Rauwolscine
Rauwolscine (alpha-yohimbine) is a stereoisomer of yohimbine and a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist found in Rauvolfia and Pausinystalia species. It is sold in fat-burner and pre-workout supplements for stimulation and fat loss, sharing yohimbine's anxiogenic and cardiovascular side-effect profile with little dedicated human research.
01 Overview
Rauwolscine is an indole alkaloid closely related to yohimbine and is marketed as "alpha-yohimbine" in stimulant fat-burners. Like yohimbine it blocks alpha-2 adrenoceptors, increasing noradrenaline release, which is the rationale for its use as a stimulant and lipolytic aid.
There is very little research on rauwolscine specifically in humans; most inferences come from yohimbine, which is known to raise blood pressure and heart rate and to provoke anxiety and panic in susceptible people. Supplement products vary widely in content, and rauwolscine is frequently stacked with caffeine and other stimulants, compounding cardiovascular and anxiety risks.
02 Mechanism
Selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist; blocking presynaptic alpha-2 autoreceptors increases noradrenaline release, producing stimulant and lipolytic effects.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common (supplement) | 1–3 mg | Oral | Typical fat-burner amounts; potent, content often variable and understated. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stimulation and energyIncreased alertness and drive from raised noradrenaline. | Anecdotal | ||
| Lipolysis / fat lossAlpha-2 antagonism is proposed to aid fat mobilisation, extrapolated from yohimbine; human evidence is weak. | Preclinical | ||
| Anxiety and jitterinessAlpha-2 blockade commonly provokes anxiety, restlessness and, in susceptible people, panic. | Observational |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety and panicAnxiety, agitation and panic attacks, well documented for the related compound yohimbine. | Moderate | Common | Observational | |
| Cardiovascular stimulationRaised heart rate and blood pressure, palpitations; risk amplified with caffeine and other stimulants. | Moderate | Common | Observational | |
| Variable content and interactionsSupplements often contain inconsistent or understated amounts, and interactions with MAO inhibitors or other stimulants are a concern. | Moderate | Common | Observational |