Pygeum africanum (African Cherry)
African cherry bark extract that improves urinary flow and reduces nighttime urination in men with BPH — used clinically since the 1960s.
Pygeum is extracted from the bark of the African cherry tree and has been used in European medicine for prostate health since the 1960s. It's one of the most well-researched natural prostate supplements, with multiple clinical trials showing benefits for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms including improved urinary flow and reduced nighttime urination.
Reduces prostate inflammation
May mildly reduce DHT production
Improves bladder contractility
How Pygeum works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
100-200mg standardized extract daily
Loading: Not required
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Standardized extract (13-14% sterols) | Recommended |
| 💊Capsules | Alternative |
| 💊Combination prostate formulas | Alternative |
Look for extracts standardized to 13-14% sterols. Most research uses this standardization.
Minimum: 6 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be taken any time of day. Often combined with saw palmetto for enhanced effects.
Better urine stream and reduced hesitancy
Fewer bathroom trips at night
Reduced BPH-related discomfort
Primary target population; consult doctor for proper prostate evaluation
Additive effects on prostate; may enhance benefits but monitor
May have additive effects on urinary symptoms
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Reduce dose; take with food
Both support prostate health through different mechanisms
Enhanced prostate and urinary support
Another prostate-supportive herb
Multi-herb prostate protocol
Pygeum and PSO both support prostate health through different mechanisms — bark triterpenes vs seed phytosterols
Complementary prostate support with potentially additive BPH symptom relief
Top studies from 25+ peer-reviewed papers
Allkanjari O et al. • Life sciences (2015)
“On the basis of preclinical studies several mechanisms of action have been postulated, including 5alpha-reductase inhibition, alpha-adrenergic antagonism, dihydrotestosterone and estrogen receptor ...”
Pagano E et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2014)
“This articles review the mode of action, the efficacy, and the safety, including herb-drug interactions of the most common botanicals (Serenoa repens, Pygeum africanum, Urtica dioica, and Cucurbita pepo) and nutraceuticals (isoflavones, lycopene, selenium, and β-Sitosterol) in controlling the lower urinary tract symptoms associated to BPH.”
McNicholas T et al. • BMJ clinical evidence (2011)
“We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.”
Roell D et al. • Molecular and cellular endocrinology (2011)
“Recently, atraric acid and N-butylbenzene-sulfonamide were isolated from a selective dichlormethane extract of P. africanum as two novel AR antagonistic compounds.”
Wilt T et al. • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2002)
“Pygeum africanum significantly improved urological symptoms and flow measures.”
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