What are the potential health benefits of pygeum. How does pygeum affect prostate health. What are the common side effects and precautions for using pygeum. What is the recommended dosage for pygeum supplements.

What is Pygeum and How Does It Work?

Pygeum is an herbal extract derived from the bark of the African cherry tree (Prunus africana). This tree, native to Africa, is also known as the African plum tree. The extract has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits, particularly for prostate health.

The active compounds in pygeum, including phytosterols, pentacyclic triterpenoids, and ferulic acid esters, are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds may help reduce inflammation, modulate hormones, and support overall prostate function.

How does pygeum affect the prostate?

Pygeum’s primary mechanism of action involves reducing inflammation in the prostate gland and inhibiting the growth of prostate cells. This can potentially alleviate symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and may even have protective effects against prostate cancer.

Potential Health Benefits of Pygeum

While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of pygeum’s benefits, several studies have highlighted its potential therapeutic uses:

• Reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Supporting urinary tract health
• Potentially reducing the risk of prostate cancer
• Alleviating inflammation
• Supporting kidney health

Can pygeum help with BPH symptoms?

Yes, pygeum has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A review from 2000 found that pygeum extract could help ease various BPH symptoms, including:

• Nighttime urination (nocturia)
• Frequent urination
• Urinary incontinence
• Pain and discomfort
• Prostate inflammation

More recent research suggests that pygeum may not only provide symptom relief but could also help slow the growth of prostate cells, potentially preventing the development of BPH.

Pygeum and Prostate Cancer Prevention

While more research is needed, some studies have indicated that pygeum may have potential in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. A 2012 study found that pygeum extract showed protective effects against cancerous prostate cells. Earlier research from 2010 and 2011 also suggested that pygeum may influence androgen receptors, which play a role in controlling prostate growth.

How does pygeum affect androgen receptors?

Pygeum has been found to interact with androgen receptors, which are proteins that play a crucial role in regulating prostate growth and function. By modulating these receptors, pygeum may help control the proliferation of prostate cells and potentially reduce the risk of prostate-related issues, including cancer.

Side Effects and Precautions of Pygeum

While pygeum is generally considered safe for most people when taken orally, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions:

What are the common side effects of pygeum?

Some individuals may experience mild side effects when taking pygeum, including:

• Stomach discomfort
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Headache

These side effects are typically mild and may subside as your body adjusts to the supplement.

Are there any precautions to consider when using pygeum?

While pygeum is generally well-tolerated, there are some precautions to keep in mind:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Due to limited research, it’s best to avoid pygeum if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Drug interactions: Pygeum may interact with certain medications, so consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you’re taking any prescription drugs.
• Surgery: Stop taking pygeum at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery, as it may affect blood clotting.

Recommended Dosage and Administration of Pygeum

The appropriate dosage of pygeum can vary depending on the specific product and the intended use. However, some general guidelines can be helpful:

What is the typical dosage range for pygeum supplements?

Based on available research and common practices, the typical dosage range for pygeum supplements is:

• 75-200 mg of pygeum extract daily
• Divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day
• Taken for up to 12 months

It’s important to note that these dosages are based on standardized extracts containing 13% total sterols. Always follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosing recommendations.

Pygeum’s Impact on Urinary Health

One of the primary reasons pygeum has gained popularity is its potential benefits for urinary health, particularly in men with prostate issues.

How does pygeum improve urinary function?

Pygeum may help improve urinary function through several mechanisms:

• Reducing inflammation in the prostate and urinary tract
• Decreasing the production of prostaglandins, which can contribute to bladder irritation
• Improving bladder muscle tone
• Enhancing urine flow

These effects can lead to improvements in various urinary symptoms, including reduced frequency of urination, improved urine flow, and decreased nighttime urination.

Pygeum and Inflammation

Beyond its effects on prostate and urinary health, pygeum has shown potential as a general anti-inflammatory agent.

Can pygeum help reduce overall inflammation in the body?

