Pygeum Africanum
Herb ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Pygeum Africanum is an extract from Prunus africana bark used for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Older randomized trials and a Cochrane review suggest short-term improvements in nocturia, urinary symptoms, and flow measures, but trial reporting quality and long-term outcome data are limited. It should not replace evaluation for prostate cancer, infection, urinary retention, or kidney complications.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.
This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Pygeum Africanum is a herb most often used for may reduce nocturia in bph, may improve urinary symptom scores, may improve peak urinary flow modestly. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate. A typical adult dose is 50 mg twice daily or 100 mg once daily of standardized pygeum bark extract, commonly taken as standardized prunus africana bark lipidosterolic extract from a responsible source. This profile indexes 3 sources.
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Prostate cancer symptoms, hematuria, urinary retention, fever, or kidney dysfunction without medical evaluation1
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The bottom line
Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: may reduce nocturia in bph, may improve urinary symptom scores, may improve peak urinary flow modestly. 3 sources indexed (2000–2005), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Pygeum extracts contain phytosterols, triterpenes, fatty acids, and ferulic esters that may reduce inflammatory mediators, affect bladder contractility, and influence growth factor signaling in prostate tissue. Its clinical effects appear symptomatic rather than proven disease modification. Sustainability and adulteration concerns matter because Prunus africana bark harvesting has conservation implications.2,1
Dosing & protocol.
Take with food to reduce GI upset. Choose products that disclose Prunus africana and extract standardization.
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Standardized pygeum bark extract capsule.
Responsibly sourced standardized extracts tend to cost more than generic bark powders. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Allergic rash
Contraindications
- Prostate cancer symptoms, hematuria, urinary retention, fever, or kidney dysfunction without medical evaluation1
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known allergy to Prunus species
- Use before urologic procedures without clinician review
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
1- 1Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasiaWilt T et al. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2002
Trials suggested improvements in urinary symptoms and nocturia, but long-term outcomes were not established.
Randomized controlled trials
1- 2Evaluating the efficiency of a combination of Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extracts in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trialMelo EA et al. · International Brazilian Journal of Urology · 2005
A combination product was evaluated for BPH symptom outcomes.
Reviews & position papers
1- 3Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasiaWilt TJ et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2000
Review summarized evidence for pygeum and other BPH phytotherapies, emphasizing limitations in trial quality.
Common questions.
Quick answers about Pygeum Africanum, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Pygeum Africanum?
Pygeum Africanum is an extract from Prunus africana bark used for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Older randomized trials and a Cochrane review suggest short-term improvements in nocturia, urinary symptoms, and flow measures, but trial reporting quality and long-term outcome data are limited. It should not replace evaluation for prostate cancer, infection, urinary retention, or kidney complications.
What is Pygeum Africanum used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Pygeum Africanum include: May reduce nocturia in BPH; May improve urinary symptom scores; May improve peak urinary flow modestly; May reduce residual urine volume in some studies. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.
What is a typical dose of Pygeum Africanum?
A typical adult dose of Pygeum Africanum is 50 mg twice daily or 100 mg once daily of standardized pygeum bark extract. The commonly recommended form is Standardized Prunus africana bark lipidosterolic extract from a responsible source. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Pygeum Africanum?
Reported side effects include nausea, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, allergic rash. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Pygeum Africanum?
NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
Pygeum Africanum in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.