Pygeum
Pygeum africanum (African Cherry)
An African tree bark extract studied in clinical trials for supporting prostate health and urinary function in men.
Pygeum is extracted from the bark of the African cherry tree and has been used in European medicine for prostate health since the 1960s. It's one of the most well-researched natural prostate supplements, with multiple clinical trials showing benefits for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms including improved urinary flow and reduced nighttime urination.
Mechanisms of Action
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces prostate inflammation
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibition
May mildly reduce DHT production
Bladder Function
Improves bladder contractility
Recommended Dose
100-200mg standardized extract daily
Loading: Not required
Optimal Timing
- Once or twice daily
- With or without food
Can be taken without food
Best Form
Standardized extract (13-14% sterols)
Alternatives: Capsules, Combination prostate formulas
Look for extracts standardized to 13-14% sterols. Most research uses this standardization.
Duration
Minimum: 6 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be taken any time of day. Often combined with saw palmetto for enhanced effects.
Personalized Dosage Calculator
Get a dosage recommendation tailored to your body weight, age, goals, and health profile.
Set up your health profile for personalized recommendations
Improved Urinary Flow
Better urine stream and reduced hesitancy
Reduced Nighttime Urination
Fewer bathroom trips at night
Prostate Comfort
Reduced BPH-related discomfort
Primary target population; consult doctor for proper prostate evaluation
Who Should NOT Take This
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (theoretical)
Drug Interactions
Additive effects on prostate; may enhance benefits but monitor
May have additive effects on urinary symptoms
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Reduce dose; take with food
Warnings
- Get proper prostate screening - don't self-diagnose
- Sustainability concerns - ensure ethical sourcing
Top studies from 26+ peer-reviewed papers
Allkanjari O et al. • Life sciences (2015)
“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
- On the basis of preclinical studies several mechanisms of action have been postulated, including 5alpha-reductase inhibition, alpha-adrenergic antagonism, dihydrotestosterone and estrogen receptor inhibition.
- Randomized clinical trials indicate significant efficacy in improving urinary symptoms and mild adverse effects for some phytotherapeutic agents, while further clinical evidence is needed for others (e.g., Epilobium spp., Secale cereale, Roystonea regia).
- Healthcare professionals should be constantly informed about BPH phytotherapy, taking into account the risk/benefit profile of the use of medicinal plants in the management of BPH.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc.
- All rights reserved.
Pagano E et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2014)
“This articles review the mode of action, the efficacy, and the safety, including herb-drug interactions of the most common botanicals (Serenoa repens, Pygeum africanum, Urtica dioica, and Cucurbita pepo) and nutraceuticals (isoflavones, lycopene, selenium, and β-Sitosterol) in controlling the lower urinary tract symptoms associated to BPH.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
Key Findings:
- Histological BPH, which typically develops after the age of 40 years, ranges in prevalence from >50% at 60 years to as high as 90% by 85 years of age.
- Typical symptoms include increased frequency of urination, nocturia, urgency, hesitancy, and weak urine stream.
- Conventional medicines used for the treatment of BPH include alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
McNicholas T et al. • BMJ clinical evidence (2011)
“We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.”
Key Findings:
- Systematic review examining Pygeum efficacy
- Published in BMJ clinical evidence (2011)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Roell D et al. • Molecular and cellular endocrinology (2011)
“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
- Recently, atraric acid and N-butylbenzene-sulfonamide were isolated from a selective dichlormethane extract of P. africanum as two novel AR antagonistic compounds.
- The molecular mechanisms of AR inhibition were analyzed and are summarized here.
- Both compounds are the first known natural, complete and specific AR antagonist.Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
- All rights reserved.
Wilt T et al. • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2002)
“Pygeum africanum significantly improved urological symptoms and flow measures.”
Key Findings:
- Significant symptom improvement
- Better urinary flow
- Well-tolerated
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.