Pygeum africanum, also known as pigeum, African plum, African prune, alumty, iluo, kirah, natal tree, Pigeum africanum, is a large evergreen tree found in central and southern Africa. It generally grows at altitudes of 3000 feet or higher. Pygeum is becoming endangered due to the demand for its bark. The extracts from its bark contain several compounds have been used for many years to treat BPH. In common with saw palmetto and nettle root, Pygeum is believed to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase which converts testosterone to follicle-damaging DHT. Despite a lack of clinical evidence of any positive impact on hair loss, Pygeum can be found in a number of natural hair loss remedies.

The assumed ability of Pygeum africanum to block conversion of testosterone to DHT has lead to its inclusion in natural and herbal hair loss remedies. However, Pygeum africanum in isolation has never been evaluated in clinical hair loss studies. This lack of clinical evidence does not automatically imply that it is ineffective in treating hair loss. Due to Pygeum’s low health risk profile, it can be used safely by those patients who are, for whatever reason, seeking an alternative to the medicinal DHT inhibitors, such as finasteride.

Health benefits of Pygeum africanum

The extract from Pygeum bark is used in herbal medications to relieve symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement. Although the mechanism of its action is unknown, it is assumed that Pygeum could inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main cause of BPH and is also believed to be the primary factor responsible for male and female pattern baldness. In one clinical study, the effects of Pygeum africanum on BPH were examined in conjunction with nettle root extract (another DHT blocking agent) and it was concluded that combining these two herbs increased their effectiveness.

Pygeum bark has been used in herbal medicine in Europe since the 1700s. Traditionally, the bark of the tree was gathered and powdered and made into a tea which was taken for genito-urinary complaints. Pygeum has also shown promise in preventing or reducing the symptoms of prostate cancer and chronic prostatis.

Some additional traditional uses of Pygeum include use as an aphrodisiac, and as a remedy for fever, impotence, kidney disease, malaria, partial bladder outlet obstruction, urinary tract infections, inflammation, malaria, prostatic adenoma, and psychosis.

One of the key active compounds in Pygeum, oleanolic acid, may also stimulate an immune response that can prevent development of malignancy in those with benign prostate enlargement (Chung Kuo Yao Li Hsueh Pao. 1989;10(4):381-84).

Pygeum dosage

The powdered bark is made into pills, capsules or a liquid extract. The common daily dose range for Pygeum is 50 to 200 mg. However, doses as high as 500 mg per day have been taken. The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 12% phytosterols per dose. 100mg of the standardized extract can be taken 1-2 times a day.

Side effects of Pygeum africanum

Side effects of Pygeum may sometimes occur and can include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, or visual disturbances. One clinical study reported a good safety profiles after 12 months of using 100 mg Pygeum daily in 174 subjects. In animal studies it was found that 500 times the therapeutic dose of Pygeum had no adverse effects, and amounts equivalent to 50 times the therapeutic dose had no effect on fertility. In vivo and in vitro studies indicated no carcinogenic effects.

Pregnant women should not take Pygeum due to the lack of scientific evidence about its safety. Pygeum has not been proven safe for use by children. Pygeum may cause an increase of the benefits to the prostate from prescription drugs or other herbal supplements aimed at reducing it. For this reason care should be taken when adding Pygeum to any regimen for BPH or other prostate condition.

This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.