Pygeum extract comes from the bark of a large evergreen tree found in central and southern Africa that contain several important compounds includimg beta-sitosterol, other plant estrogens, triterpenes, ferulic acids and more. Pygeum helps increase bladder elasticity and protects the bladder's smooth muscle against cellular damage and improves urologic function and flow. •
Pygeum has an anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic that contains phytosterols proven useful in treating the symptoms and causes of a swollen prostate.
Pygeum bark extract has three categories of active constituents. The phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, have anti-inflammatory effects by interfering with the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins that tend to accumulate in the prostate of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The pentacyclic terpenes have an anti-edema or decongesting effect. The last group are the ferulic esters. These constituents reduce levels of the hormone prolactin and block cholesterol in the prostate. Prolactin increases uptake of testosterone in the prostate, and cholesterol increases binding sites for testosterone and its more active form dihydrotestosterone.
In Studies: Pygeum protects the rabbit bladder from bilateral ischemia/ reperfusion-induced contractile dysfunction.
Phytomedicine. 2005 Jan;12(1-2):17-24.
Recent studies indicate that focal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) can cause the contractile dysfunctions induced in animal models of partial bladder outlet obstruction. Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) pretreatment can prevent the rabbit bladder from developing the contractile and biochemical dysfunctions induced by partial outlet obstruction, possibly by protecting the bladder from ischemic injury. The current study was designed to determine whether pre-treating rabbits with a clinically relevant dose of Pygeum could prevent the bladder from developing the contractile dysfunctions that are induced by bilateral ischemia followed by reperfusion. New Zealand White rabbits were separated into two groups. One group was pre-treated by oral gavage for 3 weeks with Pygeum (3.0 mg/kg body wt./ day). The second group was treated with vehicle (peanut oil). Five rabbits from each group were subjected to either bilateral ischemia for 1 or 3 h and than reperfused for either 1 h or 1 week. Five rabbits from each group were subjected to sham surgery and run with each of the experimental groups. The results of the current study show that Pygeum pretreatment at the clinically relevant dose of 3.0 mg/kg body wt./day protected the bladder from the contractile dysfunctions induced by bilateral ischemia followed by reperfusion. These data are consistent with the assertion that Pygeum therapy in both rabbits and humans acts by protecting the bladder smooth muscle against cellular damage caused by ischemia and reperfusion.
Antimitogenic effect of Pygeum africanum extracts on human prostatic cancer cell lines and explants from benign prostatic hyperplasia
Arch Esp Urol. 2003 May;56(4):369-78
To analyze the effect of Pygeum africanum extracts on the in vitro proliferation of human prostate cells. Prostate cancer cell lines and benign prostatic hyperplasia derived epithelial cells were cultured and treated with Pygeum africanum extracts. RESULTS: The incubation with Pygeum africanum extracts, with or without addition of amino acids, significantly and in a dose-dependent manner inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer derived cells. Pygeum africanum extracts counteracted the mitogenic action of EGF and blockrd the transition from G1 to S in the cell cycle. Pygeum africanum extracts also exerted a potent antimitogenic action on the epithelial cells derived from benign prostatic hyperplasia explants. CONCLUSION: The ethanolic Pygeum africanum extracts have an antimitogenic effect on prostate cancer cells and benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cells. Such effect is associated with the inhibition of the mitogenic action of pygeum, and it is accompanied by a decrease of cells entering the S Phase of the cell cycle.
Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R, Rutks I, Stark G.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(1):CD001044
Reviewer's Conclusion: A standardized preparation of Pygeum africanum may be a useful treatment option for men with lower urinary symptoms consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the reviewed studies were small in size, were of short duration, used varied doses and preparations and rarely reported outcomes using standardized validated measures of efficacy. Additional placebo-controlled trials are needed as well as studies that compare Pygeum africanum to active controls that have been convincingly demonstrated to have beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms related to BPH. These trials should be of sufficient size and duration to detect important differences in clinically relevant endpoints and use standardized urologic symptom scale scores.
The effect of Pygeum africanum on fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta 1/LAP) expression in animal model.
Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung. 2001;48(1):1-9.
On the basis of its fibroblast growth factor (FGF) inhibitory effect we assessed the possible inhibitory anti-inflammatory role of Pygeum Africanum extract (Tadenan) on FGF and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta 1/LAP) expression of macrophages and neutrophils in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid of rats in a bleomycin-induced acute inflammation model. The rats were divided into three groups: 17 untreated controls, 10 bleomycin-instilled rats), and 10 rats receiving Pygeum Africanum extract. Pygeum Africanum extract treated group 1, a significantly decreased number of neutrophil granulocytes compared with other groups 2, there was a considerable decrease on BAL macrophages, but not in case of FGF. In conclusion: our results show the possible 1. inhibitory effect of pygeum on TGF beta 1 (LAP) expression, 2. anti-inflammatory role on neutrophil granulocytes.
Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis
Am J Med. 2000 Dec 1;109(8):654-64
PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis of the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of Pygeum africanum in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: Studies were identified through the search of Medline (1966 to 2000), Embase, Phytodok, the Cochrane Library, bibliographies of identified trials and review articles, and contact with relevant authors and drug companies. Randomized trials were included if participants had symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, the intervention was a preparation of Pygeum africanum alone or in combination with other phytotherapeutic agents, a control group received placebo or other pharmacologic therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and treatment duration was at least 30 days. Compared with placebo in 6 studies, pygeum provided a moderately large improvement in the combined outcome of urologic symptoms and flow measures. Summary estimates of individual outcomes were also improved by Pygeum africanum. Men were more than twice as likely to report an improvement in overall symptoms. Nocturia was reduced by 19% and residual urine volume by 24%; peak urine flow was increased by 23%. Adverse effects due to Pygeum africanum were mild and similar to placebo. The overall dropout rate was 12% and was similar for Pygeum africanum, placebo, and other controls. CONCLUSIONS: The literature on Pygeum africanum for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is limited by the short duration of studies and the variability in study design, the use of phytotherapeutic preparations, and the types of reported outcomes. The evidence suggests that Pygeum africanum modestly, but significantly, improves urologic symptoms and flow measures.
Comparison of once and twice daily dosage forms of Pygeum africanum extract in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized, double-blind study, with long-term open label extension.
Urology. 1999 Sep;54(3):473-8
To compare the efficacy and safety of Pygeum africanum extract, 50 mg twice daily and 100 mg once daily. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) entered a 2-month randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, comparative phase (group A, 50 mg pygeum twice daily; group B, 100 mg pygeum once daily), followed by a 10-month, open phase (100 mg once daily). CONCLUSIONS: Pygeum africanum extract at 50 mg twice daily and 100 mg once daily proved equally effective and safe at 2 months. Further improvements in efficacy with a satisfactory safety profile were documented after 12 months.
In animal models pygeum modulates bladder contractility, has anti-inflammatory activity, decreases leukotriene and 5-lipoxygenase metabolites, inhibits fibroblast production, affects adrenal nadrogens, and restores secretory activity of prostate epithelium. Pygeum modestly improves urologic symptoms and flow measures in BPH.
History: An African tree bark, an herb that is popular in Europe and Africa, the tree from which this treatment is harvested may be endangered. The Pygeum (African plum) tree is a tall evergreen of the family Rosaceae 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 urination disorders, particularly symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. Historically, the bark was powdered and used to make a tea, which was taken by mouth for these conditions.
Technicals: Pygeum contains phytosterols (e.g. beta-sitosterol), and pentacyclic triterpenes, (ursolic and oleanic acids), which have anti-edema and/or decongesting properties.
Pygeum contains ferulic esters (n-docosanol and tetracosanol) which reduce prolactin levels and block accumulation of cholesterol in the prostate. These actions are significant because prolactin increases uptake of testosterone by the prostate and cholesterol increases binding sites for DHT. DHT is believed to be the primary cultprit for prostate inflammation.
The statements on this Web site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information presented is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment from your own doctor or healthcare provider. Nothing presented here is intended as a substitute for prescription medication or any other medical treatment prescribed by your doctor.