged 18 to 40, focusing on sex-specific differences and genetic variations in the CYP2D6 enzyme. Participants will be categorized into four groups based on their sex and CYP2D6 genotype, receiving a single oral dose of yohimbine and ¹³C₃-caffeine. Blood and urine samples will be collected at various time points to analyze the pharmacokinetics of yohimbine and its metabolites. The study aims to assess yohimbine's effectiveness as a probe for evaluating CYP2D6 activity and to explore interactions with other metabolic pathways.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 18 to 40 who are classified as either extensive or poor metabolizers based on their CYP2D6 genotype.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI outside the range of 18 to 30 kg/m² or those with significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance personalized medicine by improving our understanding of how genetic factors influence drug metabolism.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on pharmacogenetics are common, this specific investigation into yohimbine's pharmacokinetics based on sex and CYP2D6 genotype is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. individuals of both biological sexes, assigned as women or men at birth
2. age: ≥ 18 and ≤ 40 years
3. possesses the ability to understand the study purpose and design
4. contractually capable and provides signed informed consent form
5. in good general health or with mild and/or well-managed conditions such as allergies, asthma, hypertension or orthopedic diseases
6. taking no more than three chronic medications
7. individuals classified as either extensive metabolizers (EM) or poor metabolizers (PM) based on their CYP2D6 genotype:

Extensive Metabolizers (EM):

homozygous for CYP2D6 \*1,CYP2D6 \*2, CYP2D6 \*35, or heterozygous combination of any of these alleles

Poor Metabolizers (PM):

homozygous for CYP2D6 \*3, CYP2D6 \*4, CYP2D6 \*5, CYP2D6 \*6, or heterozygous combination of any of these alleles

Exclusion Criteria:

1. BMI \> 30 kg/m2 and \< 18 kg/m2
2. body weight \< 48 kg
3. women: known pregnancy or lactation period; positive urine pregnancy test at screening or kinetic visit
4. men: hemoglobin \< 13 g/dl (8,07 mmol/l) women: hemoglobin \< 12 g/dl (7,45 mmol/l)
5. elevated liver function tests (1 or more of ALAT, ASAT, yGT, Bilirubin \> 2x ULN)
6. reduced renal function (eGFRMDRD \< 60 mL/min/1,7 m2)
7. QTcF \> 450 ms in screening ECG
8. current or recent psychiatric disorders requiring treatment including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis or severe anxiety disorders
9. drug dependency at the time of visit
10. use of recreational drugs more than twice a week
11. any known hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to yohimbine or caffeine
12. history of severe hypersensitivity reactions and/or anaphylaxis
13. poor venous conditions that make it impossible to place a peripheral venous catheter and regularly draw blood through it

o) intake of drugs interfering with CYP2D6 and/or CYP1A2 during the past seven days p) intake of yohimbine within 48 hours and caffeine within 16 hours prior to study participation q) engagement in extreme physical activity within 48 hours prior to study participation

Where this trial is running

Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pharmacokinetic Study in Healthy Volunteerssex-specific differencespharmacokineticsyohimbineCYP2D6genetic polymorphismsdrug metabolismCYP1A2
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.