If you’re suffering from urinary symptoms, you may find relief in the bark of the Pygeum africanum tree. Pygeum is a popular supplement for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. This herb has been used for centuries as a natural therapy for bladder problems, with several South African tribes still making an herbal tea from pygeum by boiling the bark of the tree.
In the 1960s, Europeans began using pygeum to address mild to moderate BPH symptoms, and its popularity has continued to grow. Numerous studies now support its effectiveness in relieving BPH symptoms such as nighttime urination, residual urinary volume, reduced urine flow, painful urination, and overall quality of life.
What Makes Pygeum Effective?
The health benefits of pygeum come from its fat-soluble sterols and fatty acids. The phytosterols in the bark can inhibit the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can lead to an increased risk of BPH and prostate cancer. Additionally, pygeum reduces the number of receptor sites where DHT attaches to cells.
Numerous Studies Support Pygeum’s Effectiveness
Many studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of pygeum. One multicenter trial in Europe involved men aged 50 to 75 with mild to moderate BPH symptoms; 85 men completed the study. They took 50 mg of pygeum twice a day for a month, then stopped for the next month. After two months, the International Prostate Symptom Score improved by 40%, and their quality of life increased by 31%. Their symptoms improved even one month after they stopped taking pygeum.
In 2002, researchers from the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Center evaluated 18 different randomized controlled trials using pygeum for BPH symptoms. These trials involved 1,562 men with BPH, with all but one trial being double-blinded. Overall, reviewers found that pygeum provided a “moderately large improvement” in BPH patients’ urinary symptoms and urinary flow measures compared with those who took a placebo. Some specific findings included:
- Residual urine volume decreased by 24%
- Peak urine flow increased by 23%
- Nocturia (nighttime urination) declined by 19%
Comparing Pygeum to Saw Palmetto
Two other studies compared the use of saw palmetto and pygeum for 30 days. The results showed improvement of about 50% for both painful urination and frequent urination in both cases. Saw palmetto also contains fatty acids and sterols (specifically beta-sitosterol) like pygeum. Studies have demonstrated that saw palmetto works best to support prostate health and manage BPH symptoms when combined with other supplements.
How to Take Pygeum
The suggested daily dosage of pygeum is between 75 mg and 200 mg; however, extensive studies have concluded that 100 mg is the most effective dose. One supplement that contains 100 mg of pygeum is Prost-P10x, a clinical-grade supplement program that, in addition to pygeum, includes 11 other supplements, vitamins, and minerals that support prostate health and promote normal prostate size and urinary flow. The Prost-P10x program provides immunity support and cellular health for men experiencing the effects of an aging prostate. This formulation helps men looking to restore their prostate health to more youthful levels and improve their quality of life. Prost-P10x uses pygeum from sustainable sources. While generally well-tolerated, pygeum may cause side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling with urinary symptoms associated with BPH, consider adding pygeum to your daily regimen for potential relief and improved quality of life. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
