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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
L-Citrulline wins 3 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
9 of 11 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both L-Citrulline and Yohimbine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
3-6g (or 6-8g citrulline malate)
30-60 minutes before exercise, Or split doses throughout day
L-Citrulline powder (pure form)
Standardized yohimbine HCl ~0.2 mg/kg (roughly 5-15 mg) up to 1-2x daily; start at the lowest dose, ideally fasted for the fat-loss effect. Never combine with other stimulants.
morning
Standardized yohimbine HCl (known dose)
1-2 weeks
24-48 hours post-exercise
30-60 minutes
With doses >10g
3-8 weeks
2-8 weeks
Acute
Acute
Absence of Effects of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Oxidative Stress in Response to Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=1080
We observed no difference between pre- vs. post-exercise for oxidative stress (subtotal = -0.21 [CI: -0.56, 0.14], p = 0.24, and heterogeneity = 0%.
Effects of Citrulline or Watermelon Supplementation on Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2025) · Meta analysis
Overall, CIT supplementation had no substantial effects on body mass index (BMI), body weight, fat mass (FM), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), and fat-free mass (FFM).
Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2021) · Meta analysis
No effect on exercise performance following consumption of foods rich in L-citrulline was identified (SMD=-0.03, p=0.24).
Yohimbine for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
The Journal of urology (1998) · Meta analysis
Meta-analysis of seven placebo-controlled RCTs of yohimbine monotherapy for erectile dysfunction
Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Turkish journal of urology (2021) · Meta analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of eight RCTs comparing yohimbine to placebo for ED
Yohimbine: the effects on body composition and exercise performance in soccer players.
Research in sports medicine (2006) · Rct · n=20
Randomized placebo-controlled trial in 20 elite male soccer players, 20 mg/day for 21 days
Meta-analysis showed significant reduction in muscle soreness 24h post-exercise but effect size was modest. Studies primarily used citrulline malate form.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
L-Citrulline has a higher evidence score (6/10 vs 5/10) and wins in 3 of 3 categories.
For athletic performance, L-Citrulline has a higher relevance score (80 vs 45).
No known interactions between L-Citrulline and Yohimbine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.