Pygeum Africanum is a large evergreen tree found in central and southern Africa. The extracts from the bark of pygeum contain several compounds thought to be helpful in reducing prostate enlargement. The extracts from pygeum include beta-sitosterol, other plant estrogens, triterpenes, and certain compounds known as ferulic acids.
   Pygeum extracts have been used for more than 30 years in France, Germany, and Austria for patients suffering with prostate enlargement. The recommended dose of pygeum is 50 to 150 mg daily. One study shows that the dosing frequency is not crucial. Pygeum africanum extract at 50 mg twice daily and 100 mg once daily proved equally effective and safe. It appears that pygeum remains effective with long term use.
   The combination of pygeum and urtica dioica is also effective. Some prostate formulas include urtica in their formulation.
   A review of published research on Medline in December of 2007 did not show any recent human studies with pygeum supplement. Take a look at a popular prostate formula with pygeum extract called Prostate Power Rx.

Pygeum, Nature's Way
Nature's Way Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) extract is a specialized formula designed to promote prostate health. This unique combination contains a leading European Pygeum extract combined with synergistic nutrients in a base of Pumpkin seed oil.

Pygeum Supplement Facts:
Pygeum africanum dried extract

Recommendation: Take one or two pygeum softgels two times daily with water at mealtimes. Best results are obtained with continuous use.

* Pygeum daily value not established.

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Review of pygeum herb research
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate that occurs in most men over 60, can lead to urinary frequency and nocturia (waking up at night to go to the bathroom). Frequent interruption of sleep leads to daytime tiredness. The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs for the treatment of BPH has been growing steadily and a well-known herb used for this purpose is saw palmetto. The extract of the African prune tree, pygeum africanum, is one of the several herbal agents available for the treatment of BPH. To investigate whether extracts of pygeum are more effective than placebo in the treatment of BPH, statisticians at the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes in Minneapolis, Minnesota searched all published studies from 1966 to 2000. A total of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 1562 men were analyzed. Compared to men receiving placebo, men using pygeum were more than twice as likely to report an improvement in symptoms. Nocturia was reduced 20 percent. Adverse effects due to pygeum were mild and comparable to placebo. The statisticians conclude that pygeum africanum may be a useful treatment option for men with lower urinary symptoms due to BPH.
    Comments: Men with benign prostate enlargement who have not benefited by saw palmetto alone may consider discussing with their health care professional regarding the addition of pygeum.

Pygeum and prostate cancer
Pygeum africanum, which is widely used in Europe and USA for treatment of BPH, has a significant role in regulation of prostate cancer both in vitro and in vivo and therefore may be a useful supplement for people at high risk for developing prostate cancer.

Side effects
No major adverse effects have been reported.

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