Pygeum
Scientific names: Prunus africana, Pygeum africanum
Family: Rosaceae
Alternate names: African Plum Tree, African Prune, African Pygeum, Amande Amère, Ciruelo Africano, Prunier d'Afrique, Pygeum Africanus
Actions: Antiandrogenic, Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Estrogenic, Genitourinary
Background
Pygeum is the name for extracts, teas, and supplements that come from the bark of a tree native to Africa called Prunus africana.
Pygeum contains chemicals that help shrink the prostate in males with enlarged prostates. This might relieve urinary problems such as poor urine flow and nighttime urination.
People most commonly use pygeum for treating symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH). It is also used for fever, malaria, kidney disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Pygeum contains chemicals that help shrink the prostate in males with enlarged prostates. This might relieve urinary problems such as poor urine flow and nighttime urination.
People most commonly use pygeum for treating symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH). It is also used for fever, malaria, kidney disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Pygeum is likely safe for most people. Doses of 75-200 mg daily have been used safely for up to 12 months.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pygeum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Taking pygeum by mouth reduces symptoms of BPH such as low urine flow and the inability to fully empty the bladder when urinating.
Dosing & administration
Pygeum has most often been used by adults in doses of 75-200 mg by mouth daily for up to 12 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Pygeum interacts with any medicines. Before taking Pygeum, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 12/09/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 05/11/2014 16:59:58. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
