Pygeum

SR109 Odenthal, K. P. Phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with Cucurbita, Hypoxis, Pygeum, Urtica and Sabal serrulata (Serenoa repens). Phytother Res 1996 10 S141-S143. 

Pygeum africanum and Permixon for the Treatment of Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia... 

Pygeum africanum, an extract from the bark of the African prune tree, has been used in Europe since 1969 to treat men with mild to moderate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The mechanism of action of P. africanum is not known. In animal models, P. africanum modulates bladder contractility, has anti-inflammatory activity, decreases production of leukotrienes and other 5-lipoxygenase metabolites, inhibits fibroblast production, affects adrenal androgens, and restores the secretory activity of prostate epithelium. 

Ishani, A. et al., Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis, Am. J. Med., 109, 654-664, 2000. 

Apis mellifica pollen, silica, hydrangea extract, Panax ginseng, and Pygeum africanum, was reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine (27). 

Duvia et al. "Advances in the Phytotherapy of Prostatic Hypertrophy." The effectiveness and tolerability of saw palmetto extract was compared with pygeum (Prunus ajricanium) extract in 30 patients with prostatic adenomas. The saw palmetto was superior to the pygeum in reducing symptoms, and it was much better tolerated. The Serenoa did not produce any side effects, while the pygeum caused gastric upset in 13 percent of the patients. 

Nettle leaf is a well-known herb. The nettle root is little known but is an effective medicine. It combines well with saw palmetto for the treatment of prostatic symptoms. Like Serenoa, nettle root inhibits the breakdown of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. The mechanism for this is believed to be its inhibition of both 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase. While nettle root is less effective than saw palmetto, the two together or with pygeum have greater activity than either herb by itself... 

The common pumpkin seed has been extensively studied for its beneficial effect on prostate health. Seed extracts inhibit 5-alpha-reductase conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The mechanism of action seems to be different from that of saw palmetto, nettle root, or pygeum. Researchers speculate that betasitosterol (a phytosterol) competes with androgens, thus decreasing esposure of the prostate to hormonal stimulation. Eating pumpkin seeds (1 to 2 ounces per day) or taking gel capsules (2 to 4 per day) has shown benefits in reducing inflammation and other prostatic symptoms. 

In addition, Serenoa has been found to reduce cholesterol levels within prostatic tissue. This is notable because higher levels of this substance are found in prostate glands with cancer than in those without. Saw palmetto also contains an acylglyceride, 1-monolaurin, which has shown mild activity against one type of prostatic cancer cell in laboratory experiments. Hence, the use of saw palmetto, as well as nettle root (Urtica dioica), pygeum (Prunus africanum), and pumpkin seed, may offer hope and protection to our aging male population. 

Serenoa repens), stinging nettle Urtica dioicd), and African plum (Pygeum africanumf —are not recommended for BPH. An excellent review on phytotherapy for BPH has been published. ... 

Andro MC, Riffaud JP. Pygeum qfricanum extract for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia A review of 25 years of published experience. Curr Ther Res 1995 56 796-817. 

Sundown Saw Palmetto Complex contains 450 mg of saw palmetto, zinc, pygeum, and nettles in a gelcap. 

New ursene derivatives include acuminatic acid (192) (2a,3a,19a-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) from Pygeum acuminatum, 2a,3a,19a,23-tetra-hydroxyursolic acid (193) from the leaves of Coleus ambionicus, and... 

Other Western herbs that have been investigated for the treatment of BPH include pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo), nettle root (Urtica dioica or Urtica urens), bee pollen (particularly that from the rye plant), African potato (tubers of Hypoxis rooperi), and the African tree Pygeum africanum, also known as Prunus africanum. In most cases, but particularly with pumpkin seeds and African potato, the main active components are sterols, such as p-sitosterol, which also has been used for BPH. 

Chandel R S 1980 Pygeoside, a new lignan xyloside from Pygeum acuminatum. Indian J Chem 19B 279-282... 

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