Pygeum africanum

Pygeum africanum, also simply called Pygeum, is an extract made from the bark of the African plum tree. This tree is also sometimes called the African cherry tree, Prunus africanum, or Pygeum africanum. Pygeum africanum is native to Central America, South America, Madagascar and nearby islands, and the Gulf of Guinea. Pygeum africanum has been used in traditional African medicine to treat inflammation, kidney disease, urinary problems, and prostate gland inflammation (2).

Although there aren’t clinical studies that assess all of the health benefits of Pygeum africanum, it has been used as a part of traditional African medicine for a variety of purposes. These include using it as a wound dressing, an appetite stimulant, an anti-inflammatory, and to treat chest pain, fever, gonorrhea, malaria, mental health issues, poisoning, stomach pain, and more (3).

Pygeum africanum also has the following health benefits, which is why it was chosen to be an ingredient in the following supplement:

Prostate Health

Pygeum africanum is best known for its potential ability to relieve urinary symptoms. Specifically, Pygeum africanum has been tested to see if it can improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). One review from 2002 looked at 18 different studies on Pygeum africanum in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The review found that men reported (4):

• Overall improvement in symptoms

• Nighttime urination decreased by 19%

• Amount of urine remaining in the bladder decreased by 24%

• Urine flow rate increased by 23%

Another 2015 review found that doses of 100–200 mg per day for 1–2 months could improve urinary symptoms and urine flow. However, it found conflicting results regarding whether Pygeum africanum actually impacts prostate gland size. The review also noted that many of the studies were limited and more studies need to be done before the full benefits of Pygeum africanum are understood (1).

What doses of Pygeum africanum have been studied?

Nutritional supplements, like Pygeum africanum, are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. The effective daily dose can therefore only be estimated based on what has been tested in studies. Most studies on Pygeum africanum use a dose of 50–200 mg per day.

Pygeum africanum is a bark extract that is typically made into capsules or tablets.

Ro obtains Pygeum africanum from a non-GMO source in Cameroon that grows Pygeum africanum. The bark extract used by Ro contains 2.5% sterols.

Ro offers Pygeum africanum in the following supplements:

Prostate Health

Pygeum africanum is one of four main ingredients in the Prostate Health supplement. The supplement consists of one tablet that should be taken with water. The tablet contains 100 mg of Pygeum africanum.

Other ingredients in the tablet include beta-sitosterol, lycopene, L-selenomethionine, dicalcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and pharmaceutical glaze (shellac, povidone). The Prostate Health supplement contains soy and should not be consumed by anyone with a soy allergy.

Pygeum africanum is generally well-tolerated in studies. When adverse effects are present, they are mild and include constipation, diarrhea, headache, and nausea.