Pygeum Africanum Extract is a natural enhancement obtained from the bark of the African cherry tree (Prunus africana). It has a long history of purpose in conventional African medication for supporting prostate and urinary well-being. As of late, pygeum has likewise acquired consideration as an expected regular method for expanding testosterone levels in men. In any case, is there strong logical proof that pygeum can help testosterone? This article will look at what pygeum is, the means by which it works in the body, the momentum research on pygeum and testosterone, and its different advantages for men's well-being.
What is Pygeum Extract?
Pygeum is the bark extract from the African cherry tree, Prunus africana. It is also known as African plum tree bark, bitter almond, or red stinkwood. Prunus africana is an evergreen tree local to higher heights across Sub-Saharan Africa. It can develop more than 100 feet tall and live for many years. The bark of P. africana has been utilized in customary African medication since old times as a treatment for bladder and urinary issues, and conditions like harmless prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Today pygeum supplements are broadly accessible and usually normalized to contain 14-30% triterpenes, which are really dynamic mixtures. Some key triterpenes in pygeum include ursolic acid, oleanic acid, and beta-sitosterol. These natural plant chemicals are responsible for pygeum’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormone-regulating biological activities.
Components of Pygeum
In addition to triterpenes, Pygeum Africanum bark contains other beneficial plant compounds like ferulic acid esters and phytosterols. Two specific triterpenes - ursolic acid and oleanic acid - make up about 1-3% of pygeum powder. They exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme and cytokine production. This is similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Beta-sitosterol is another triterpene in pygeum that may help relieve swollen prostates by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase. This prevents conversion of testosterone to DHT, which contributes to prostate enlargement. Beyond triterpenes, pygeum contains antioxidant compounds like gallic acid, methyl gallate, and flavonoids that combat free radicals and oxidative stress. The diverse phytochemicals in pygeum powder work synergistically to provide health benefits.
How Does Pygeum Affect Testosterone?
Research indicates that Prunus Africana extract may help increase testosterone levels by reducing inflammation and swelling in the prostate and testes. When these reproductive organs become inflamed, it impairs the function of testosterone-producing Leydig cells in the testes. Pygeum’s anti-inflammatory triterpenes are believed to help shrink swelling in the prostate and testes. This allows the testes to more efficiently synthesize testosterone.
Animal research supports this mechanism. One study gave rats with swollen testes pygeum powder extract daily for 21 days. The pygeum treatment decreased testicular inflammation and damage while increasing blood testosterone levels compared to controls.
A clinical trial in men with BPH found that taking 100 mg pygeum extract twice daily for 60 days led to significant increases in plasma testosterone compared to placebo. The authors suggested pygeum’s ability to reduce prostate inflammation and swelling may account for the testosterone-boosting effects. More human research is still needed though.
Does Saw Palmetto Increase Testosterone?
Saw palmetto is another herbal medicine commonly used to treat BPH and prostate problems. Some research suggests saw palmetto may also help increase testosterone levels to a modest degree, though findings are mixed.
One study in healthy men found that taking saw palmetto extract for 8 weeks increased testosterone by an average of 32%. However, another larger study reported saw palmetto supplementation had no impact on testosterone levels compared to placebo. The potential testosterone-boosting effects of saw palmetto require further verification through high-quality clinical trials.
Which is Better - Pygeum or Saw Palmetto?
Very few studies have directly compared the effects of pygeum and saw palmetto. However, some research suggests pygeum may be more effective for optimizing testosterone levels.
One clinical trial provided men with BPH with either pygeum extract, saw palmetto extract, or placebo daily for 60 days. While both treatments improved symptoms, only the pygeum group experienced an increase in plasma testosterone levels. The authors concluded that pygeum may be superior for raising testosterone.
Overall, more head-to-head studies are needed. However, the current evidence indicates that pygeum may have greater efficacy than saw palmetto specifically for increasing testosterone concentrations in men.
What are the Benefits of Pygeum for Men?
In addition to potentially increasing testosterone levels, research shows pygeum powder offers other benefits that improve men’s health:
Relieves BPH symptoms - Multiple clinical studies demonstrate that Pygeum Africanum is effective at reducing urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, including frequent urination, nighttime trips to the bathroom, weak urine stream, incomplete emptying, and bladder discomfort.
Prostate disease - Some population studies have observed lower prostate disease rates in African regions where Prunus Africana extract is used traditionally. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds may help prevent prostate disease development.
Sexual function - By reducing urethra and prostate swelling, pygeum may aid sexual function in men suffering from BPH. One trial found pygeum significantly improved erectile function and nocturnal erections in patients with mild BPH.
Sperm health - Early animal research suggests pygeum may improve sperm concentration and motility. This may result from reductions in testicular and prostate inflammation caused by the herb.
Are There Side Effects to Pygeum?
Clinical studies report that pygeum is generally very safe and well tolerated in adult men, with minimal adverse effects. Potential but rare side effects can include stomach upset, nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and heartburn. Due to a lack of safety data, pygeum should not be used in boys or teens under 18 years old.
Some precaution is also warranted for people with a history of kidney disease, liver disorders, or bleeding/clotting disorders. Prunus africana extract may interact with medications that act on the kidneys or liver. Talk to your doctor before taking pygeum if you have any underlying medical conditions or take any prescription medications.
Conclusion
Pygeum is an herbal supplement sourced from African cherry tree bark that shows promise for increasing testosterone concentrations in men. It contains diverse plant compounds like triterpenes and phytosterols that reduce inflammation in the reproductive tract. By shrinking swelling in the prostate and testes, pygeum may allow these organs to function at full capacity for optimal testosterone production. Research specifically on pygeum’s testosterone-boosting effects is somewhat limited but encouraging. Additional large-scale trials are needed to confirm the benefits. But thus far, the evidence indicates pygeum may be an effective natural solution for enhancing testosterone levels.
If you are interested in obtaining a Pygeum supplement, Botanical Cube Inc. is a reliable Pygeum Africanum Extract supplier. For more information or to place an order, please get in touch with us at sales@botanicalcube .com. True, stable, mass production, high-quality raw materials, and strict quality control measures ensure our products' safety and efficacy.
References:
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