Pygeum (African Plum Bark)

Pygeum: Prostate · urinary comfort. An African plum-tree bark extract used to ease the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Standard dose 100-200 mg standardized, taken in the morning, about $15/month. Evidence rating: moderate evidence.

What is Pygeum?

Pygeum is an extract of the bark of the African plum tree (Prunus africana), long used in Europe for prostate health. Its plant sterols and fatty acids appear to reduce inflammation and the urinary symptoms, such as nighttime urination and weak flow, that accompany benign prostate enlargement. A body of mostly older clinical trials found standardized pygeum improved these symptoms versus placebo, though the studies are small by modern standards. It is often combined with saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol. It is well tolerated, with occasional mild stomach upset. Standardized extracts around 100 to 200 mg daily are typical. It supports comfort and is not a treatment for the underlying enlargement.