Pygeum: This African Bark Offers A Natural Approach to Prostate Health

Secure Ordering | Free Shipping | Best Quality | Best Prices

Along with providing information on whether Pygeum supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

Pygeum has been used for centuries for its natural health-supporting properties. More recently, scientific research has highlighted its potential to support prostate health and help with urinary issues linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In this article, we’ll explore what the science says about Pygeum supplements and how they may offer a natural way to support men’s wellness.

What Is Pygeum?

Pygeum, derived from the bark of the African Prunus africana tree, has long been valued in traditional African medicine for its health-supporting properties. It contains bioactive compounds, including plant sterols like beta-sitosterol and ferulic acid esters, which are believed to play a key role in its benefits. Pygeum is often used to support prostate health, particularly for men experiencing urinary issues related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that becomes more common with age. Symptoms like frequent urination, nighttime trips to the bathroom (nocturia), and difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow can affect quality of life, and research suggests Pygeum may help relieve these discomforts.

In addition to its role in prostate support, Pygeum also offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation-related damage—factors linked to many chronic health concerns. These anti-inflammatory effects may also be part of why it’s beneficial for prostate health, as inflammation is often involved in the development of urinary issues. While more research is needed, Pygeum’s long history of use and emerging scientific findings continue to highlight its potential as a natural option for supporting men’s wellness.

What Are the Benefits of Pygeum?

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): BPH is a common condition in older men where the prostate gland enlarges, causing urinary issues like frequent urination, weak urine stream, and incomplete bladder emptying. Pygeum supplements may ease these symptoms. [PMC7032619]
  • Sexual Function: May enhance sexual function and libido in men by supporting prostate health and improving urinary function. A clinical study tested a double dose of Pygeum Africanum extract on patients with prostatic hypertrophy or chronic prostatitis, finding significant improvements in urinary symptoms and sexual function over 60 days, with no side effects. [PMID: 1723220]
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for conditions characterized by inflammation. This review compiles research from the last 50 years to better understand the tree’s medicinal properties and chemical components. It found that Prunus africana’s healing effects are mainly due to phytosterols, compounds in the bark that help reduce inflammation, particularly in the prostate. [PMID: 36535336]
  • Antioxidant Effects: Provides antioxidants that protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals, promoting overall health and longevity. Research on Pygeum africanum, a herbal treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), showed that it could decrease the growth of certain prostate cells in the lab. Changes in gene expression linked to tumor suppression and reduced inflammation were observed, suggesting potential molecular benefits in prostate health management. [PMID: 36535336]

Is Pygeum Safe?

Pygeum Africanum supplements are a safe choice for individuals dealing with prostate issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis. Impressively, clinical trials have shown that even when the dosage was doubled—from the standard 100 mg to 200 mg daily—no adverse effects were reported. This consistent safety record makes Pygeum a reassuring option for those looking to manage their prostate health without the worry of negative side effects. Its reliability and safety are key reasons why many consider Pygeum a valuable addition to their health regimen, offering peace of mind to those seeking natural treatment alternatives.

Medication Interactions with Pygeum

  • Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications: Combining Pygeum with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications like aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel may increase the risk of bleeding. This interaction could lead to longer bleeding times or more bruising.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Pygeum might interfere with hormone replacement therapy, particularly in menopausal women. This interaction could possibly reduce the benefits of HRT or disrupt hormone levels.
  • Cytochrome P450 Substrates: Pygeum could affect the metabolism of drugs processed by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, such as certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and statins. This interaction might change drug levels in the body, reducing effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
  • Prostate Medications (e.g., Finasteride, Dutasteride): While Pygeum is commonly used to support prostate health, combining it with prescription prostate medications like finasteride or dutasteride may have additive effects. This could enhance therapeutic benefits, but it’s important to monitor for adverse effects or interactions.
  • Diabetes Medications: Pygeum may impact blood sugar levels and interfere with the action of diabetes medications such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Monitoring blood glucose levels closely is advisable when using Pygeum supplements alongside diabetes medications to prevent low or high blood sugar levels.

Supplement Interactions with Pygeum

  • Saw Palmetto: When combined with Pygeum, saw palmetto may enhance the benefits for prostate health.
  • Beta-sitosterol: Beta-sitosterol, commonly found in Pygeum supplements, may synergistically increase the effectiveness in supporting prostate health when taken with Pygeum.
  • Nettle Root: Nettle root, often used for prostate health, complements Pygeum’s effects, particularly in alleviating urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
  • Zinc: Zinc supplementation alongside Pygeum may support overall prostate function.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D may enhance Pygeum’s benefits in promoting prostate health.
  • Lycopene: Lycopene, known for its antioxidant properties, complements Pygeum and supports prostate health.

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

Order Pygeum Supplements Online

Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary

Your health is on the line. Health professionals know that many other online and retail options set a very low bar for quality–sometimes amazingly low. The Fullscript formulary is the most secure online source for the highest quality brands securely sourced to assure freshness and purity. Here’s what makes Fullscript the best:

  • Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Health professionals trust Fullscript to monitor the quality of every item. While other retailers prioritize profit above all else, Fullscript focuses solely on quality and reliability. Unlike discount stores and large online marketplaces, you won’t find ingredients sourced from China or other questionable suppliers.
  • Free shipping over $50 and best prices when you order through Supplement Sciences.
  • Wide Selection: Access to the entire Fullscript formulary. Search for the exact brands and products you want.
  • Easy Sign-up & No Spam Email: Click “View Product” or the button below to be taken to Fullscript’s login page where you can quickly create your secure account with just your name, email, and phone number. Then you will be taken directly to the product page.

Pygeum & Saw Palmetto by NOW Foods

Pygeum & Saw Palmetto is a combination of botanical extracts that promote healthy urinary tract function.* Each of these plant extracts is known to help support healthy urinary flow and healthy prostate function.* NOW has utilized Pumpkin Seed Oil as a base for this product as a nutritional oil contributing essential fatty acids and phytosterols that are important for men’s health.*

Natural color variation may occur in this product.
Take 2 softgels twice daily with food.

Serving Size: 2 Softgels

Amount Per Serving
Calories … 15
Total Fat … 1.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat … 0.75g
Monounsaturated Fat … 0.75g
Saw Palmetto Extract … 160mg
(Berry)(Serenoa repens) 
(min. 85% Fatty Acids)
Pygeum Extract … 50mg
(Bark)(Pygeum africanum)(min. 13% Phytosterols)
Pumpkin Seed Oil … 1.5g (1,500mg)


Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Food is one of the “Pillars of Health”. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

To Sum It Up

Incorporating Pygeum supplements into your wellness routine can offer a range of health benefits, supported by scientific research. Studies have shown that Pygeum supports prostate health by reducing inflammation and alleviating urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Additionally, its antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. With its long history of traditional use and the backing of scientific evidence, Pygeum supplements present a natural and effective option for those seeking to improve prostate and urinary health. Whether you’re looking to address specific concerns or maintain general wellness, Pygeum supplements can be a valuable addition to your daily regimen.


This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.


About the Author

Supplement Sciences

If you have any thoughts on this article, feel free to share them with us by emailing them to reviews@supplement-sciences.com.

Leave a Reply