Pygeum Africanum
About
Pygeum Africanum belongs to a group of medicines called BPH agents used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy in men with an enlarged prostate and to improve sexual function. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland due to the multiplication of the cells. Benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia mostly occurs in older men.
Pygeum Africanum contains Pygeum africanum, a natural herbal supplement that contains ferulic acid, triterpenes and phytosterols. Ferulic acid helps in lowering prostatic cholesterol levels. Phytosterols help in lowering pain and inflammation by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. Triterpenes help in improving the symptoms of BPH. Thereby, Pygeum Africanum helps in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
You are advised to take Pygeum Africanum for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience common side effects, such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the components in Pygeum Africanum. Pygeum Africanum is intended for use in men only; women should not take Pygeum Africanum, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women. Pygeum Africanum is not recommended for children. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Pygeum Africanum
Medicinal Benefits
Pygeum Africanum belongs to a group of medicines called BPH agents used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy in men with an enlarged prostate. Pygeum Africanum contains Pygeum Africanum, a natural herbal supplement that contains ferulic acid, triterpenes, and phytosterols. Ferulic acid helps in lowering prostatic cholesterol levels. Phytosterols help in lowering pain and inflammation by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. Triterpenes help in improving the symptoms of BPH. Thereby, Pygeum Africanum helps in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pygeum Africanum
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Pygeum Africanum if you are allergic to any of its components. Let your doctor know if you are taking any herbal supplements. Pygeum Africanum is intended for use in men only; women should not take Pygeum Africanum, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women. Pygeum Africanum should not be given to children. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert. Keep your doctor informed about your health conditions and the medicines you are taking to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pygeum Africanum may interact with prostate medicines (finasteride, dutasteride).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if Pygeum Africanum interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafePygeum Africanum is intended for use in men only; women should not take Pygeum Africanum.
Breast Feeding
unsafePygeum Africanum is intended for use in men only; women should not take Pygeum Africanum.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown if Pygeum Africanum affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionPygeum Africanum is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Urinate as soon as you feel the urge.
- Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Practice kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles.
- Reduce stress levels by doing yoga or meditation. Nervousness can increase the frequency of urination.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: The prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system surrounding the urethra. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland due to the multiplication of the cells. Benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia mostly occurs in older men. This causes the prostate gland to swell, which leads to the squeezing of the urethra and limits the urine flow. The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include painful urination, difficulty in urination, excess urination, incomplete urination, leakage of urine, dribbling at the end of the urinary stream, and urgency in urination. An enlarged prostate is a normal condition of older men due to changes in male sex hormones.
FAQs
Pygeum Africanum is a natural herbal supplement that contains chemicals that help in shrinking the prostate, thereby providing relief from urinary problems such as night-time urination and poor urine flow in men with an enlarged prostate.
Pygeum Africanum is a natural remedy extracted from the bark of the African plum tree. It is a vulnerable native African species with popular health benefits.
Pygeum Africanum may cause diarrhoea. Drink plenty of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea or if you find blood in stools.
Constipation could be a side-effect of Pygeum Africanum. Eat fibre rich foods and drink plenty of fluids if you have constipation. Consult your doctor if you experience severe constipation.
Prostatic carcinoma is the cancer of the prostate gland, whereas benign prostatic hyperplasia is the non-cancerous growth of the prostate. Prostatic carcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia may have the same symptoms. Therefore, people with benign prostatic hyperplasia should be examined prior to starting the treatment with Pygeum Africanum to rule out the presence of prostatic carcinoma.
