Lipidosterolic Bark Extract
The sole documented preparation — a lipid- and phytosterol-rich extract of the red or dark-brown bark.
Bark · Lipidosterolic
French Pharmacopoeia · List A (Bark)
Biological Overview
Pygeum is a large evergreen tree (20–30 m) of African forests in high-rainfall zones, with thick, leathery elliptical leaves and small white five-petaled flowers. Its red or dark-brown bark carries a faint cyanhydric-acid-like odor.
Life CycleEvergreen tree
Height20–30 m
ConservationIUCN Vulnerable
CITES StatusAppendix II (since 1995)
Botanical Classification
Taxonomy & Identification
- Latin Name
- Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm.
- Invalid Synonym
- Pygeum africanum Hook.
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Common Names
- Pygeum, African Plum, African Cherry
- Malagasy Name
- Kotofihy
- Parts Used
- Bark (red or dark brown)
- Habitat
- High-altitude humid forests, Africa & Madagascar
Naming, Sourcing & Conservation
History, Tradition & Conservation
The tree was named Pygeum africanum by the botanist Kalkman in 1965, originally placed in the family Chrysobalanaceae. It was later reclassified as Prunus africana within Rosaceae, making Pygeum africanum an invalid taxonomic synonym — though it remains the name used commercially. Its Malagasy name is "Kotofihy."
Pygeum is still a wild-harvested ("cueillette") species rather than a cultivated crop, with commercial bark sourced primarily from Cameroon (62%), Madagascar (20%), Equatorial Guinea and Kenya (7%), and Tanzania (4%).[1] Prunus africana is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and has been protected under Appendix II of CITES since 1995, owing to overexploitation from bark harvesting for the herbal trade.
⚠ Flagship Product Discontinued (2022)
The manufacturer of the long-standing reference pygeum product (Tadenan®, 50 mg soft capsule) discontinued its commercialization in July 2022, stating that bark could no longer be harvested in compliance with environmental and societal sustainability standards.
⚠ Regulatory Status Is Nuanced
The primary source notes there is no detailed compendial monograph for pygeum bark in the French Pharmacopoeia, even though the bark is recognized on List A. In practice, this means manufacturers generally must pursue a full standard marketing authorization (AMM) rather than a simplified phytomedicine registration pathway.
The Key Molecule
Beta-Sitosterol — Deep Dive
Pygeum's most recognized phytosterol — though the clinical evidence applies to the whole bark extract, not an isolated compound.
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Phytosterol Class Representation
Beta-sitosterol and campesterol are pygeum's principal phytosterols, structurally similar to phytosterols studied in other plants used for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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Anti-Inflammatory Contribution
The extract's phytosterol and triterpenic-acid fractions are associated with its anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory activity.
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⚠ Whole-Extract Effect, Not an Isolated Compound
The clinical evidence is for the lipidosterolic bark extract as a whole.
The primary source literature attributes pygeum's effects to the bark extract collectively, rather than isolating a single active principle. An isolated beta-sitosterol supplement is not necessarily equivalent to the studied lipidosterolic extract.
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Parts Used & Available Forms
Only the bark is used medicinally, and only one galenic form is documented in the primary source.
Standardized Capsule
Commercial products typically deliver the extract in capsule form; current product standardizations vary across manufacturers.
Capsule · Standardized
Clinical Dosimetry
Dosages
The historical reference dose comes from the now-discontinued branded product; current products may differ.
Because the reference product has been discontinued, always check current product labeling for the specific extract's standardization, and confirm dosing with a qualified healthcare provider.
Phytochemistry
Composition
Pygeum bark's chemistry centers on a lipid fraction rich in phytosterols and pentacyclic triterpenic acids.
Phytosterols & Fatty Acids
Beta-SitosterolPrincipal phytosterol; widely studied across BPH-related plants
Major
CampesterolCo-occurring phytosterol
Present
Lipid Fraction (C12–C24)Fatty-acid backbone of the bark extract
Present
Triterpenic Acids & Alkanols
Pentacyclic Triterpenic AcidsUrsolic acid, oleanolic acid, crataegolic acid, epimaslinic acid
Present
Linear Alkanolsn-tetracosanol, n-docosanol — as ferulic acid esters
Present
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Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Edematous
Documented anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory activity for the bark extract.
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Increased Bladder Elasticity
Improves detrusor (bladder muscle) elasticity, contributing to symptom relief in BPH.[2][3]
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Stimulation of Prostatic Secretion
Documented effect on prostatic gland secretory activity.[2][3]
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Glandular Cell Modification
Modifies prostatic glandular cell structure as part of its symptom-relieving action.[2][3]
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Hormonal Modulation
Decreases plasma LH and progesterone secretion, with no androgenic or estrogenic activity of its own.[2][3]
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Growth Factor Inhibition
Inhibits EGF, bFGF, and IGF-1 — growth factors responsible for prostatic tissue development.[2][3]
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Reduced Nocturnal Pollakiuria
Decreases frequency of nighttime urination, a primary symptomatic benefit.[2][3]
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Antiproliferative & Pro-Apoptotic
Limits proliferation and induces apoptosis in prostatic fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.[4]
Clinical Applications
Clinical Indications
A narrow but well-defined indication set, focused entirely on the prostate and lower urinary tract.