Yes, pygeum has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that may extend beyond the prostate. The active compounds in pygeum, particularly the pentacyclic triterpenoids, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body. This broad anti-inflammatory effect may contribute to pygeum’s potential benefits for various health conditions.

Some areas where pygeum’s anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial include:

• Joint health
• Digestive system inflammation
• Skin conditions
• Respiratory health

However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of pygeum’s anti-inflammatory effects and its potential applications in these areas.

Pygeum and Kidney Health

While less studied than its effects on prostate health, some research suggests that pygeum may also have benefits for kidney function.

How might pygeum support kidney health?

Pygeum’s potential benefits for kidney health may be related to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some ways in which pygeum might support kidney function include:

• Reducing inflammation in the kidneys
• Protecting kidney cells from oxidative stress
• Supporting healthy blood flow to the kidneys
• Potentially reducing the risk of kidney stones

While these potential benefits are promising, more research is needed to fully understand pygeum’s effects on kidney health and to determine appropriate dosages for this purpose.

Sustainability and Conservation Concerns

As the popularity of pygeum has grown, concerns have arisen about the sustainability of harvesting practices and the conservation status of the African cherry tree.

What are the environmental impacts of pygeum harvesting?

The increased demand for pygeum has led to several environmental concerns:

• Overharvesting: Unsustainable harvesting practices have led to a decline in wild populations of Prunus africana.
• Habitat loss: Deforestation and land-use changes have further threatened the tree’s natural habitat.
• Endangered species status: The African cherry tree is now listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

To address these concerns, efforts are being made to promote sustainable harvesting practices, establish cultivation programs, and develop alternative sources of the active compounds found in pygeum.

Pygeum vs. Other Prostate Health Supplements

Pygeum is not the only natural supplement marketed for prostate health. It’s often compared to other popular options like saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol.

How does pygeum compare to other prostate health supplements?

When comparing pygeum to other prostate health supplements, several factors should be considered:

• Efficacy: Studies have shown that pygeum may be as effective as saw palmetto for managing BPH symptoms, but more direct comparison studies are needed.
• Mechanism of action: While saw palmetto primarily works by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, pygeum has multiple mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects.
• Side effects: Both pygeum and saw palmetto are generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported.
• Research support: Saw palmetto has been more extensively studied than pygeum, particularly in long-term trials.
• Sustainability: Pygeum faces more significant sustainability concerns compared to saw palmetto, which is more easily cultivated.

Ultimately, the choice between pygeum and other prostate health supplements should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account individual health needs and preferences.

Future Research and Potential Applications

While pygeum has shown promise in several areas of health, particularly prostate and urinary health, there is still much to be explored in terms of its potential applications and long-term effects.

What areas of pygeum research are currently being explored?

Ongoing and future research on pygeum is focusing on several key areas:

• Long-term efficacy and safety studies for prostate health
• Potential applications in prostate cancer prevention and treatment
• Exploration of pygeum’s effects on overall male reproductive health
• Investigation of pygeum’s anti-inflammatory properties in other health conditions
• Development of sustainable sourcing and production methods
• Identification and isolation of specific active compounds for targeted therapies

As research in these areas progresses, we may gain a more comprehensive understanding of pygeum’s therapeutic potential and optimal uses in healthcare.

In conclusion, pygeum shows promise as a natural supplement for prostate and urinary health, with potential applications in other areas of wellness. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects and optimal use, the current evidence suggests that pygeum may be a valuable addition to the toolkit of natural health remedies. As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating pygeum into your health regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Pygeum is the name for extracts, teas, and supplements that come from the bark of a tree native to Africa called Prunus africana.

Pygeum contains chemicals that help shrink the prostate in males with enlarged prostates. This might relieve urinary problems such as poor urine flow and nighttime urination.

People most commonly use pygeum for treating symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH). It is also used for fever, malaria, kidney disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

• Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Taking pygeum by mouth reduces symptoms of BPH such as low urine flow and the inability to fully empty the bladder when urinating.

