Pygeum Africanum

Other Names:

African Cherry, African Plum, African Prune

What is Pygeum Africanum?

Pygeum africanum is a tree native to the highlands of central and southern Africa. The bark of this tree can be used in supplements in the form of standardised extracts that contain a range of beneficial bioactive compounds including phytosterols, triterpenes, ferulic acid esters and fatty acids.

Health Benefits:

Prostate Support

Research has found evidence suggesting that pygeum africanum may reduce prostate enlargement, inhibit growth factors linked to prostate cell proliferation and help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Furthering this, one study found that this herb holds potential for treating BPH due to its anti-inflammatory properties as inflammation is believed to play a key role in the development and progression of BPH.

Urinary Function

Pygeum africanum may provide powerful support for urinary health, with one study showing improvement of obstruction-induced contractile dysfunction of the detrusor following treatment with Tadenan which is an extract from pygeum africanum. This plants' anti-inflammatory properties may also help improve urinary flow, decrease frequency and urgency of urination and reduce nocturia contributing to its beneficial effects for urinary function.

History:

Pygeum africanum has a long history of use in Traditional African Medicine to treat urinary and bladder disorders, fevers and inflammation. The bark of this tree was often consumed for its medicinal effects by being ground and infused into tea.

Typical Use:

Pygeum africanum is typically used for supplements in the form of standardized extract from the bark and is usually available in either capsule or powder form. Alongside this, pygeum can be used to make traditional functional tea's to support urinary health.