Evidence supporting the use of: Pygeum
For the health condition: Prostatitis

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Synopsis

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

Pygeum africanum (African plum tree) bark extract has been traditionally used in African herbal medicine, but its use for prostatitis and lower urinary tract symptoms has been the subject of several scientific investigations, particularly in Europe. Pygeum contains a range of phytosterols, fatty acids, ferulic esters, and other bioactive compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and possibly anti-androgenic effects. The evidence for its use in prostatitis is less robust compared to its use in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but clinical studies and meta-analyses have suggested modest benefits.

A 2002 Cochrane review (Wilt TJ et al.) found that Pygeum improved urological symptoms and flow measures in men with BPH, and some studies included men with chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Pygeum appears to reduce nocturia, increase peak urine flow, and improve overall symptoms, likely through anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous mechanisms. However, most studies were small, short-term, and of variable methodological quality. There is a lack of large, high-quality randomized controlled trials focused specifically on prostatitis, so evidence is moderate (rated 3/5), rather than strong.

In summary, pygeum is justified for prostatitis by both scientific and traditional use, but scientific validation is not yet definitive. It may provide symptom relief for some men, particularly as an adjunct to conventional therapy, but more rigorous research is needed for firm clinical recommendations.

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