There is interest in using pygeum for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pygeum is likely safe for most people. Doses of 75-200 mg daily have been used safely for up to 12 months.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Pygeum is likely safe for most people. Doses of 75-200 mg daily have been used safely for up to 12 months. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if pygeum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for PYGEUM overview.

Dosing

Pygeum has most often been used by adults in doses of 75-200 mg by mouth daily for up to 12 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

10 Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Risks, and More

What is pygeum?

Pygeum is an herbal extract taken from the bark of the African cherry tree. The tree is also known as the African plum tree, or Prunus africanum.

This tree is a vulnerable native African species. Its popular health effects and commercial overharvesting have hurt and endangered its wild populations.

Pygeum is such a sought-out alternative remedy due to the wide research supporting its benefits. Some evidence suggests that the extract may help with everything from prostate and kidney health to general inflammation. It also has some traditional uses.

Keep reading to find out what’s backed by science and what still needs further research.

BPH, or enlarged prostate, is a common sexual health condition. It primarily affects men over age 50.

An older review, from 2000, listed pygeum as a top alternative remedy for BPH symptoms. The research showed that pygeum’s effects were moderate compared to pharmaceuticals, but nonetheless significant.

Researchers found that the extract helped ease the following symptoms:

• night urination (nocturia)
• frequent urination
• incontinence
• pain
• inflammation

This older research showed that pygeum was only effective at symptom relief — but more recent research suggests that the extract may help treat the condition itself.

A study in 2012 suggested that pygeum could help slow the growth of actual prostate cells. This may help prevent BPH from developing.

Pygeum remains one of the most research-supported herbal remedies for BPH. Still, further research is needed before calling it an official treatment.

Pygeum has also gained a reputation for potentially reducing the risk of prostate cancer. The same 2012 study showing pygeum’s BPH benefits also showed protection against cancerous prostate cells.

Earlier studies had found similar effects. A 2010 study found that pygeum acts on androgen receptors, which ultimately control prostate growth. A 2011 study found similar results.

Pygeum’s ability to generally reduce your risk of BPH may in turn reduce your risk for prostate cancer. BPH isn’t officially considered a risk factor for prostate cancer, but the two conditions often coexist. More research is needed to clarify any potential connections.

Pygeum is also a popular alternative prostatitis treatment.

A 2014 study found that many prostate herbs, including pygeum, could effectively treat prostatitis. These were even compared to antibiotics. No major differences were noticed between pygeum (and the other herbs) and antibiotics in the study.

Pygeum may help prostatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and urinary benefits. It may help ease prostatitis symptoms similarly to how it helps relieve BPH symptoms. This includes urination frequency, night urination, flow, pain, and inflammation.

Still, more research is needed before it can be considered a prostatitis treatment.

Pygeum’s benefits to the prostate and beyond may be attributed to some anti-inflammatory properties. These were also mentioned and discussed in a 2012 study on pygeum.

This research suggested that pygeum may have some antioxidant activity. It downregulates oxidative stress and inflammation in the prostate, kidneys, or urinary tract. It may also help stop the spread of cancer cells, specifically in the prostate.

This could make pygeum extract great for curbing inflammation, strengthening immunity, and reducing cancer risk. Still, more studies are needed before comparing the herb competitively with better studied anti-inflammatory medications.

Because pygeum helps prostate urinary discomfort, it may help similar symptoms in some kidney diseases. The herbal extract is mentioned as a treatment in a couple of kidney disease research articles. These include a 2014 review and a 2015 study.

Pain, inflammation, frequent urination, night urination, and more are also symptoms of kidney diseases. Pygeum may help quite a bit with these. However, it hasn’t been shown to treat or get rid of any kidney disease directly.

Though promising, it needs more research before being considered an accepted treatment for kidney disease. More studies are needed to prove it’s a cure, or that it acts like a cure.

