- • benign prostatic hyperplasia
Historical or traditional
use: The powdered bark was used as a tea for relief of urinary disorders.
European scientists were so impressed with reports of pygeum’s actions that they
began laboratory investigations into the active constituents in the bark. This led to the
development of the modern lipophilic (fat soluble) extract used today.
Active constituents:
Chemical analysis and pharmacological studies indicate that the lipophilic extract of
pygeum bark has three categories of active constituents. The phytosterols, including
beta-sitosterol, have anti-inflammatory effects by interfering with the formation of
pro-inflammatory prostaglandins that tend to accumulate in the prostate
of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The pentacyclic terpenes have an
anti-edema or decongesting effect. The last group are the ferulic esters. These
constituents reduce levels of the hormone prolactin and also block cholesterol
in the prostate. Prolactin increases uptake of testosterone in the prostate, and
cholesterol increases binding sites for testosterone and its more active form
dihydrotestosterone.1
How much should I take?
The accepted form of pygeum used in Europe for treatment of BPH is a lipophilic extract
standardized to 13% total sterols (typically calculated as beta-sitosterol).
The recommended dose is 50-100 mg two times per day. Pygeum should be monitored over at
least a six- to nine-month period to determine efficacy. As is the case with all BPH
treatments, close medical supervision is of the utmost importance.
