The Perfect Utility of Pygeum Bark

Africans used pygeum bark (called African plum in France) to treat bladder disorders and what they called “old man disease”. It was not until the 18th century European travelers discovered this old know that they imported it home with enthusiasm.

It was the French who developed the type of standardized lipophilic extract used today. An extract marketed under the name of Tadenan is, moreover, an over-the-counter drug recognized in Europe for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (or hyperplasia) (BPH). The triterpenes (14%), including sterols and n-doconasol are the active substances used as markers for the standardization.

Because of its popularity, the pygeum has been over-harvested. The natural stands of this large tree have been so depleted that it is considered an endangered species. This scarcity of resources has increased the price of the extract. You can click here for more information here.

Pygeum research

Effective Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Since the late 1970s, numerous clinical trials have focused on the pygeum . A review published in 2002 looked at 18 double-blind studies, bringing together a total of 1,562 subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia.. Overall, the results show that the pygeum is more effective than a placebo at relieving the symptoms of this condition. However, the authors of this review emphasize that most of the studies analyzed are small and short-lived (four months maximum), that the products used vary and that measurements of the effectiveness of the pygeum have not been made. using validated tools. They believe that only a standardized extract can be a valid treatment, and more double-blind trials are needed, over a longer period, as well as studies comparing the effects of pygeum extract with those of various medicines. 

• The best-controlled double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted in 263 subjects and published in 1990. Results demonstrated improved urination in 65% of subjects treated, compared to 31% in the placebo group 3.
• The results of a trial conducted in 1998 among 85 subjects given an extract of pygeum for two months indicate that the beneficial effects persisted for a month after cessation of treatment.
• The researchers administered a double dose of pygeum extract (200 mg per day instead of 100 mg) to 18 subjects suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis as well as sexual problems. In fact, unlike many drugs used for the treatment of BPH, pygeum bark extract does not seem to act on hormone production, which does not exclude an effect on hormone receptors.

The pygeum is often combined with other plants, including saw palmetto, nettle and pumpkin seeds. During a clinical trial, the daily intake of 600 mg of nettle extract and 50 mg of pygeum bark extract has been successful 8 . Note that according to meta-analyzes, saw palmetto alone is more effective than pygeum alone in treating benign enlarged prostate.