Pygeum’s benefits center mostly on the urinary system. This extends to its benefits for urinary or bladder conditions, too.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder infections, and more could be helped by pygeum. A 2014 review of herbs for urinary conditions mentioned pygeum as among the most notable. A 2011 study also found that pygeum stimulated bladder healing, though this research was done on animals.

However, studies have yet to prove pygeum treats these conditions. It may help symptoms and other related concerns, like pain and difficult urination. It isn’t known to cure or prevent infection.

In African traditional medicine, pygeum is sometimes used as a malaria cure. This was mentioned in a 2015 study on the importance of this African tree.

Today, there haven’t been any studies evaluating pygeum’s usefulness in malaria. Pygeum also isn’t known to be an actual malaria cure.

Nonetheless, its traditional uses were most likely for alleviating malaria symptoms. Some of these were related to kidney and urinary conditions. Pygeum was also used to bring down fevers, another related symptom.

Though it does have historical use, pygeum isn’t recommended for the treatment of malaria. Having malaria requires medical supervision. Pygeum might possibly help with symptoms, but no studies currently support this.

Much like its usefulness for malaria, pygeum is also a traditional fever remedy. The bark of the tree was used in some African traditional medicine for feverish conditions. This is mentioned in a 2016 review.

However, there aren’t any studies supporting that pygeum reduces fevers. Nevertheless, it remains a common home treatment for fevers in its native regions.

Studies are needed to draw any conclusions about pygeum and fevers. In the meantime, it isn’t recommended to use pygeum alone for feverish conditions. It might help fever symptoms, but it’s not proven to relinquish fever, nor cure what causes fevers. If you have a fever, it’s best to treat it in a more traditional way.

Pygeum is sometimes mentioned as a stomach soother in texts. However, this use is based on traditional use and not science.

Research has yet to prove whether pygeum can cure stomachaches or gastric disturbances. As such, it can’t be deemed a reliable treatment. Still, it’s a relatively safe herbal remedy to try. But if you want research-based remedies, try these for your upset stomach.

Some claims have been made that pygeum enhances libido. Unfortunately, none of these claims have been backed or supported by science, except in an old study from 1991.

Pygeum’s research-supported benefits to prostate health may improve the quality of one’s sex life. It can help relieve pain, inflammation, and urinary difficulties.

Still, pygeum needs more research before it’s called a libido enhancer of any sort.

Pygeum extract is generally taken as a supplement. The extract is made into a powder and put into pills or capsules. Supplements are available for purchase online or in health food stores.

To use a supplement, simply follow the directions on the product’s label. Directions may vary from pygeum supplement product to product, but so will quality. Supplements aren’t monitored as closely as drugs by the FDA for quality and purity so it’s important to buy from a trustworthy brand.

The average recommended dose is typically 100 to 200 milligrams per day, especially for prostate conditions. This is also the average amount used in most studies. The product you purchase should provide dosage information.

Make sure to read labels closely for any warnings or interaction information. It’s also always wise to check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

Studies show pygeum is mostly safe when used correctly. In some people, side effects may include:

• gastric disturbances
• nausea
• diarrhea
• constipation

If this happens, you should decrease your dosage or discontinue use entirely.

You shouldn’t use pygeum if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Pygeum also hasn’t been labeled safe for children and shouldn’t be given to them. More research is needed to determine whether it’s safe in these cases.

You should always talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement. They can help determine if pygeum will be a good fit for your health needs and discuss any potential risks. They may also be able to provide more information on dosage.

Pygeum has many traditional uses as an African herbal remedy. Research shows lots of promise for helping symptoms of BPH or enlarged prostate, as well as symptoms of kidney disease and other urinary conditions. Still, more research is needed to truly assess its effects.

Most of the conditions discussed have far better proven and more effective treatment approaches. Follow your doctor’s advice.

If you want to add pygeum to your routine, talk to your doctor. They can help determine whether pygeum is a good fit for your health goals and advise you on any next steps.

What are the health benefits of Pygeum?

