Pygeum africanum

What is Pygeum africanum?

Pygeum africanum is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to tropical Africa, belonging to the family Rosaceae.

It grows up to 10 meters in height, with a broad, rounded crown and grayish-brown bark, and has simple, alternate, elliptical leaves that are 2-5 centimeters long and 1-3 centimeters wide. The leaves are dark green on top and pale underneath, with a leathery texture and a double serrated margin. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in clusters, and produces 1-2 centimeter long red or yellowish berries.

The bark of the plant contains a resinous extract that is used in traditional medicine to treat urinary problems and is also used in modern herbal medicine.

What ailments can you heal with this herb?

The most common ailments you can heal with Pygeum africanum are benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary retention, and urinary incontinence, which are characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland leading to reduced urine flow and involuntary loss of urine, respectively.

Pygeum africanum has been shown to improve symptoms of prostatitis, a condition of inflammation of the prostate gland, through its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it has been proven to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, by increasing testosterone levels and improving blood flow to the penis. It is also effective in treating overactive bladder, nocturia, urinary tract infections, and urinary frequency, which are characterized by the sudden need to urinate, frequent urination at night, and the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract, respectively.

Furthermore, Pygeum africanum has been found to improve symptoms of lower urinary tract symptoms, pollakiuria, lower back pain, and cystitis, but has shown limited effectiveness in treating enlarged prostate, kidney stones, urinary urgency, prostatic cancer, hair loss, and acne.

What are the therapeutic properties this herb?

The main therapeutic properties of Pygeum africanum are rooted in its ability to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which contribute to its potential in reducing the severity of conditions such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The antioxidant properties of Pygeum africanum have been shown to scavenge free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress, thereby protecting the brain from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, Pygeum africanum has been found to possess antimicrobial properties, which are attributed to the presence of triterpenes and flavonoids that inhibit the growth of pathogens. The androgenic properties of Pygeum africanum are also noteworthy, as the plant's saponins and sterols have been found to stimulate the production of testosterone, thereby supporting prostate health.

Furthermore, the presence of volatile oils and phenolic compounds in Pygeum africanum contributes to its neuroprotective effects, which may help to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

What are the medicinal constituents this herb?

The most important healing constituents of Pygeum africanum are ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and a variety of sterols including β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, which have been shown to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to its potential in alleviating BPH symptoms. Flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin, present in Pygeum africanum, have been demonstrated to possess anti-androgenic activity, which may help in reducing the size of the enlarged prostate. The combination of these constituents likely contributes to the plant's efficacy in managing BPH symptoms, including improved urinary flow and reduced nocturia.

These compounds have been isolated and characterized through various studies, providing a scientific basis for the potential therapeutic benefits of Pygeum africanum.

What are the main herbal preparations this herb?

The main herbal preparations of Pygeum africanum are tincture, capsules, tea, infusion, and pygeum extract.

These preparations are made from the bark of the African cherry tree, Prunus africana, and are used to support prostate health due to their content of beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol with anti-inflammatory properties. Pygeum extract, often standardized to 5-10% of the active compound, is a concentrated form of the herb and is commonly used in supplements to alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Capsules and tinctures are also used to provide a standardized dose of pygeum, while tea and infusion are made by steeping the bark in hot water to create a beverage.

The use of these herbal preparations has been studied in clinical trials, with results showing improvement in urinary flow and reduction in symptoms of BPH.

What are the possible side effects of using this herb improperly?

The possible side effects of using Pygeum africanum improperly include experiencing nausea and dizziness due to the potential interaction with other medications or pre-existing medical conditions.

Improper use may also exacerbate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms as Pygeum africanum is primarily used to alleviate BPH symptoms. Suffering from diarrhea is another possible side effect as Pygeum africanum may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects in some individuals. Additionally, aggravating hypotension is a concern as Pygeum africanum may lower blood pressure, which can be problematic for individuals with pre-existing hypotension.

These side effects can occur if Pygeum africanum is taken in high doses or combined with other medications without proper medical supervision.