Pygeum
Prunus africana
Herbs & Roots. African and Western & European.
Also called African cherry, Pygeum africanum
Rule out prostate cancer firstBark from an African tree, mainly used for urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
Did you know? The tree is protected under CITES, the international wildlife trade treaty, because wild trees were heavily stripped for their bark.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Men's health. Eases prostate urinary symptoms such as night urination and weak flow. A Cochrane review of 18 trials (1,562 men) found a benefit over placebo, but most trials were small, short, and poorly designed.Early proof
- Kidneys, bladder & UTIs. Used for bladder and urinary complaints. Mostly traditional, with few human trials.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Healers in East and Central Africa made bark teas for urinary problems and fever. European drug makers later adopted the bark for prostate symptoms.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
One French trial used 50 mg twice a day of a standard extract. Products usually contain 50 to 100 mg a day, and benefits, when they come, take several weeks.
Capsule and tea.
Where to get it
The tree grows in mountain forests of Africa, including Cameroon, Kenya, and Madagascar. Much of the bark came from wild trees, so choose extracts that show sustainable sourcing.
Be careful
Side effects are usually mild: stomach pain, nausea, and constipation. It may have mild blood-thinning effects. Men with urinary symptoms should see a doctor first, to rule out prostate cancer.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; bleeding disorders.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are used for prostate symptoms. Pygeum has a few small trials, mixed in quality.
- Works well together
Stinging nettle root is a common partner in European prostate blends.
- Works well together
Both are African plants sold for prostate symptoms, but no trial tests them together.
- Use cautionBlood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, daily aspirin)
Pygeum may have mild blood-thinning effects. Use with care if you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
Adds up with others that may slow blood clotting: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 40 more.
The honest take
Pygeum may ease prostate urination problems by a modest amount, based on older trials. It has not been compared with standard prostate drugs, so its strength is unclear. Harvesting has harmed wild African trees, so buy from suppliers who can show where the bark came from.