Ingredient guide

Pygeum Africanum: Prostate Symptoms and the Evidence

Pygeum africanum bark extract is one of the traditional phytotherapy options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A Cochrane meta-analysis of 18 trials in 1,500 men supports modest improvements in urinary symptoms, especially night-time urination.

Moderate evidence

Written by Supplements Unpacked Editorial Team

Benefits

Cochrane meta-analysis supports modest improvements in BPH urinary symptoms.
Especially helpful for reducing night-time urination (nocturia).
Contains phytosterols and fatty acids that influence prostate inflammation pathways.

Evidence summary

What pygeum is

Pygeum africanum is the bark of the African cherry tree (Prunus africana), a traditional remedy from sub-Saharan Africa. The bark contains phytosterols and fatty acids that appear to influence inflammatory pathways in the prostate. Modern supplements are standardised lipophilic extracts.

What the human research shows

A Cochrane meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials with 1,500 men with BPH concluded that pygeum africanum bark can modestly but significantly improve urologic symptoms, especially nocturia (night-time urination). The reviewers noted variability across products due to wide differences in active sterol and fatty acid content. We grade the evidence as moderate.

Dosage & safety

Dosage

Trials commonly use 100 mg to 200 mg of standardised pygeum extract per day, split into two doses. Allow 6 to 8 weeks. Ask your healthcare provider before regular use, since BPH symptoms can mask more serious conditions.

Side effects

Generally well tolerated.
Most common are mild stomach upset and headache.

Interactions

No well-documented serious drug interactions.

Warnings

Speak with a doctor before using pygeum for prostate symptoms, since proper evaluation rules out more serious causes.
Choose products with standardised phytosterol content.
Tell your urologist you take it before any prostate procedure.

Products with this ingredient

NuProstate NuProstate NuProstate is positioned for male support for prostate health, support the maintenance of prostate health, support peak urinary flow. Use this as a product research starting point until the benefits, ingredients, and safety notes are reviewed. Read review

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Citations

Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia (Cochrane review) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Pygeum africanum for BPH (Cochrane Library) cochranelibrary.com

Frequently asked questions

Does pygeum help BPH?

Cochrane analysis supports modest improvements in urinary symptoms, especially night-time urination. It is one of the better-supported phytotherapies for BPH.

Is pygeum safe?

Generally well tolerated. The main caution is to involve a doctor for proper evaluation, since BPH-like symptoms can have other causes.