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Pygeum
 


The extract of Pygeum africanum bark has been used for more than 20 years in France in patients suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The mechanism has not been fully worked out, but a few of the activities are known. Pygeum extracts are known to inhibit the proliferative effects of growth factors such as EGF, bFGF, and IGF-I (Growth factors that signal the prostate to grow). This activity was able to inhibit the prostatic growth in an animal model, even when the cells were stimulated to grow. Additionally, pygeum extracts antagonize the production of metabolites in the 5-Lipoxegenase pathway (pathway in the aracadonic acid inflammation pathway). This activity will further reduce the inflammatory process in the prostate. Pygeum has been dosed anywhere from 50-200mg per day in combination with other herbs for BPH and related prostatic conditions.





GLOSSARY

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH)
The benign buildup in the prostate of "warts" or epithelial neoplasias that can block or interrupt urination, and which are usually concurrent with moderate prostate enlargement. They cause a dull ache on urination, ejaculation, and/or defecation. The diagnosis is medical, since the same subjective conditions can result fromcancer of the prostate. BPH is common in men over fifty and can be the result either of diminished production of complete testosterone or poor pelvic circulation. Alcohol, coffee, speed, and antihistamines can all aggravate the problem.

Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.

Metabolite (Metabolites)
Any product (foodstuff, intermediate, waste product) of metabolism.

Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.

Prostate
The prostate gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra and produces a secretion that liquefies coagulated semen.




Last updated: Sep 28, 2008


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