Pygeum Benefits

Herbal supplements often promise miracles — improved memory, glowing skin, and even better sex. Unlike many herbal remedies, pygeum benefits are backed by a growing body of research.

Pygeum (pygeum africanum) is an herbal extract derived from the bark of the African cherry tree or African plum tree. It shows promise as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate — and may even help with erectile dysfunction (ED), a common symptom of BPH.

Read on to find out more about pygeum benefits, uses, and potential side effects. Plus, we cover alternative options for effective ED treatment.

Pygeum extract is an herbal remedy that comes from the prunus africana tree, native to Africa. This natural remedy has been around for centuries, but nowadays you can find it available in pill or capsule form in the supplement aisle or online.

Companies typically market pygeum for prostate gland and urinary health. However, the National Cancer Institute points out that the FDA hasn’t approved pygeum extract for treating prostate disease, ED, or any other health conditions.

That said, pygeum does contain compounds that might help reduce prostate inflammation by affecting prostaglandin production, which are hormone-like substances. It also contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols like beta-sitosterol.

While pygeum supplements won’t drastically shrink your prostate, it might alleviate some common symptoms of BPH, like:

• Frequent or severe urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Increased urinary frequency

• Weaker urine flow

• Nocturia (the need to pee at night)

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Key word being “might.” Ultimately, there’s not enough research to draw firm conclusions about pygeum benefits for ED or other men’s health issues.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK),  BPH affects about 5% to 6% of men between 40 and 64, and more than a third of men over 65.

And BPH is a known risk factor for ED in men over 40.

While there are few studies on the effects of pygeum for ED symptoms, some initial findings suggest the supplement may help with BPH.

One small study involving 18 male participants with BPH found that those who took pygeum africanum extract saw improvements in prostate symptoms and sexual function.

We can’t draw major conclusions from a study with such a small sample size, but it’s a hint that pygeum might help with erectile function by giving your prostate a little boost.

Keep in mind, not everyone with BPH will have problems getting and maintaining erections. Plus, BPH itself isn’t the only underlying cause for ED.

Other ED causes

Treatments for BPH can impact erectile function. Alpha blockers trigger relaxation of the blood vessels to help relax the prostate gland and the urinary sphincter. This makes it easier to urinate but it also impacts blood flow to the penis, which is necessary for healthy erections.

Prostate cancer treatments can also mess with sexual function. One common treatment approach, prostate surgery, can, in some cases, affect the nerves and blood vessels that supply the penis.

Using pygeum extract appears to ease urinary symptoms and enhance quality of life in men dealing with BPH, according to one study involving 115 participants.

A review of placebo-controlled trials found that men who used pygeum for BPH were over twice as likely to experience symptom relief. Nighttime bathroom trips (nocturia) dropped by 19 percent, residual urine volume by 24 percent and peak urine flow increased by 23 percent.

Pygeum extract is typically available in pill form with doses ranging from 25 mg to 200 mg, with 100 mg capsules being the most common.

One 2015 study looked at the effects of a supplement containing 100 mg of pygeum bark extract and 35 mg of saw palmetto oil. Those who took the supplement over an eight week period saw significant improvements in BPH symptoms and quality of life.

How Long Does It Take Pygeum To Work?

Because the research on pygeum for men’s sexual health is so limited, there’s no consensus on how long it might take to see results.

An older review published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy notes that it may take several weeks before you notice any pygeum benefits.

Most people don’t run into issues when taking pygeum extract supplements, so it’s fairly safe. But like with anything you put into your body, potential side effects, like nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea can happen.

If you notice any gastrointestinal (GI) issues, you can try lowering your dose or stopping entirely. And, it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional before you start taking a new supplement like pygeum, especially if you’re on any medication or already take over-the-counter (OTC) supplements.

Herbal medicine (AKA phytotherapy) probably isn’t your doctor’s first choice for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Typically, healthcare professionals prescribe alpha blockers or alpha-5 reductase inhibitors.

However, supplements can sometimes complement traditional medical treatments.

If an enlarged prostate is affecting your sex life, standard ED medications might still work. But be cautious of products labeled “herbal Viagra” or home remedies like olive oil and lemon juice.

Thinking about trying pygeum? It might seem promising, but the research backing its benefits is thin.

Let’s recap what we know about this plant-based supplement:

• Some evidence suggests it could help with BPH symptoms. It could help make it easier to pee and limit other uncomfortable effects of BPH, potentially improving erectile function.

• Ultimately, it’s not an effective treatment for ED. There’s no solid evidence pygeum can improve erectile health and there’s no research on the effects of taking pygeum long term.

• Other more effective treatments for BPH and ED are out there. Your healthcare provider can recommend safe, research-backed options for treating your condition, including FDA-approved medications.

Looking for support in treating ED or BPH? Reach out to a healthcare professional for medical advice. When you’re ready to get started, we can connect you with a qualified provider who can go over your treatment options, including ED medications.