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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Finasteride vs Pygeum: Pygeum has the stronger overall evidence (5.5 vs 5.5/10); they're alternatives for prostate health — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Pygeum wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 3 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Finasteride and Pygeum have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
1 mg once daily for male pattern hair loss (Propecia); 5 mg once daily for benign prostatic hyperplasia (Proscar). A prescription drug — use under a clinician.
any
Oral tablet (1 mg for hair, 5 mg for BPH)
100-200mg standardized extract daily
Once or twice daily, With or without food
Standardized extract (13-14% sterols)
3-12 months to visible effect
Months to years
Throughout use; sometimes persistent
Throughout use
6-8 weeks
6-8 weeks
8-12 weeks
Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (1998) · Rct · n=1553
Pivotal double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trials of finasteride 1 mg/day for male pattern hair loss
Long-term (5-year) multinational experience with finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia.
European journal of dermatology : EJD (2002) · Rct · n=1553
Five-year placebo-controlled extension of the pivotal Phase III hair-loss trials
The impact of monotherapies for male androgenetic alopecia: A network meta-analysis study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology (2024) · Meta analysis
Network meta-analysis of monotherapies for male androgenetic alopecia
What do we know about phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Life sciences (2015) · Systematic review
On the basis of preclinical studies several mechanisms of action have been postulated, including 5alpha-reductase inhibition, alpha-adrenergic antagonism, dihydrotestosterone and estrogen receptor inhibition.
Phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A minireview
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2014) · Systematic review
Histological BPH, which typically develops after the age of 40 years, ranges in prevalence from >50% at 60 years to as high as 90% by 85 years of age.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia and male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
BMJ clinical evidence (2011) · Systematic review
We found 63 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria.
Based on Cochrane review (n=1562) and network meta-analysis showing modest benefits. Evidence quality noted as low-to-moderate due to dated methodology in available RCTs. Most studies used standardized bark extract.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Pygeum has a higher evidence score (5.5/10 vs 5.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For prostate health, Pygeum has a higher relevance score (80 vs 75).
No known interactions between Finasteride and Pygeum have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.