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.

Function

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-Lipoxygenase pathway (pathway in the arachidonic acid inflammation pathway).  This activity will further reduce the inflammatory process in the prostate.

Instructions

Pygeum has been dosed anywhere from 50-200mg per day in combination with other herbs for BPH and related prostatic conditions.