Pygeum (Prunus africanum, Pygeum africanum)

Pygeum (Prunus africanum, Pygeum africanum)
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Related Terms:

African cherry, African P. africanum extract, African plum tree, African prune tree, African stinkwood, Afrikai szilva (Hungarian), alumty (Bamenda, Cameroon), bitter almond, Bitteramandel, Bittermandel (German, Swedish), ciruelo africano (Spanish), dichloromethane, ferulic acid esters of fatty acids, gwabuzito (Ugandan), gwane (African), gyabazito (Uganda), Harzol®, iluo, iron wood, kanda stick (Cameroon), kiburraburra (Swahili), kirah (Banso, Cameroon), kotofihy (Madagascar), lluo (Kom, Cameroon), mgambo (Swahili), mkomahoya (Swahili), mkomohoyo (Tanzania), mseneo (Tanzania), muchambati (Zimbabwe), muchati (Zimbabwe), mueri (Kenya), muiri, mutimailu (Kenya), Natal tree, ntasesa (Uganda), N-butylbenzenesulfonamide, ol-koijuk (Tanzania), olkonjuku (Tanzania), phytoesterols, Pigenil®, Pigeum africanum, Pronitol®, Prostatonin®, Provol®, prunier d'Afrique (France), Prunus africana, Pygeum africana, red stinkwood, rooistinkhout (Afrikaans), Rosaceae (family), sterols, Tadenan®, tenduet (Kenya), triterpenes, umDumizula (South Africa), umkakase (Xhosa), V1326, vla (Oku, Cameroon), wotangue (Bakweri).

	The Pygeum africanum (African plum) tree, also commonly referred to as pygeum, is a tall evergreen of the Rosaceae family that is found in central and southern Africa. Its bark has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Traditional African healers have used the bark to treat bladder and micturition (urination) disorders, particularly if symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) are present. Historically, the bark was powdered and used to make a tea, which was ingested orally for bladder and urination conditions.
	The African plum tree has become endangered due to the demand for its bark to process P. africanum extract.
	The majority of trials conducted since the 1970s report improvements in BPH symptoms with the administration of P. africanum bark extract, including frequency of nocturia (nighttime urination), urine flow rate, and residual urine volume (1; 2). Multiple clinical trials conducted in Europe have lent some credibility to the common use of pygeum in for BPH, although some North American experts claim that there is actually limited evidence supporting its use (3). The herb is less commonly used in the United States, where prescription drugs or the herb saw palmetto are more commonly employed.
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The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.