Scientific Name: Pygeum Africanum
Other Names: African plum tree, PAE, Pygeum
Who is this for?
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.
When should I be careful taking it?Precautions
Pygeum africanum is rarely used by women. However, because very little is known about how it might affect developing babies or infants, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be especially careful to avoid taking it.
What side effects should I watch for?
The only side effects known to be associated with taking Pygeum africanum are gastrointestinal (GI) complaints such as nausea and stomach pain.
What interactions should I watch for?
No interactions have been identified between Pygeum africanum and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal products, or foods.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how Pygeum africanum interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
Should I take it?
Pygeum africanum trees are tall evergreens that reach up to 150 feet in height. They grow in forested upper highland regions across Africa, often providing shade for the lower-growing coffee plants or cocoa bushes, which may be planted under Pygeum africanum deliberately. After flowering in the summer (which is winter in the Northern hemisphere), the trees bear large red or brownish fruits resembling plums. The fruits--which ripen in June, July, and August in Northern Africa, and later in countries that are more southern--are used for food by natives of the area as well as by birds and animals. The hard wood of the Pygeum africanum tree is used for buildings and tools. It also makes long-burning fuel.
The bark of Pygeum africanum is the part used for medicine. It is harvested from cut or living trees or from branches that have been cut for other uses. Unfortunately, taking extensive amounts of the bark from living trees usually kills the trees. In 1995, over-harvesting of wild Pygeum africanum prompted its placement on the international list of endangered species. Although most Pygeum africanum bark used in medicine still comes from wild trees, scientists in several countries are attempting to establish commercial forests that could be harvested in a controlled way. Specific areas of trees have been set aside for protection, as well.
Dosage and Administration
Pygeum africanum is available most commonly in capsules or as a liquid extract. Extracts are concentrated liquid preparations usually made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts. Pygeum africanum is often combined with other herbals, such as saw palmetto, which are believed to have similar effects on the prostate.
Commercial Pygeum africanum preparations that are widely used in France and other European countries are standardized to contain 14% of triterpenes and 0.5% of n-docosanol. Standardization by the manufacturer should assure the same amount of active ingredient in every batch of the commercial preparation. Standardization of herbal products is not required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so not every product sold in the United States will contain the same amounts of active ingredients. Typical dosing for Pygeum africanum is 100 mg taken in one or two doses per day for periods of 6 weeks to 8 weeks.
Summary
Primarily, Pygeum africanum is used to relieve the symptoms of prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
Risks
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take Pygeum africanum.
Side Effects
Pygeum africanum may cause nausea, stomach pain, or other relatively mild GI complaints.
Interactions
No interactions have been identified between Pygeum africanum and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal products, or foods.
Last Revised July 31, 2008
References
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Last Revised July 31, 2008
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.