Pygeum

Pygeum is an herbal supplement derived from the bark of the Prunus africana tree.

Pygeum is often sold as a prostate health supplement, specifically to alleviate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also called benign enlargement of the prostate.

Further research is needed to determine if pygeum does exert this protective effect. Though one meta-analysis showed pygeum supplementation provides overall benefits for BPH, subsequent studies suffered from poor design and do not provide strong evidence.

Pygeum has been shown to reduce BPH proliferation in vitro (in a test tube) by interfering with growth factors. It also has an anti-androgenic effect on its receptor. Additional studies are needed to determine if this effect takes place inside the human body after oral supplementation.