Hormonal

Pygeum

African plum bark extract that may modestly ease urinary symptoms from enlarged prostate in older men.

Pygeum

African plum bark extract that may modestly ease urinary symptoms from enlarged prostate in older men.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

Proven Benefits

01Reduces BPH symptoms

02Improves urinary flow

03Reduces nocturia

04May improve bladder emptying

05May reduce prostate size

Chemical Forms

Recommended

Standardized Pygeum africanum bark extract
Lipid-sterol bark extract

Avoid

Raw bark powder (variable active compounds)
Proprietary blends without stated pygeum dose

Expert Note

Most human trials used standardized bark extracts rather than whole bark powder. Products that disclose extract standardization and actual pygeum dose are more likely to match the research, while unstandardized powders and blends can vary widely in phytosterol and triterpene content.

Protocol

Amount

100-200 mg

Frequency

Once daily or split into 2 doses

When

With meals to reduce stomach upset.

Condition-Based Dosing

Men with mild-to-moderate LUTS suggestive of BPH (IPSS 8-19)

100-200 mg daily of standardized bark extract for 8-12 weeks.— Stop if there is no meaningful symptom improvement; urinary symptoms still require medical evaluation.

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit

No established UL; 200 mg/day of standardized bark extract is the common studied ceiling in trials.

Cycling

Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

Unexplained hematuria, pelvic pain, fever, or urinary retention — needs prompt medical evaluation, not self-treatment

Known or suspected prostate cancer — symptoms can overlap and delay diagnosis

Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs — limited safety data and possible bleeding interaction

Pregnancy or breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; avoid

Updated Invalid Date