Py7.0

Pygeum Research

25 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 7/10

Phytotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Franco JVA et al. • BJU International (2023)

Current evidence for Pygeum africanum is limited to older trials; newer high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy for BPH.

Pygeum showed modest benefits for urological symptoms in pooled analysis of older trials
Evidence quality is low-to-moderate due to dated methodology in available RCTs
Pygeum was well-tolerated with GI side effects being the most common complaint

Meta-Analysisn=1,562

DOI

Efficacy and safety of a hexanic lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon) in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: systematic review and network meta-analysis

Vela-Navarrete R et al. • European Urology Focus (2018)

Phytotherapy including Pygeum africanum showed meaningful improvement in LUTS symptoms with favorable safety profiles.

Phytotherapeutic agents including Pygeum show clinically meaningful symptom improvements in BPH
Favorable safety and tolerability profile compared to pharmaceutical options
Network meta-analysis supports use as first-line therapy for mild-moderate LUTS

Meta-Analysisn=5,000

DOI

Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Cochrane Review

Wilt T et al. • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2002)

Pygeum africanum significantly improved urological symptoms and flow measures.

Significant symptom improvement
Better urinary flow
Well-tolerated

Systematic Reviewn=1,562

DOI

Utilizing Indigenous Flora in East Africa for Breast Cancer Treatment: An Overview

Alum EU et al. • Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry (2025)

The findings suggested that East African medicinal plants hold promise as complementary treatments for breast cancer, offering potential benefits such as affordability, cultural appropriateness, and sustainability.

The findings suggested that East African medicinal plants hold promise as complementary treatments for breast cancer, offering potential benefits such as affordability, cultural appropriateness, and sustainability.
Further research into these plants and their bioactive compounds could revolutionize breast cancer treatment, improving survival rates and addressing the rising incidence of breast cancer-related fatalities.
Other: The review underscores the importance of continued research, conservation, and the integration of ancient healing methods to fully harness the potential of East African flora in breast cancer management.

Systematic Review

DOI

The African cherry: A review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman

Rubegeta E et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2023)

Many of the ethnobotanical assertions for the biological activity of P. africana have been confirmed through in vitro and in vivo studies.

Many of the ethnobotanical assertions for the biological activity of P. africana have been confirmed through in vitro and in vivo studies.
However, a disparity exists between the biological activity of the whole extract and that of single compounds isolated from the extract, which were reported to be less effective.
This finding suggests that a different approach to biological activity studies should be encouraged that takes all secondary metabolites present into consideration.

Systematic Reviewn=455

DOI

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Natural Drugs

Csikós E et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2021)

In addition, the pharmaceutical care and other therapeutic options of BPH, including pharmacotherapy and surgical options, are discussed, summarizing and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy.

DHT may promote prostate cell growth, resulting in hyperplasia.
Some medicinal plants and their compounds act by modulating this enzyme, and have the above-mentioned targets.
In addition, the pharmaceutical care and other therapeutic options of BPH, including pharmacotherapy and surgical options, are discussed, summarizing and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy.

Systematic Review

DOI

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)

McNicholas T et al. • BMJ clinical evidence (2011)

We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.

Systematic review examining Beta-Sitosterol efficacy
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Review

DOI

Beyond tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.): The effects of phytotherapics on testosterone, sperm and prostate parameters

Santos HO et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2019)

Scientific evidence supports the use of mucuna and ashwagandha as phytotherapics for improving serum T concentrations and semen parameters.

Scientific evidence supports the use of mucuna and ashwagandha as phytotherapics for improving serum T concentrations and semen parameters.
Despite inconclusive evidence for use of tribulus as a T booster, it may provide advantageous effects on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic infertility.
Nutraceutical strategies and some phytotherapics may also be effective to promote prostate health.

Systematic Review

DOI

What do we know about phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia?

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 ...

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.
Randomized clinical trials indicate significant efficacy in improving urinary symptoms and mild adverse effects for some phytotherapeutic agents, while further clinical evidence is needed for others (e.g., Epilobium spp., Secale cereale, Roystonea regia).
Healthcare professionals should be constantly informed about BPH phytotherapy, taking into account the risk/benefit profile of the use of medicinal plants in the management of BPH.

Systematic Review

DOI

Phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A minireview

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.

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.
Typical symptoms include increased frequency of urination, nocturia, urgency, hesitancy, and weak urine stream.
Conventional medicines used for the treatment of BPH include alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Systematic Review

DOI

The natural compounds atraric acid and N-butylbenzene-sulfonamide as antagonists of the human androgen receptor and inhibitors of prostate cancer cell growth

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.

