Evidence supporting the use of: Pygeum
For the body system: Bladder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Pygeum (Prunus africana) is a tree whose bark has been used traditionally in African herbal medicine, and it is now commonly found in supplements aimed at supporting prostate and urinary tract health. Modern scientific research has focused on its effects in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which often includes bladder symptoms such as nocturia, frequent urination, and incomplete emptying.

Several double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses (notably a 2002 Cochrane review) have suggested that pygeum extracts modestly improve urinary symptoms and flow measures in men with mild to moderate BPH. These benefits are believed to arise from multiple mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition of prostatic fibroblast growth, and improvement of bladder contractility. However, the evidence is primarily in the context of BPH, not in general bladder health or in women.

While the data are not overwhelmingly strong—studies are generally of short duration, varied in quality, and with moderate effect sizes—there is reasonable scientific rationale and some clinical validation for pygeum’s use in supporting bladder function, particularly for men with BPH-related symptoms. There is less evidence for its use outside this context. Overall, current support for pygeum’s effect on the bladder body system in this population is moderate (3/5), reflecting both traditional use and a modest but real scientific basis.

More about pygeum
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Other body systems supported by pygeum

Bladder
Male Reproductive System
Prostate
Urinary System