Skip to content

Pygeum Africanum Benefits - What Does Pygeum Do For The Prostate?

This article discusses in depth the prostate health benefits of Pygeum Africanum and the research to support the benefits.

Written by Prostate SP Staff

Updated on

Pygeum Africanum Benefits
Pygeum Africanum Benefits

What is Pygeum Africanum?

Pygeum Africanum is an evergreen tree that is native to the African forests. The bark of this African cherry tree is used for medicinal purposes.

It is used in the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Since the 1700s, people have used the bark of the cherry tree to treat urinary and bladder discomfort.

Pygeum contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties to help in the treatment of conditions like erectile dysfunction, kidney diseases, bladder infections, urinary tract disorders, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. As a natural aphrodisiac, Pygeum Africanum helps boost testosterone levels, increase libido, and enhance sexual performance.

Pygeum extract may moderately improve urinary functions, shrink the prostate, and improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia like pain in urinating and poor urine flow. The Current Medical Research and Opinion Journal supports that Pygeum Africanum plant extracts are used as oral supplementation in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary disorders.

What Prostate Health Benefits Does Pygeum Africanum Supplementation Offer?

Helps treat benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a sexual condition that is common in men, where the prostate gland is enlarged. In most cases, the enlarged prostate is not cancerous. As men age, the prostate gland goes through two main phases, the puberty phase and the after puberty phase. Benign prostate hyperplasia occurs during the second phase of a man’s growth cycle. As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra, causing the bladder walls to become weak. This may cause the inability to completely empty the bladder and other symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pygeum supplements like Prostate SP or Prostate Plus may help slow the growth of prostate cells thereby preventing prostatic hyperplasia. Additionally, it may reduce the frequency of night urination, pain, and inflammation.

According to a review done by T Wilt and published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,

abnormal prostate enlargement may cause irritative and obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia may take Pygeum supplements to help treat and reduce urological symptoms. They are also effective in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia.

Additionally, Kamal Patel, MBA, MPH, mentions that pygeum africanum supplements may help alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

May reduce the risk of prostate cancer

The prostate gland is a walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the fluid, which nourishes and transports the sperm. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in males. However, this type of cancer is treatable in the early stages. Some types of prostate cancers are aggressive and grow fast, while others progress slowly. When detected early, prostate cancer can be treated or avoided. Prostate cancer may cause weight loss, erectile dysfunction, blood in urine and semen, and trouble urinating.

In one of the research done by Nader S Shenouda and shared in the Endocrine Journal,

prostate cancer is a slow-growing type of cancer common in elderly males. Pygeum extract can be used to control prostate disorders like prostate cancers and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Pygeum may treat symptoms of prostatitis

Prostatitis is a painful condition, which affects the prostate glands and the area around the prostate. There are four different types of prostatitis; asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Commonly, an infection in the prostate glands may cause prostatitis.

The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases supports that prostatitis is characterized by pain after ejaculation, pain and discomfort in the scrotum and anus, and penis pains.

According to the Asian Journal of Andrology by Stéphane Larré, et al,

Pygeum Africanum improved the symptoms of prostatitis because it contains active compounds that may treat the symptoms.

Pygeum enhances libido

Pygeum extract has been used in recent years to help increase blood flow in the body and boost testosterone levels, thereby increasing libido in men. Pygeum extract helps improve blood circulation throughout the body, including the genital areas to help increase sexual stimulation. Another way that Pygeum supplementation can help affect libido is by reducing body stress levels and improving sleep quality.

A publication in the Nutrients Journal agrees that the combination of saw palmetto extract and Pygeum extract may help treat benign prostate hyperplasia and boost testosterone levels in men.

How Does Pygeum Africanum Work to Improve Prostate Health for Men?

Pygeum Africanum extract contains active compounds, including phytosterols like beta-sitosterol and campesterol. These active constituents possess anti-inflammatory properties to help calm inflammation in the prostate. The Journal of Lipid Mediators and Cell Signaling by M Paubert-Braquet supports that extracts from Pygeum exhibit anti-inflammatory properties to help patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder hypereactivity.

Pygeum Africanum extract also contains oleanolic acid and Ursolic acid, which have anti-swelling properties. This helps reduce and prevent swelling of the prostate glands and improve prostate health. Octacosanol and n-docosanol help inhibit the accumulation of cholesterol in the prostate.

A publication in the Foods Journal by Madalina Georgiana supports that phytosterols may help maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels and inhibit fat accumulation in the prostate. These active compounds help improve prostate health and reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Many clinical trials support that the African Pygeum herb can significantly reduce urination frequency, pain during urination, prostate pain and urination, and night urination. The herb has been shown to be effective in supporting prostate health.

While studies supporting the effectiveness of Pygeum for prostate health, urinary tract health, prostatitis, and prostate cancer are limited, a few studies have shown that it can help treat and manage prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pygeum bark contains tartaric acid, which has been discovered to prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Safety and Side Effects

Pygeum extract supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals and there are no reported adverse side effects. However, some individuals may experience nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and gastric disturbances. If the symptoms persist, discontinue use or reduce the dosage. Pygeum supplements are not safe for pregnant and nursing women and children.

If you are using Pygeum extract supplements in the treatment and management of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and urinary tract infections, you should consult a doctor before you start using them.

Dosage and How to Take It?

The dosage of Pygeum supplements may vary depending on the severity of the condition you are treating. However, most manufacturers recommend a dosage of approximately 75-200 mg of the supplement every day for about 12 months. This is assuming that the person taking the supplement is an adult. We do recommend that you seek medical advice to get the correct dosage for your specific condition.

Click Here To Explore The Supplement Formulated With Pygeum Africanum

FAQs

What Happens If I Take Pygeum Africanum Every Day?

