Pygeum africanum (African plum)
Cochrane-supported African bark extract for BPH symptoms, modest but real symptomatic improvement.
Why
Pygeum africanum (Prunus africana) bark extract has been used in French pharmacopoeia for BPH since the 1960s and is the subject of one of the earliest Cochrane reviews on a herbal urological treatment. The Wilt 2002 Cochrane SR concluded the lipidosterolic extract (Tadenan) improved urological symptoms and flow measures, with modest effect sizes and a favourable adverse-event profile. Now combined with saw palmetto in some products.
How it works
Phytosterols (β-sitosterol, β-sitostanol), pentacyclic triterpenes (ursolic acid) and ferulic acid esters together inhibit basic fibroblast growth factor and modulate prostatic inflammation. Mild anti-androgenic activity (5α-reductase inhibition) at high concentrations.
Expected onset · Urinary symptom improvement over 6–8 weeks
How to take
Dosage
Standardised lipidosterolic extract (Tadenan): 100 mg/day or 50 mg twice daily.
Timing
Once daily with food, or split morning and evening
On the label
Lipidosterolic extract (Tadenan); look for sustainably-sourced bark.
Ideal for
Adult men with mild-to-moderate BPH symptoms after specialist evaluation; particularly useful when nocturia and incomplete bladder emptying dominate.
Safety
Evidence
Cochrane 2002 SR (18 RCTs, n=1,562): Pygeum africanum modestly improved urological symptoms (~19% reduction) and flow measures (~23% improvement in peak urine flow) vs placebo. Ishani 2000 quantitative meta-analysis confirmed effect with NNT around 2 for symptom improvement.
Where to get it
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