Pygeum is an herbal extract taken from the bark of the African cherry tree that may have some health benefits, like reducing inflammation. The African cherry tree, also known as the African plum tree or Prunus Africanum, is a native African species.
Some evidence suggests that pygeum may help with many things, from prostate and kidney health to general inflammation. It also has some traditional uses. However, more research into its health effects is necessary.
May Help Treat Prostatitis Symptoms
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. Pygeum has anti-inflammatory effects that may help (1) relieve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms (2), which may be the same as some prostatitis symptoms (3). Similar symptoms include: frequent urination, urgency to urinate, painful urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream. More research is necessary to understand whether pygeum may have any potential as a remedy.
May Help Reduce General Inflammation
A 2024 review (4) suggests that pygeum may have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties may have beneficial effects on inflammatory conditions. As well as relieving inflammation due to BPH, the review suggests pygeum’s properties may combat oxidative stress and prevent neuroinflammation. Research in the review also suggests that pygeum’s anti-inflammatory properties may have benefits for gastrointestinal issues, wound healing, and chest pain due to inflammatory respiratory conditions. More studies are necessary before comparing the herb competitively with anti-inflammatory medications.
It May Help Treat Urinary Conditions
According to a 2023 review, traditional uses of pygeum include addressing urinary issues. The review highlights that pygeum has labeling approval on medical products in some parts of the world to treat lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BHP.
The same 2024 review suggests that pygeum may have some beneficial effects on the bladder, including reducing oxidative stress and bladder-related problems (4). However, more research is necessary to learn pygeum’s potential benefits for specific urinary conditions.
It May Help Treat Stomachaches
According to the 2024 review (4), a traditional use of pygeum is to manage gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, such as stomachache. Pygeum’s potential effectiveness at managing GI symptoms may be due to its antibacterial qualities. Research in the review suggests flavonoids in pygeum may help to relieve inflammation in the GI tract, which may help people manage stomach pain due to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
May Help Boost Libido
Some people may use pygeum to enhance their libido and for other sexual effects (5). A 2021 systematic review (6) lists pygeum among herbal plants that people may use as a remedy for erectile dysfunction in Ethiopia. However, more research is necessary to understand whether pygeum is effective at enhancing your libido and if it may offer any other sexual health benefits.
Pygeum Africanum
Some evidence suggests that pygeum may help with many things, from prostate and kidney health to general inflammation. It also has some traditional uses. However, more research into its health effects is necessary.
May Help Treat Prostatitis Symptoms
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. Pygeum has anti-inflammatory effects that may help (1) relieve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms (2), which may be the same as some prostatitis symptoms (3). Similar symptoms include: frequent urination, urgency to urinate, painful urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream. More research is necessary to understand whether pygeum may have any potential as a remedy.
May Help Reduce General Inflammation
A 2024 review (4) suggests that pygeum may have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties may have beneficial effects on inflammatory conditions. As well as relieving inflammation due to BPH, the review suggests pygeum’s properties may combat oxidative stress and prevent neuroinflammation. Research in the review also suggests that pygeum’s anti-inflammatory properties may have benefits for gastrointestinal issues, wound healing, and chest pain due to inflammatory respiratory conditions. More studies are necessary before comparing the herb competitively with anti-inflammatory medications.
It May Help Treat Urinary Conditions
According to a 2023 review, traditional uses of pygeum include addressing urinary issues. The review highlights that pygeum has labeling approval on medical products in some parts of the world to treat lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BHP.
The same 2024 review suggests that pygeum may have some beneficial effects on the bladder, including reducing oxidative stress and bladder-related problems (4). However, more research is necessary to learn pygeum’s potential benefits for specific urinary conditions.
It May Help Treat Stomachaches
According to the 2024 review (4), a traditional use of pygeum is to manage gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, such as stomachache. Pygeum’s potential effectiveness at managing GI symptoms may be due to its antibacterial qualities. Research in the review suggests flavonoids in pygeum may help to relieve inflammation in the GI tract, which may help people manage stomach pain due to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
May Help Boost Libido
Some people may use pygeum to enhance their libido and for other sexual effects (5). A 2021 systematic review (6) lists pygeum among herbal plants that people may use as a remedy for erectile dysfunction in Ethiopia. However, more research is necessary to understand whether pygeum is effective at enhancing your libido and if it may offer any other sexual health benefits.