There are no side effects associated with daily intake of Pygeum supplements. Manufacturers recommend taking the correct doses of Pygeum every day for visible results.

Does Pygeum Africanum Reduce Prostate Inflammation?

Yes, Pygeum supplements contain active compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These help reduce prostate inflammation.

Does Pygeum Africanum Increase Testosterone?

Some research studies have shown that oral supplementation with Pygeum Africanum may help boost testosterone levels in men,

How Long Does it Take for Pygeum Africanum to Work?

Since people have different conditions to treat and manage with Pygeum supplements, individual results may vary.

When is the Best Time to Take Pygeum Africanum Supplement?

There is no specific time of the day for taking Pygeum supplements. It is recommended that you take the supplement at the same time every day.

How Much Pygeum Africanum Should I Take Per Day?

The dosage of Pygeum supplements may vary depending on the severity of the condition you are treating. However, most manufacturers recommend a dosage of approximately 75-200 mg of the supplement every day for about 12 months.

Is Pygeum Africanum Safe?

Yes, Pygeum Africanum itself is considered safe, and so are the supplements. That is, no report have shown any negative impact on the consumption of this herb.

Conclusion

Pygeum Africanum is an herbal supplement derived from the bark of the African Cherry tree and contains active compounds that help maintain a healthy prostate.

Besides, the supplement has been used for centuries because of its medicinal purposes for various health conditions. In men, Pygeum Africanum helps treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary disorders, prostate cancer, and enlarged prostate.

Additionally, the supplement is effective in treating malaria, fever, and inflammation. We do recommend that you consult a healthcare provider before taking the supplement.

References

  1. Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R, Rutks I, Stark G. Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;1998(1):CD001044. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001044. PMID: 11869585; PMCID: PMC7032619. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869585/
  2. Shenouda NS, Sakla MS, Newton LG, Besch-Williford C, Greenberg NM, MacDonald RS, Lubahn DB. Phytosterol Pygeum africanum regulates prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Endocrine. 2007 Feb;31(1):72-81. doi: 10.1007/s12020-007-0014-y. PMID: 17709901. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17709901/
  3. Larré S, Camparo P, Comperat E, Boulbés D, Haddoum M, Baulande S, Soularue P, Costa P, Cussenot O. Biological effect of human serum collected before and after oral intake of Pygeum africanum on various benign prostate cell cultures. Asian J Androl. 2012 May;14(3):499-504. doi: 10.1038/aja.2011.132. Epub 2011 Dec 26. PMID: 22198631; PMCID: PMC3720175. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3720175/
  4. Jang YJ, Jung HY, Myeong JY, Song KH, Kwon J, Kim D, Park JI. Effects of Alginate Oligosaccharide on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Orchiectomized Rats. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 29;15(3):682. doi: 10.3390/nu15030682. PMID: 36771389; PMCID: PMC9920801. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9920801/
  5. Kamaraj C, Ragavendran C, Prem P, Naveen Kumar S, Ali A, Kazmi A, Ullah A, Chandra Satish Kumar R, Khan SU, Luna-Arias JP, Mashwani ZU, Balasubramani G, Rehman SU. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Antimalarial and Antidengue Plants: A Mechanistic Perspective. Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. 2023 Oct 28;2023:1860084. doi: 10.1155/2023/1860084. PMID: 37927532; PMCID: PMC10625492. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10625492/
  6. Rubegeta E, Makolo F, Kamatou G, Enslin G, Chaudhary S, Sandasi M, Cunningham AB, Viljoen A. The African cherry: A review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023 Apr 6;305:116004. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116004. Epub 2022 Dec 16. PMID: 36535336. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36535336/
  7. Duborija-Kovacevic N, Tomic Z. Kidney, skeletal muscle and myocardium as potential target sites of Pygeum africanum toxicity in Wistar rats. Rev Int Androl. 2019 Jan-Mar;17(1):8-14. doi: 10.1016/j.androl.2017.12.006. Epub 2018 Mar 6. PMID: 30691591. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30691591/
  8. Cambronero J, Osca-García JM, Merino-Salas S, Miguel JM, Borralleras C, López-Alcina E. Efectividad del tratamiento con Pygeum africanum en pacientes con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior e hiperplasia benigna de próstata: estudio transversal en la práctica clínica real en España (Estudio PROFIT) [Effectiveness of treatment with Pygeum africanum in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study in the real-world clinical practice in Spain (The PROFIT Study)]. Arch Esp Urol. 2022 Apr;75(3):219-227. Spanish. PMID: 35435166. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35435166/
  9. Paubert-Braquet M, Cave A, Hocquemiller R, Delacroix D, Dupont C, Hedef N, Borgeat P. Effect of Pygeum africanum extract on A23187-stimulated production of lipoxygenase metabolites from human polymorphonuclear cells. J Lipid Mediat Cell Signal. 1994 May;9(3):285-90. PMID: 7921787. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7921787/
  10. Buț MG, Jîtcă G, Imre S, Vari CE, Ősz BE, Jîtcă CM, Tero-Vescan A. The Lack of Standardization and Pharmacological Effect Limits the Potential Clinical Usefulness of Phytosterols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Plants (Basel). 2023 Apr 20;12(8):1722. doi: 10.3390/plants12081722. PMID: 37111945; PMCID: PMC10142909. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10142909/
  11. Breza J, Dzurny O, Borowka A, Hanus T, Petrik R, Blane G, Chadha-Boreham H. Efficacy and acceptability of tadenan (Pygeum africanum extract) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): a multicentre trial in central Europe. Curr Med Res Opin. 1998;14(3):127-39. doi: 10.1185/03007999809113352. PMID: 9787978. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9787978/