Pygeum africanum is an evergreen tree native to African forests that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The bark of the Pygeum africanum tree contains a number of active compounds, including phytosterols and triterpenoids, that have demonstrated health benefits when extracted and made into supplements.
Pygeum africanum extract has been shown to help with prostate health, especially benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It helps relieve urinary symptoms related to BPH, such as increased urinary frequency and difficulty starting urination. Pygeum africanum extract also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body that lead to other health benefits.
Health Benefits of Pygeum africanum extract
1 Relief of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Symptoms
Multiple studies have shown that taking pygeum africanum bark extract can help relieve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH, such as nocturia (excessive nighttime urination), residual urine volume, and peak urine flow. A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials on Pygeum Africanum Extract for BPH found it led to moderate improvement in overall urologic symptom scores.
2 Reduction in Urinary Tract Symptoms Related to BPH
Men with mild to moderate BPH who took 100-200 mg per day of pygeum extract were found to have significant decreases in frequency of nighttime urination and improvement in peak urine flow rate within 2 months, compared to placebo groups. This evidence shows the efficacy of pygeum for urinary problems related to prostate enlargement.
3 Reduction of Inflammation in the Body
The pentacyclic triterpenes and other compounds in pygeum bark have been found in research to have in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The extract can inhibit release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that lead to disease in the body.
4 Potential Benefits for Inflammatory Conditions
Due to pygeum's ability to reduce inflammation, it has potential benefits for inflammatory disorders like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic prostatitis, and more research is needed in these areas. So far, small studies show benefit for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms when taking pygeum africanum extract over 2-3 month periods.
5 Protection Against Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress from accumulating free radicals is involved in many age-related chronic diseases. The antioxidant compounds found abundantly in pygeum, like ferulic acid esters and phenolic glycosides, allow it to scavenge these cell-damaging free radicals and protect tissues from oxidative damage.
6 Potential Anti-Aging Effects
Research shows that pygeum is comparable to green tea extracts and superior to vitamin E in antioxidant capacity. Animal studies indicate it helps preserve antioxidant enzymes and vitamin C and E levels in aging. This data suggests pygeum may have anti-aging properties to explore further.
Natural Sources of Pygeum africanum extract
1 Pygeum africanum Tree
Pygeum Africanum Extract as a supplement comes directly from the bark of the Pygeum africanum evergreen tree, which grows in the mountainous forests of Africa, spanning countries such as Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, and Congo. Only the aged tree bark is used for its concentrated triterpenoids. It has a centuries-long history of use in traditional African medicine.
2 Supplements
You can find pygeum africanum sold under its own name or names like "African plum tree extract" at most health food stores and pharmacies as pills, powders or liposome formulas. It is also an ingredient in some prostate supplements for men. The recommended daily doses for pygeum's benefits are 100-200 milligrams.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Potential Side Effects
Multiple clinical studies have found pygeum extract to be well tolerated with a very low incidence of adverse effects. Mild side effects occasionally reported include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and constipation. It may also interact with medications that affect the kidney so those on kidney medications should consult a doctor first.
Precautions and Contraindications
Precautions: Those with illnesses like kidney disease, liver disease and stomach/intestinal ulcers should first consult their physician before taking Pygeum Africanum Extract. Contraindications: There are no absolute contraindications, but it's not recommended for pregnant/nursing women due to lack of research data. Those scheduled for surgery within 2 weeks should avoid pygeum due to its blood thinning potential.
Current Research on Pygeum africanum extract
Studies on Pygeum africanum's Benefits
Current areas of research interest on pygeum benefits include chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), rheumatoid arthritis, sports nutrition physical performance, kidney stones/disease, and even cancer. Small pilot studies show promise for pygeum use for rheumatoid arthritis, prostatitis pain/inflammation, increased athletic endurance, and reducing kidney stones. More extensive study is still needed.
Potential Future Uses of Pygeum africanum Extract
In addition to helping prostate enlargement and inflammation, some other potential disease applications currently being explored for possible treatment with Pygeum Africanum Extracts include interstitial cystitis, hemorrhoids, atopic dermatitis, atherosclerosis prevention, and immunotherapy uses in cancer treatment to reduce tumor growths. As research continues, the therapeutic benefits may expand further over time.
Conclusion
Recap of Pygeum africanum extract's Health Benefits
Modern clinical research now backs up the traditional medicinal use of Pygeum africanum bark preparations, showing measurable benefits to prostate issues, inflammation, oxidative stress, and early indications for other diseases. The active constituents like phytosterols and antioxidant pentacyclic triterpenoids are responsible for these effects that promote wellness and help prevent age-related illnesses.
Final Thoughts on Its Use and Potential Limitations
Pygeum africanum extract exhibits a multitude of benefits for prostate health and urinary function as well as generalized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to alleviate disease. Yet more extensive study on applications for specific health conditions is still needed, along with more data on long term efficacy and safety with regular daily use spanning years. In moderation, pygeum extract has the potential to become part of integrated treatment plans alongside pharmaceutical interventions to help men suffering from frequent prostate/urinary problems.
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References:
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