Pygeum is an herbal extract taken from the bark of the African cherry tree that may have some health benefits, like reducing inflammation. However, more research into its health effects is necessary.

The African cherry tree, also known as the African plum tree or Prunus africanum, is a vulnerable native African species. Pygeum’s popular potential health effects and commercial overharvesting have hurt and endangered the tree’s wild populations.

Some evidence suggests that pygeum may help with everything from prostate and kidney health to general inflammation. It also has some traditional uses.

Keep reading to find out 10 potential health benefits, what areas need further research, and how to use pygeum.

BPH, or enlarged prostate, is a condition that typically affects males over 40. It is the most common prostate condition in males over 50.

Animal studies in a 2021 review suggest pygeum may help to reduce BPH symptoms and slow the growth of prostate cells.

However, the review authors highlight that researchers do not yet understand the compounds and mechanisms responsible for its effect on BPH. Potential mechanisms may include:

  • anti-inflammatory properties
  • growth factor inhibition
  • antiandrogen actions — androgens are male sex hormones involved in prostate growth and function

Pygeum has also gained a reputation for potentially reducing the risk of prostate cancer. The same 2021 review highlights its use against prostate cancer in Kenya and as an anticancer drug in Uganda.

A 2019 article suggests that pygeum may prevent prostate cancer cell growth. It also highlights that pygeum may contain atranorin, which it describes as a natural anti-prostate cancer compound.

According to the National Cancer Institute, some pygeum components act as androgen receptor inhibitors. Cancerous cells rely on androgens to grow, so inhibiting androgen receptors may help to prevent cancer from spreading.

Despite these potentially beneficial effects, there is very little research into pygeum and prostate cancer. More research is necessary for professionals to understand its therapeutic potential and effectiveness.

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. Pygeum has anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve BPH symptoms, which may be the same as some prostatitis symptoms. Similar symptoms include:

No scientific studies specifically examine pygeum’s effectiveness at relieving prostatitis. More research is necessary to understand whether it may have any potential as a remedy.

A 2024 review suggests that pygeum may have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties may have beneficial effects on inflammatory conditions.

As well as relieving inflammation due to BPH, the review suggests pygeum’s properties may combat oxidative stress and prevent neuroinflammation.

Research in the review also suggests that pygeum’s anti-inflammatory properties may have benefits for gastrointestinal issues, wound healing, and chest pain due to inflammatory respiratory conditions.

Still, more studies are necessary before comparing the herb competitively with anti-inflammatory medications.

According to a 2024 review, people in East Africa may use pygeum orally as a remedy for kidney diseases.

Animal studies in the review suggest that pygeum’s antioxidant qualities may have some effectiveness in addressing complications of diabetes in rats by helping to address kidney damage.

Because pygeum may help with prostate urinary discomfort, it may help similar symptoms in some kidney diseases. However, there are very few studies that examine these potential benefits, and no research shows that pygeum can treat kidney disease directly.

Though promising, more research is necessary before professionals consider it a remedy for kidney disease.

According to a 2023 review, traditional uses of pygeum include addressing urinary issues. The review highlights that pygeum has labeling approval on medical products in some parts of the world to treat lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BHP.

Animal studies researching pygeum’s antidiabetic qualities in a 2024 review suggest that pygeum may have some beneficial effects on the bladder, including reducing oxidative stress and bladder-related issues.

However, more research is necessary to learn pygeum’s potential benefits for specific urinary conditions. It may help symptoms and other related concerns, like pain and difficult urination, but research does not suggest it can cure or prevent infection.

In African traditional medicine, practitioners sometimes use pygeum as a remedy for malaria.

According to a 2024 review, pygeum contains tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids that may contribute to its potential antimalarial properties.

However, the review concludes that, despite promising research, more scientific studies are necessary to understand how pygeum may combat malaria and how professionals can translate study results into clinical practice.

No research currently supports pygeum as a cure for malaria, but it may help with some symptom management.

Pygeum is also a traditional fever remedy. However, there aren’t any studies supporting the theory that pygeum reduces fevers. More studies are necessary to draw any conclusions about pygeum and fevers.

In the meantime, professionals may recommend other methods, like over-the-counter medications, to help break a fever.

According to the 2024 review, a traditional use of pygeum is to manage gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, such as stomachache.

Pygeum’s potential effectiveness at managing GI symptoms may be due to its antibacterial qualities.

Research in the review suggests flavonoids in pygeum may help to relieve inflammation in the GI tract, which may help people manage stomach pain due to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

However, further research is necessary to understand exactly how pygeum’s qualities may benefit the GI tract and how effective it is at managing symptoms like stomachache.

Some people may use pygeum to enhance their libido and for other sexual effects. For example, a 2021 systematic review lists it among herbal plants that people may use as a remedy for erectile dysfunction in Ethiopia.

However, more research is necessary to understand whether pygeum is effective at enhancing your libido and if it may offer any other sexual health benefits.

Pygeum extract is generally an oral supplement. People grind the extract into a powder and put it into pills or capsules. Supplements are available for purchase online or in health food stores.

However, it’s worth remembering that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before companies market them, so quality can vary.

According to a 2024 review, research suggests pygeum is nontoxic for humans, even at larger doses. However, it’s still a good idea to read labels closely for any warnings or interaction information and check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

Studies in a 2024 review suggest that pygeum is nontoxic to humans. Animal studies in the review suggest it may be safe in larger doses, too.

However, a 2019 study involving 24 Wistar rats found that pygeum caused some toxicological effects. These effects seemed to target the heart muscle, kidneys, and skeletal muscle.

If you are taking pygeum supplements and experience any new side effects, you should contact your doctor.

You should always talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications and supplements.

A doctor can help determine if pygeum will be a good fit for your health needs and discuss any potential risks. They may also be able to provide more information on dosage.

Pygeum has many traditional uses as an African herbal remedy. Research shows some promise for helping symptoms of BPH or enlarged prostate, among other conditions. Still, more research is necessary to truly assess its effects and safety.

Most of the conditions in this article have other effective treatment options with support and evidence in research. You can speak with your doctor to learn all of your options.

If you want to add pygeum to your routine, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether pygeum is a good fit for your health goals and advise you on any next steps.