Pygeum Africanum
Commonly used for
Men's Health
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What is it? / Overview
Pygeum bark contains phytosterols (including beta-sitosterol) and triterpenes with anti-inflammatory activity and weak 5-alpha-reductase inhibition; a meta-analysis found roughly a 19% reduction in nocturia and 23% increase in peak urine flow versus placebo, working mainly through effects on prostate smooth-muscle tone and inflammation rather than shrinking the prostate.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Standardized Pygeum africanum (Prunus africana) bark extract
Typical dose studied: 100-200 mg/day, often 50 mg twice daily
Timing: With food; assessed over 30-120 days
Cross-links to the Beta-Sitosterol entry, since pygeum's active phytosterol class overlaps with it. New or worsening urinary symptoms should always be medically evaluated to rule out causes other than benign BPH.
How well does it work? / Evidence
~ Moderate evidence
Who should avoid it?
Already taking it? Reasonable to continue -- the best-supported of the BPH botanicals by trial data, though it's not endorsed by EAU/AUA clinical guidelines and shouldn't substitute for evaluation of new or worsening urinary symptoms.
Research & references
Wilt T et al. (2002). Pygeum Africanum for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Pagano E et al. (2014). Phytotherapy of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. A Minireview. Phytotherapy Research. Antoniou V et al. (2023). Role of Phytotherapy in the Management of BPH: A Summary of the Literature. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
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