About Pygeum
Pygeum (Prunus africana) bark extract used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A 2002 Cochrane review (Wilt et al.) analyzed 18 RCTs with 1,562 men and concluded pygeum provides moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures vs placebo — 19% reduction in nocturia, 24% reduction in residual urine volume, and 23% improvement in peak urinary flow. Most trials are from the 1990s with methodological limitations (small samples, short duration, inconsistent outcomes). The active compounds include pentacyclic triterpenes (ursolic and oleanolic acid) and ferulic acid esters, which appear to have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects on prostatic tissue. Often combined with saw palmetto in prostate formulas. Generally well tolerated; mild GI side effects reported.
What Pygeum supports
- Reduces nocturia and urinary symptoms in BPH (Cochrane review)
- Improves peak urinary flow rate (23% improvement vs placebo)
How much Pygeum to take
The RDA prevents deficiency. The effective range is what clinical trials used to actually move the outcome.
Effective
75–200
mg
Cochrane review trials used 75–200 mg/day of bark extract. Most common dose is 100 mg/day (50 mg twice daily). Extracts standardized to 14% triterpenes and 0.5% n-docosanol.
Clinical evidence
Moderate clinical evidence. Cochrane review of 18 RCTs (1,562 men) shows moderate improvement in BPH urinary symptoms; trials are dated but methodology is sound
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