Pygeum africanum

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). 

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. 

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. 

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