Pygeum is used to reduce inflammation, to combat oxidative stress, free radical damage, prostate edema, prostate cancer risk and sexual dysfunction is growing. Most commonly, extracts from an African tree known as Pidgeum are used to support prostate health and help treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH, which refers to an enlarged prostate).

It may also help improve sexual function, as well as address some bladder, kidney, and urinary problems.

What is Pygeum?

Pygeum (Pygeum africanum ) is an evergreen tree native to parts of Africa that is used to make medicines.

Today, the Pidgeum tree, which belongs to the rose family of plants, grows in forests throughout Africa, in the mountains of Central and South America, in the Gulf of Guinea, Madagascar and the Comoros. Due to its ability to treat widespread health problems, this tree has actually become a vulnerable species due to how often it is harvested.

Pygeum is also known by several other names, including pygeum, African plum, African cherry, African prune, and red stink. Trademarks usually list the active ingredient as Prunus africana or Pygeum africanum .

Pygeum has traditionally been used as an herbal tea because of its ability to fight

• Inflammation
• Enlarged prostate
• Urinary tract and bladder problems
• Kidney disease
• Fever
• Malaria
• Digestive problems, including abdominal pain

The bark of the tree is most often made into extracts or powders rich in beneficial compounds. The bark itself can be red, brown, or grey, depending on the specific species and age of the tree, and it has a distinctive aroma due to its unique composition of chemicals and essential oils.

What is the use of Pygeum?

Here’s what research tells us about Pigeum’s benefits:

1. High Content of Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds.

Pigeum is known to have antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiestrogenic effects based on available research. that it has the ability to prevent free radical damage, oxidative stress, infections, pain caused by inflammation, and possibly even some types of cancer.

The bark of the Pidgeum tree is particularly rich in protective compounds, including:

• Triterpenes such as ursolic, oleanolic and krataegolic acids.
• Fatty acids
• Ferulic acid esters
• N-tetracosanol and n-docosanol
• Phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol and campesterol
• Tannins 900 22

2. May Help Treat BPH and Prostatitis .

Pygeum-containing extracts have been used by urologists, especially in Africa, the US and Europe, to treat an enlarged prostate in men with BPH. Powdered pygeum bark has also long been used in traditional systems of medicine that originated in African tribes to treat various diseases of the prostate, urinary tract and bladder.

This herbal extract has been shown in several studies to help improve urinary control and bladder control symptoms associated with prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), such as nighttime urges, difficulty urinating, and false sensations of fullness compared to placebo.

These effects appear to be related to the plant’s ability to prevent the binding of dihydrotestosterone in the prostate gland. Other proposed mechanisms include androgen receptor inactivation, inhibition of cell growth factors, anti-inflammatory activity, and phytoestrogenic effects, which may reduce prostate size.

In addition, it helps to improve the elasticity of the bladder and blocks the accumulation of cholesterol in the prostate due to the effects of fat-soluble components.

Does Pygeum prevent prostate cancer?

Some animal studies have shown that Pygeum africanum extract can help suppress the proliferation of prostate fibroblasts that contribute to the development of prostate cancer. It appears to be able to arrest the growth of both androgen-insensitive and androgen-sensitive cells by inducing apoptosis and suppressing the expression of estrogen receptors in cells, which may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Some studies suggest that beta-sitosterol may be responsible for Pygeum’s anti-BPH effects, as beta-sitosterol may positively influence membrane structures and tumor growth.

In one study, mice fed Pygeum africanum extract for five months showed a significant reduction in prostate cancer incidence compared to mice fed casein protein.

3. May Help Improve Sexual Function

Does Pygeum increase seminal fluid? One study found that pygeum extract helped improve seminal fluid composition, and some studies suggest that it may support healthy sexual function, especially in men.

Pygeum’s anti-inflammatory properties are likely what give it its ability to protect the reproductive organs from free radical damage, including the prostate and bladder.

Studies have shown that this plant contains ferulic acid ester, fatty acids and other components that may be responsible for the activity of the endocrine system.

