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Pygeum Extract
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Background
Pygeum has been used traditionally for the
discomfort of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and for generalized
urinary-tract troubles, fever, stomach ache, and "madness" and as an
aphrodisiac. The hydrocyanic acid content conveys a pleasant almond
flavor, and milk-based infusions are sometimes substituted for
almond milk (used for drinking and cooking).
Currently, Pygeum extract is the most popular treatment for symptoms
of BPH. Compared with many other popular botanical treatments,
Pygeum has been fairly well researched. Worldwide demand for Pygeum
extract has increased so much that International trade in Pygeum is
now monitored under the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Health Benefits
BPH is identified through biopsy in up to
80% of men over 60 years of age. Only half of men with symptoms of
BPH ever seek medical treatment. The symptoms associated with
enlargement of the prostate gland may be obstructive (decrease in
the force of the urinary stream, difficulty in beginning or
maintaining a urinary stream, inability to completely empty the
bladder, and post-micturitional dribbling) or irritative (urgency
and urge incontinence, dysuria, and increased frequency during the
day and at night).
Most of the bioactive substances in Pygeum are lipid-soluble
compounds, including approximately 14% triterpenes (oleanolic,
crataegolic, and ursolic acids), ferulic acid esters such as N-docosanol
and N-tetracosanol, and phytosterols (-sitosterol, -sitosterol, and
campesterol). Triterpenes have some anti-inflammatory activity.
Phytosterols compete with androgen precursors and inhibit
prostag-landin biosynthesis. N-docosanol has been shown to decrease
levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin.
Other effects attributed to whole extracts of Pygeum include
normalization of glandular epithelium, an increase in prostatic
secretions, estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity, and inhibition
of fibroblast proliferation.
The 1995 review, which included the experiences of 2262 patients,
found that Pygeum extract improved the symptoms and objective
measures of BPH. The improvement was most probably due to combined
effects on prostatic secretion, fibroblast proliferation, and
detrusor muscle hypersensitivity.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Pygeum, on the
basis of the clinical studies, is 100-200 mg of an extract
standardized to a 14% content of sterols, including -sitosterol,
usually given in two divided doses daily.
The maximum dosage used in trials to date has been 200 mg/day.
Dried Pygeum bark is occasionally available. It is used in dosages
of 5-20 g twice daily. However, the efficacy of the crude bark has
not been studied, and the bark is not recommended.
Copyright © 2008. Phytomed Health Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.