Pygeum
Encyclopedia
Pygeum is a herbal remedy containing extracts from the bark of Prunus africana
. It is used to alleviate some of the discomfort caused by inflammation in patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia
(enlarged prostate). Bark extract is marketed under the brand-names of Pygenil in Italy and Tadenan in France and used commonly in its natural forms in traditional African medicine
.
The Natural Standard Research Collaboration states:
Prunus africana
Prunus africana, or Red Stinkwood , is an evergreen tree native to the montane regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Islands of Madagascar, Sao Tome, Fernando Po and Grande Comore at about 900–3400 m. of altitude. The mature tree is 10–25 m. high, open-branched and often pendulous in forest,...
. It is used to alleviate some of the discomfort caused by inflammation in patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy , benign enlargement of the prostate , and adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia, refers to the increase in size of the prostate....
(enlarged prostate). Bark extract is marketed under the brand-names of Pygenil in Italy and Tadenan in France and used commonly in its natural forms in traditional African medicine
Traditional African medicine
Traditional African medicine is a holistic discipline involving indigenous herbalism and African spirituality, typically involving diviners, midwives, and herbalists...
.
The Natural Standard Research Collaboration states:
- Pygeum (P. africanum bark extract) has been observed to moderately improve urinary symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate gland or prostate inflammation. Numerous human studies report that pygeum significantly reduces urinary hesitancy, urinary frequency, the number of times patients need to wake up at night to urinate, and pain with urination in men who experience mild-to-moderate symptoms. However, pygeum does not appear to reduce the size of the prostate gland or reverse the process of BPH. It is unclear how pygeum compares to the effectiveness or safety of other medical therapies, such as prescription drugs (eg. alpha-adrenergic blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors), surgical approaches, or other herbs/supplements such as saw palmetto. There is ongoing study in this area. Patients with urinary symptoms or BPH should speak with their healthcare professional about the various available treatment options.