- What is pygeum (Pygeum africanum), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
- What is the dosage for pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
- Is pygeum (Pygeum africanum) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
What is pygeum (Pygeum africanum), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Prunus africanum is a natural herbal supplement. Prunus africanum contains triterpenes, ferulic acid and phytosterols. Ferulic acid lowers prostatic cholesterol levels and phytosterols block prostaglandin synthesis, leading to reduced pain and inflammation. Triterpenes also blocks enzymes responsible for destruction of connective tissues, leading to possible improvement in symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Check with your health care professional before using herbs or herbal supplements.
What brand names are available for pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
Prunus africanum
Is pygeum (Pygeum africanum) available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
No
What are the side effects of pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
Side effects of Prunus africanum are nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
What is the dosage for pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
The recommended dose of Prunus africanum by suppliers is 75 to 200 mg per day. Individuals should consult their doctor before taking Prunus africanum compounds.
Which drugs or supplements interact with pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
: Use with caution with other prostate medications such as finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) to avoid additive side effects and potential harm.
SLIDESHOW
Diet-Wrecking Foods: Smoothies, Lattes, Popcorn, and More in Pictures See SlideshowIs pygeum (Pygeum africanum) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known whether Prunus africanum enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in mothers who are nursing.
What else should I know about pygeum (Pygeum africanum)?
What preparations of pygeum (Pygeum africanum) are available?
Prunus africanum is available in capsules, liquid extract, and powder form. Concentration of Prunus africanum may vary from product-to-product due to multiple manufacturers producing various products.
How should I keep pygeum (Pygeum africanum) stored?
Due to multiple manufacturers making different forms of Prunus africanum, storage requirements may vary based on individual manufacturers practices. One commercial product requires storage in a cool dry place.
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Summary
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) is an herb used for symptom improvement of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) like urinary problems, difficult urination, and prostate inflammation. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed and discussed with your health care professional prior to using this herbal supplement.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Prostatitis (Inflammation of the Prostate Gland)
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Signs and symptoms of prostatitis include painful or difficulty urinating; fever; chills; body aches; blood in the urine; pain in the rectum, groin, abdomen, or low back; and painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction. Causes of prostatitis include STDs, bacteria from urinary tract infections, or E. coli. Treatment for prostatitis depends on if it is a bacterial infection or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland.
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Enlarged Prostate (BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) is very common in men over 50 years of age. Half of all men over the age of 50 develop symptoms of BPH, but few need medical treatment. This noncancerous enlargement of the prostate can impede urine flow, slow the flow of urine, create the urge to urinate frequently and cause other symptoms like complete blockage of urine and urinary tract infections. More serious symptoms are urinary tract infections (UTIs) and complete blockage of the urethra, which may be a medical emergency. BPH is not cancer. Not all men with the condition need treatment, and usually is closely monitored if no symptoms are present. Treatment measures usually are reserved for men with significant symptoms, and can include medications, surgery, microwave therapy, and laser procedures. Men can prevent prostate problems by having regular medical checkups that include a prostate exam.
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Urinary Incontinence
There are many types of urinary incontinence (UI), which is the accidental leakage of urine. These types include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Urinary incontinence in men may be caused by prostate or nerve problems. Treatment depends upon the type and severity of the UI and the patient's lifestyle.
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Prostate Problems
The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system and is located between the bladder and penis. Signs and symptoms of prostate problems include painful ejaculation, burning or pain while urinating, blood in the urine or semen, dribbling urine, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and pain in the lower back, hips, upper thighs, or the pelvic or rectal area. Common causes of prostate problems in men are prostatitis, enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Causes of prostate problems can assist in diagnosing prostate cancer. Treatments for prostate problems include medications, surgery, and hormone or radiation therapy.
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Sex, Urinary, and Bladder Problems of Diabetes
Having diabetes can mean early onset and increased severity of bladder symptoms (urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections) and changes in sexual function. Men may have erectile dysfunction; and women may have problems with sexual response and vaginal lubrication. Keep your diabetes under control, and you can lower your risk of sexual and urologic problems.
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Urinary Retention
Urinary retention (inability to urinate) may be caused by nerve disease, spinal cord injury, prostate enlargement, infection, surgery, medication, bladder stone, constipation, cystocele, rectocele, or urethral stricture. Symptoms include discomfort and pain. Treatment depends upon the cause of urinary retention.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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National Institutes of Health; Dietary Supplement Label Database. Pygeum Extract.