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Herb library · Herb · Prunus africana (syn. Pygeum africanum)

Pygeum

The bark of an African mountain-forest tree, sold as an extract for urinary symptoms in men with an enlarged prostate. Older, short trials found a moderate improvement over placebo; the tree is threatened by over-harvesting.

Traditional use

Traditional healers in Africa have used the bark for centuries for urinary and genital complaints. French researchers took it up in the 1960s, and a bark extract has been sold in France since 1969; the EU now registers it as a traditional herbal medicine for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), once a doctor has ruled out serious conditions.

What studies show

  • Limited

    Urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH): a Cochrane review of 18 randomized trials (1,562 men) found a moderately large improvement in symptoms and urine flow compared with placebo, with men on pygeum about twice as likely to report improvement. The trials were small and short (about two months on average), many did not report results in a usable way, and none compared pygeum with standard BPH drugs. The EU herbal committee judged the data not strong enough for well-established use.

Be careful of

Cautions

  • ConditionUrinary symptoms can have serious causes, so see a doctor before using it. Get medical help if you develop fever, spasms, blood in the urine, painful urination or cannot pass urine.
  • NoteSide effects in trials were mild and similar to placebo; the EU monograph lists occasional nausea, constipation or diarrhea.
  • NoteOwing to over-exploitation, Prunus africana is listed on Appendix II of CITES, the convention on trade in endangered species.
  • Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, especially other medicines for prostate or urinary symptoms.

Sources

  1. Pruni africanae cortex - herbal medicinal product (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
  2. European Union herbal monograph on Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkm., cortex (EMA/HMPC/680626/2013) (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
  3. Assessment report on Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkm., cortex (EMA/HMPC/680624/2013) (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
  4. Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia (Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2002) (opens in a new tab) · NIH · read September 25, 2026

Reviewed September 25, 2026.