Supplement Scholar
Herb

Pygeum

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Pygeum. African plum bark used for BPH urinary symptoms.

How it works. Phytosterols modulate prostatic inflammation and growth factors.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces BPH urinary symptoms (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 100–200 mg standardized.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Standardized phytosterol extract.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Pygeum. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Pygeum. African plum bark used for BPH urinary symptoms.

Key compound: beta-sitosterolC29H50O · 414.7 g/mol

What it is

African plum bark used for BPH urinary symptoms.

Also called

Prunus africana

Food sources

Prunus africana bark

Goals

Men's Health

How it works

Phytosterols modulate prostatic inflammation and growth factors.

Pathways

  • Anti-inflammatory prostatic

Effects

  • ↓BPH symptoms decreases

What the research supports

Reduces BPH urinary symptomsmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
100–200 mg standardized
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized phytosterol extract form.
Shop Pygeum on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Pygeum use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Standardized phytosterol extract

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia ↗
Meta-analysis · Cochrane Database · 2002

Modest improvement in urologic symptoms.

PubMed: Pygeum — Reduces BPH urinary symptoms ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pygeum and "Reduces BPH urinary symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Pygeum — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pygeum and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

Loading discussion…