Evidence supporting the use of: Pygeum
For the health condition: Bladder (irritable)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Synopsis of Pygeum Use for Irritable Bladder

Pygeum africanum, an extract from the bark of the African plum tree, has been traditionally used in African medicine to treat urinary disorders. In modern phytotherapy, it is most commonly marketed and researched for its potential benefits in managing symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which often include urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia—symptoms that overlap with irritable bladder (also known as overactive bladder).

Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy of pygeum in improving lower urinary tract symptoms. A notable Cochrane review (Barry et al., 2000) assessed the results of multiple randomized controlled trials and found that pygeum modestly improved urinary symptoms and flow measures compared to placebo. However, most studies were relatively small and short in duration, and there was significant heterogeneity in study design. The active components, such as phytosterols, pentacyclic triterpenes, and ferulic acid esters, are thought to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects, which may help alleviate bladder irritability.

While there is some scientific evidence supporting pygeum’s use for urinary symptoms, the quality of evidence is moderate at best, with more robust, large-scale studies needed. The existing data suggest that pygeum may offer symptomatic relief in irritable or overactive bladder, particularly when related to prostate enlargement, but it is not a first-line or universally accepted therapy.

More about pygeum
More about Bladder (irritable)