How to Use Pygeum

The usual recommended dosage of Pygeum is 100 milligrams per day for 6-8 weeks, but doses vary depending on the condition being treated. A 10-week cycle, but dosage varies depending on the condition being treated.

To aid in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, dosages of Pygeum africanum extract can range from 25 to 200 mg/day, which has been standardized to 14% of total sterols.

In studies with Pygeum capsules, doses of 50 mg of the extract were administered twice daily for 60 days. In some cases, high doses of Pigeum extract (200 mg/day) may also be administered to improve urinary symptoms and sexual function.

Pidgeum is also sometimes combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs to treat prostate and urinary problems. For example, in some studies it has been used in combination with urticaria dioica (urtica dioica) and saw palmetto (saw palmetto). These combinations are often given at lower doses but appear to be effective for treating symptoms such as urinary flow problems, residual urine, and nocturia in men with BPH.

Other herbal preparations can be used in men with BPH, including a combination of pidgeum with pumpkin seed oil, lycopene, and willow grass.

Risks and side effects of Pygeum

What are the side effects of Pygeum? In general, Pygeum is safe for most adults and is considered non-toxic.

Side effects have been reported in a small number of people, including digestive problems, gastrointestinal irritation (eg, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain) and headaches.

This product should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation due to lack of safety information.

Pygeum is not known to interact with any medications, however it is best to check with your doctor before starting any new herbal supplements if you are on daily medication.

Conclusion

• Pygeum africanum is a tree native to Africa that is used in urology to treat lower urinary tract symptoms and side effects associated with an enlarged prostate (BPH).
• Pigeum’s benefits could potentially include helping fight inflammation, oxidative stress, free radical damage, prostate swelling, prostate cancer risk, and sexual dysfunction.
• Studies have shown that Pygeum reduces the frequency of nighttime urges, difficulty in the beginning of urination and false sensations of fullness in the bladder.
• It is most commonly used as an extract and is sometimes taken as a powder or capsule. It is generally well tolerated and safe when used in dosages of 25 to 200 mg/day, sometimes in combination with other anti-inflammatory agents.

Pidgeum (African plum) – medicinal properties, contraindications, reviews

Pidgeum bark (African plum) plasia) and prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate).

Latin name : Prunus africana, synonym – Pygeum africanum.

English name : Pygeum.

Synonyms : African plum.

Family : Rosaceae – Rosaceae.

Synonym : Pygeum.

Pygeum parts used : bark.

Botanical description : Pygeum is an evergreen tree growing up to 35 m in height with huge spines, oblong leaves, large white fragrant flowers and sweet bright red fruits, reminiscent of plums in appearance, and strawberries in taste and smell, with brown or black bark.

Habitat : African pygeum grows in the mountainous regions south of the Sahara, in Madagascar and adjacent islands, at an altitude of 900-3400 m above sea level.

Active ingredients : phytosterols (eg Beta-sitosterol) which have anti-inflammatory activity due to the inhibition of prostaglandin production in the prostate. Pidgeum also contains pentacyclic triterpenes (ursolic and oleanic acids) which have decongestant properties, and n-docosanol and tetracosanol which lower prolactin levels and block the accumulation of cholesterol in the prostate. Prolactin increases the uptake of testosterone by the prostate, and cholesterol increases the number of DHT binding sites.

Pygeum Benefits and Uses

African Plum Bark Extract (Pygeum) is an ingredient in NSP Prostate Formula, which is manufactured under the international GMP quality standard for medicines.

Pygeum africanus is widely used in the US and Europe for the treatment of this disease and is very effective in reducing its symptoms.

Interest in the African Plum began around 1700 when European travelers learned from North African tribes how to relieve urinary pain and how to treat ailments in older men with Pygeum africanum bark. Plum bark extract has been used in Europe since the mid-60s to treat men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Although the exact mechanism of action of African plum is unclear, Pygeum has been shown in animal models to regulate bladder contractility by reducing bladder sensitivity to electrical impulses, phenylephrine, adenosine triphosphate, and carbocholine.