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia & Adenoma
Primary Indication
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Nocturnal Pollakiuria
Urinary Frequency
- Nocturnal pollakiuria: frequent nighttime urination, typically secondary to BPH.
Pharmacodynamics
Mode of Action
The primary source does not detail a distinct mechanism-of-action section; the mechanisms below are drawn directly from its documented properties.
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Antiproliferative & Pro-Apoptotic Action
Limits proliferation and induces apoptosis specifically in prostatic fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.[4]
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Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Edematous Action
Reduces local inflammation and edema, contributing to overall symptom relief.
Clinical Safety & Sourcing
Safety & Sourcing Considerations
The pharmacological safety profile is minimal, but sourcing and conservation are genuine considerations for this species.
Adverse Effects & Toxicity
- Not toxic: the primary source literature describes the bark extract as not toxic.
- No documented drug interactions: none are reported in the primary literature reviewed for this monograph.
Sourcing & Conservation
- Conservation status: Prunus africana is IUCN-listed as Vulnerable and protected under CITES Appendix II since 1995.
- Wild-harvested resource: the species is still gathered from the wild rather than cultivated at scale, putting pressure on natural populations.
- Product discontinuation: the reference branded extract was discontinued in 2022 over unsustainable bark harvesting.
- Buyer guidance: prioritize suppliers who can document sustainable or certified bark sourcing given ongoing conservation pressure.
Clinical Disclaimer: This monograph is for educational and professional reference only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before initiating any phytotherapeutic regimen, particularly for prostate-related symptoms that warrant proper medical evaluation.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pygeum used for?
Pygeum (Prunus africana) is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate adenoma, and nocturnal pollakiuria (frequent nighttime urination) associated with these conditions.
What is the difference between Pygeum africanum and Prunus africana?
They refer to the same tree. Pygeum africanum was the name given by Kalkman in 1965, originally placed in the family Chrysobalanaceae. The species was later reclassified as Prunus africana in the family Rosaceae, and Pygeum africanum is now considered an invalid taxonomic synonym — though it remains the common name used commercially.
Why was the Tadenan pygeum product discontinued?
The manufacturer discontinued its pygeum extract capsule in July 2022, stating that bark could no longer be harvested in compliance with environmental and societal sustainability standards, as debarking was putting the wild resource at risk.
Is pygeum an endangered or protected species?
Prunus africana is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and has been protected under Appendix II of CITES since 1995, due to overexploitation from wild bark harvesting for the herbal supplement trade.
What is the recommended dosage of pygeum?
The historical reference dose, associated with the now-discontinued Tadenan brand, was 100 mg of lipidosterolic bark extract per day in cures. Current products may use different standardizations, so always check product labeling and consult a healthcare provider.
Is pygeum safe?
The primary source literature describes it as not toxic, with no documented drug interactions or significant adverse effects reported.
How does pygeum work for BPH?
Pygeum bark extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects, increases bladder elasticity, stimulates prostatic secretion, reduces LH and progesterone secretion without direct hormonal activity of its own, inhibits growth factors (EGF, bFGF, IGF-1) involved in prostate tissue growth, and induces apoptosis in prostatic fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.
Can I still buy pygeum supplements?
Yes, other manufacturers continue to sell pygeum bark extract supplements, though the original branded reference product has been discontinued. Given the species' conservation status, look for suppliers who can document sustainable or certified sourcing.
Does pygeum have a formal pharmacopoeia monograph?
Pygeum bark is recognized on French Pharmacopoeia List A, but there is no detailed compendial monograph for the bark, meaning manufacturers generally must pursue a full standard marketing authorization rather than a simplified phytomedicine registration pathway.
Primary Literature
Bibliography
↑
1.
Bodeker G, van 't Klooster C, Weisbord E. Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman: the overexploitation of a medicinal plant species and its legal context. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(11):810-822.
PubMed PMID:25225776 →
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2.
Wilt T, Ishani A, MacDonald R, Rutks I, Stark G. Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD001044.
PubMed PMID:11869585 →
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3.
Ishani A, MacDonald R, Nelson D, Rutks I, Wilt TJ. Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2000;109(8):654-664.
PubMed PMID:11099686 →
↑
4.
Quiles MT, Arbós MA, Fraga A, de Torres IM, Reventós J, Morote J. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of the herbal agent Pygeum africanum on cultured prostate stromal cells from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate. 2010;70(10):1044-1053.
PubMed PMID:20503393 →
Additional Reference Literature
Keehn A, Lowe FC. Complementary and alternative medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Can J Urol. 2015;22(Suppl 1):18-23. PubMed PMID:26497340 →
Pagano E, Laudato M, Griffo M, Capasso R. Phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A minireview. Phytother Res. 2014;28(7):949-955. PubMed PMID:25165780 →
Russo GI, Cimino S, Salamone C, et al. Potential efficacy of some African plants in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2013;13(11):1564-1571. PubMed PMID:23713889 →