Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) - Botanical Medicines

Pygeum ( Pygeum africanum )

Pygeum is a large evergreen tree that grows in southern Africa and whose bark has been traditionally powdered to make a tea treatment for genito-urinary complaints. Dr. P. Bassi, writing in a 1987 issue of Minerva Urologica , cites numerous double-blind clinical trials that found pygeum to be effective in treating a wide range of prostatic hyperplasias. Efficacy was determined by measuring the effects of pygeum extracts on dysuria, nycturia, frequent urination, abdominal heaviness, residual urine, prostate volume, and peak flow. Consumption of pygeum extract resulted in signficant amelioration of symptoms, reduction in prostate size, and clearance of bladder and urethral obstruction.