Recently, atraric acid and N-butylbenzene-sulfonamide were isolated from a selective dichlormethane extract of P. africanum as two novel AR antagonistic compounds.
The molecular mechanisms of AR inhibition were analyzed and are summarized here.
Both compounds are the first known natural, complete and specific AR antagonist.

Systematic Review

DOI

Review of the experience and evidence of Pygeum africanum in urological practice

Salinas-Casado J et al. • Actas urologicas espanolas (2020)

Although with an evidence level IV (based on expert opinion) the use of P. africanum seems to be an option in the urological therapeutic arsenal.

Although with an evidence level IV (based on expert opinion) the use of P. africanum seems to be an option in the urological therapeutic arsenal.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Review

DOI

Benign prostate hyperplasia and nutrition

Das K et al. • Clinical nutrition ESPEN (2019)

Lifestyle changes, diet modification and certain nutritional supplements can favorably influence BPH symptoms.

Lifestyle changes, diet modification and certain nutritional supplements can favorably influence BPH symptoms.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Review

DOI

Nutraceutical treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer

Cicero AFG et al. • Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia : organo ufficiale [di] Societa italiana di ecografia urologica e nefrologica (2019)

Some plant species deserved more intense investigation, such as Camelia sinensis (green or black tea), Solanum lycopersicum (common tomato), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Glycine max (common soy) and Linum usitatissimum (linen).

Pollen extracts significantly improve symptoms, pain, and quality of life in patients affected by chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis.
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide-signaling molecule with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that can have an interesting role in the management of chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic urological pain.
Finally, several plant-based products have been subjected to preclinical, in vitro and in vivo, investigations for their potential pharmacological activity against prostate cancer.

Systematic Review

DOI

Phytotherapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Keehn A et al. • Current urology reports (2016)

Twenty years ago, the urologic community was encouraged by trial results that suggested phytotherapy could effectively treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Twenty years ago, the urologic community was encouraged by trial results that suggested phytotherapy could effectively treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Since that time, several well-constructed studies have consistently demonstrated that these agents are no more efficacious than placebo, despite being largely safe for ingestion.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Review

DOI

Complementary and alternative medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Keehn A et al. • The Canadian journal of urology (2015)

Based on the available literature, there is no evidence that phytotherapy significantly improves symptoms of BPH against placebo, despite being largely safe for ingestion.

Based on the available literature, there is no evidence that phytotherapy significantly improves symptoms of BPH against placebo, despite being largely safe for ingestion.
In patients with mild BPH symptoms who are reluctant to take standard pharmaceutical medications may try these agents provided that the patient understands their current limitations.
Those with moderate or severe BPH should be discouraged from alternative and complementary treatments.

Systematic Review

DOI

[Phytotherapy in urology. Current scientific evidence of its application in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate adenocarcinoma]

Morán E et al. • Actas urologicas espanolas (2013)

The scientific evidence on the use of phytotherapy in prostatic pathology is conclusive not recommend ing the use of it for BPH or the ADCP.

The scientific evidence on the use of phytotherapy in prostatic pathology is conclusive not recommend ing the use of it for BPH or the ADCP.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Review

DOI

A review of animal and human studies for management of benign prostatic hyperplasia with natural products: perspective of new pharmacological agents

Azimi H et al. • Inflammation & allergy drug targets (2012)

There are numerous plants that have beneficial influence on BPH although the mechanisms of action in some plants are not well understood yet.

There are numerous plants that have beneficial influence on BPH although the mechanisms of action in some plants are not well understood yet.
Active ingredients of some of these plants are known and can be used as lead components for development of new effective and safe drugs.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Review

DOI

Dietary supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia: an overview of systematic reviews

Kim TH et al. • Maturitas (2012)

However, β-sitosterol, Pygeum africannum and Cernilton were reviewed in one study each, and significant improvement was observed for all three.

However, β-sitosterol, Pygeum africannum and Cernilton were reviewed in one study each, and significant improvement was observed for all three.
All the included compounds have mild and infrequent adverse effects.
SRs on β-sitosterol, Pygeum africannum and Cernilton have not been updated since 2000, thus an update of reviews on these compounds will be necessary in the future.

Systematic Review

DOI

Diagnosis and management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Edwards JL • American family physician (2008)

Various outpatient surgical techniques are associated with reduced morbidity, but symptom relief may be less durable.

Limited evidence shows that the herbal agents saw palmetto extract, rye grass pollen extract, and pygeum relieve symptoms.
Transurethral resection of the prostate often provides permanent relief.
Newer laser-based surgical techniques have comparable effectiveness to transurethral resection up to two years after surgery with lower perioperative morbidity.

Systematic Review

DOI

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