Prostate swelling, known clinically as bengin prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is an extremely common condition affecting millions of middle-aged and older men. According to Mayo Clinic, roughly half of men over 60 suffer from this troublesome condition, which may be resistant to conventional treatment options.
The bark of the pygeum tree, also known as African plum, shows significant promise as a natural treatment for BPH. In general, pygeum causes few side effects. The National Institutes of Health notes that this well-tolerated herb produces adverse reactions similar to a placebo. Nevertheless, patients should approach pygeum with caution. Consult your health-care provider before using any medicinal herb.
Treatment Failure
The National Institutes of Health regards pygeum as an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate BPH symptoms. However, people with severe BPH may need other medical treatments, such as surgical intervention or prescription drugs. According to Mayo Clinic, severe BPH can cause complications including urinary tract infections, kidney damage and bladder stones. These unusually serious cases require surgical treatment.
Stomach Problems
Some people taking pygeum experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and nausea. NIH states that these side effects are mild and rarely cause pygeum users to stop taking the herb.
Drug and Herb Interactions
Pygeum may interact with hormone-affecting drugs, such as estrogen and testosterone. Additionally, NIH notes a theoretical interaction with herbs that have estrogenic effects. Possible herb interactions include soy, anise, chasteberry, red clover and black cohosh. Consult your health-care provider before taking pygeum with any other drug or herbal supplement.
Long-Term Safety Concerns
No reliable studies have evaluated the long-term safety of pygeum. The NIH warns that most studies have concluded that it is safe for up to 12 months. Because there is insufficient evidence of its long-term safety, people with BPH should refrain from using it over extended periods unless otherwise directed by a health-care provider.
Unstudied Uses
Although pygeum has been used extensively in African folk medicine, many of its traditional uses remain unproved. There is not enough evidence to support the use of pygeum to treat any condition besides benign prostatic hyperplasia. People who self-treat other conditions using pygeum may overlook a serious problem. There is no evidence of pygeum's safety for women or children; it could theoretically cause dangerous hormonal effects in these sensitive populations. Consult a qualified health-care provider if you believe you have a medical condition.
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