Pygeum Africanum
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Pygeum Africanum (Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman (African Plum Tree bark extract)) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,470 participants, researched for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostate Health & Anti-inflammatory Activity.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
ModerateProstate Health & Anti-inflammatory Activity
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
To systematically review and meta-analyse evidence for Pygeum africanum in BPH treatment.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To systematically review and meta-analyse evidence for Pygeum africanum in BPH treatment.
Dose
50-200 mg/day Pygeum africanum standardised extract
Participants
Meta-analysis of 18 RCTs
Duration
4–26 weeks
Results
Pygeum africanum provided moderately large improvements in urologic symptoms and flow vs placebo. Nocturia reduced 19%, urinary flow improved 23%, residual volume decreased 24%.
How They Measured It
Urologic symptom scales, urinary flow rates, residual urine, nocturia
To investigate whether Pygeum africanum extracts are more effective than placebo in treating BPH.
Study Type
Cochrane systematic review
Purpose
To investigate whether Pygeum africanum extracts are more effective than placebo in treating BPH.
Dose
Various standardised bark extract doses
Participants
Cochrane review across eligible RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Pygeum africanum provides moderately large improvements in urinary symptoms and flow vs placebo. Men treated with Pygeum were twice as likely to report overall improvement and had 17% improvement in peak urine flow.
How They Measured It
Urologic symptom scales, urinary flow, physician/patient global assessments
To compare once-daily (100 mg) vs twice-daily (50 mg) Pygeum africanum extract dosing in symptomatic BPH.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, comparative
Purpose
To compare once-daily (100 mg) vs twice-daily (50 mg) Pygeum africanum extract dosing in symptomatic BPH.
Dose
100 mg once daily or 50 mg twice daily
Participants
209 men with BPH
Duration
2 months RCT + 10 months open extension
Results
Both dosing regimens produced equivalent significant improvements in IPSS and urinary flow. Once-daily 100 mg was as effective as twice-daily 50 mg. Benefits maintained over 12 months.
How They Measured It
IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate, physician global assessment
Prostate Health & Anti-inflammatory Activity
To review the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative mechanisms of Pygeum africanum extract on prostate health.
Study Type
Mechanistic review
Purpose
To review the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative mechanisms of Pygeum africanum extract on prostate health.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Pygeum africanum acts via inhibition of growth factors (EGF, FGF), 5-alpha-reductase inhibition, anti-inflammatory prostaglandin inhibition, and anti-oedematous effects. These pathways collectively reduce prostate growth and LUTS.
How They Measured It
Review of in vitro, animal, and clinical studies on mechanism of action
To evaluate a herbal combination including Pygeum africanum for managing BPH symptoms.
Study Type
Phase II randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate a herbal combination including Pygeum africanum for managing BPH symptoms.
Dose
Combination herbal formula including Pygeum africanum 100 mg
Participants
100 men with BPH symptoms
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Combination formula (including Pygeum) significantly reduced IPSS. Urinary flow improved and PSA remained stable. Pygeum contributed meaningfully to BPH symptom reduction.
How They Measured It
IPSS, PSA, Q-max, residual urine volume
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pygeum Africanum research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Pygeum Africanum (Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman (African Plum Tree bark extract)), involving 1,470 total participants. Research covers Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Lower urinary tract symptoms, Prostate health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Pygeum Africanum has been researched for: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Lower urinary tract symptoms, Prostate health, Anti-inflammatory activity. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 10 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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