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Herbs & Supplements
Pygeum Africanum
Other Names: African plum tree, PAE, Pygeum
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Uses
Pygeum africanum is an herb used almost exclusively by men. Currently, it is used mainly to relieve the symptoms of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)--a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. The urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, passes through the prostate gland. For most men, BPH is a normal part of aging. Both BPH and prostate cancer can cause the prostate to grow larger. An enlarged prostate may cause men to have trouble starting or maintaining urination, need to urinate more often, have urine leaks, or need to urinate during the night.
Numerous studies have been done to test the effectiveness of Pygeum africanum for prostate enlargement. In general, results have been positive. Pygeum africanum contains a number of different chemicals, including some known as triterpenes that may reduce both inflammation and swelling. It also contains fatty acid derivatives, such as n-docosanol, that may keep cholesterol from building up in the prostate. In addition, laboratory tests seem to show that Pygeum africanum may reduce the ability of both prostate cancer cells and BPH cells to divide into new cells.
In animal studies, Pygeum africanum has increased the amount and activity of semen, possibly helping to relieve some causes of male infertility. Some unconfirmed reports seem to indicate that it may also be moderately effective in stimulating hair growth. Historically, it has also been used to treat urinary tract conditions and fever, but no clinical evidence supports these uses.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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