Pygeum africanum Bark

Pygeum africanum Bark

The Pygeum tree (Pygeum africanum) is a large evergreen that belongs to the Rosacea family and grows in mountainous regions of Sub­-Saharan Africa. Pygeum extract is derived from the bark of this tree and is used by natives of southern Africa as early as the 1700s.[1] Researchers have discovered that Pygeum bark contains key phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterols, phytosterols, triterpenes, and ferulic esters, which are believed to be linked with the majority of its health benefits.

Benefits of Pygeum africanum Bark

 This incredible, ancient herb provides a wide array of proven health benefits, including:

Improved Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH ultimately results in urinary problems, bladder infections and bladder stones. In one study involving over 1,500 male participants with BPH, researchers found that Pygeum supplementation resulted in significant improvement (more than double) of overall symptoms as compared to the placebo groups, with no adverse side effects noted.[2] Another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the therapeutic effects of  Pygeum extract on men with BPH.[3] After the treatment period, the overall symptom scores of the study participants supplemented with the extract were reduced by an impressive 36% compared to just 8% reduction in the placebo group.

Cancer Prevention

Strong scientific studies support the anti-cancer properties of Pygeum bark. According to four high quality studies, the atraric acid and N-­butylbenzene­sulfonamide in Pygeum bark inhibit the growth and reproduction of prostate cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death.[4-7] Results from these studies do point to  a viable link between Pygeum bark compounds and cancer prevention.

Relief from Prostate Inflammation

Pygeum has also been used to treat prostate inflammation, or medically known as prostatitis. This condition can ultimately lead to debilitating urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, or pain. In one clinical trial, 47 men with chronic prostatitis were given 100 mg of Pygeum daily for 5-7 weeks.[8] After the treatment period, 89% of the participants reported a complete remission of symptoms.

Improved Sexual Function

Pygeum can also be beneficial in men suffering from sexual dysfunction. In one study, researchers administered Pygeum extract at a dose of 200 mg daily for 60 days either alone or with antibiotics in men with sexual dysfunction secondary to either benign prostatic hyperplasia or chronic prostatitis.[9] After the treatment period, researchers observed a significant improvement in sexual function of the study participants, suggesting that Pygeum supplementation may be beneficial in patients with sexual or reproductive dysfunction.

Cell Protection

There is strong scientific evidence that Pygeum africanum can help protect against lipid peroxidation, a process in which free radicals steal electrons from the lipids in cell membranes which ultimately results in cellular damage.[10] The ability of Pygeum to protect body cells can help slow down the signs of aging and prevent a wide array of diseases related to cellular damage.

References:

1. Linda B. White; Barbara H. Seeber; Barbara Brownell Grogan (December 2013). 500 Time-Tested Home Remedies and the Science Behind Them: Ease Aches, Pains, Ailments, and More with Hundreds of Simple and Effective At-Home Treatments. Fair Winds Press. pp. 405–. ISBN 978-1-59233-575-6.
2. Wilt T, Ishani A, et al. Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD001044. PMID: 11869585.
3. Coulson S, Rao A, Beck SL et al. A phase II randomised double-­blind placebo-­controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ProstateEZE Max: a herbal medicine preparation for the management of symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Complement Ther Med. 2013 Jun;21(3):172­9. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.007.
4. Papaioannou M, Schleich S, Prade I, et al. The natural compound atraric acid is an antagonist of the human androgen receptor inhibiting cellular invasiveness and prostate cancer cell growth. J Cell Mol Med. 2009 Aug;13(8B):2210­23. doi: 10.1111/j.1582­4934.2008.00426.x. PMID: 1862.
5. Papaioannou M, Schleich S, Roell D, et al. NBBS isolated from Pygeum africanum bark exhibits androgen antagonistic activity, inhibits AR nuclear translocation and prostate cancer cell growth. Invest New Drugs. 2010 Dec;28(6):729­43. doi: 10.1007/s10637­009­9304­y. PMID: 19771394.
6. Santa María Margalef A, Paciucci Barzanti R, et al. Antimitogenic effect of Pygeum africanum extracts on human prostatic cancer cell lines and explants from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Arch Esp Urol. 2003 May;56(4):369­78. PMID: 12830609.
7. Shenouda NS, Sakla MS, Newton LG, et al;. Phytosterol Pygeum africanum regulates prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Endocrine. 2007 Feb;31(1):72­81. PMID: 17709901.
8. Andro MC, Riffaud JP. Pygeum africanun extract for treatment of patients with BPH: a review of 25 years of published experience. Curr Ther Res. 1995;56:796-817.
9. Carani C, Salvioli V, Scuteri A, et al. Urological and sexual evaluation of treatment of benign prostatic disease using Pygeum africanum at high doses. Arch Ital Urol Nefrol Androl. 1991 Sep;63(3):341-5.
10. Hass MA, Nowak DM, Leonova E, Levin RM, Longhurst PA. Identification of components of Prunus africana extract that inhibit lipid peroxidation. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 1999; 6(5):379-88.