2007 Photo by Marco Schmidt. Bark harvested for medicine, Mt. Cameroon
According to a recent article in the medical journal Endocrine, “An extract from the bark of Pygeum africanum has been used in Europe as a prevention and treatment of prostate disorders including benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).”
The European interest in the all-natural bark of the African plum tree called Pygeum africanum, or Prunus africana, dates back to the 18th century when travelers from Europe acquired knowledge from South Africa regarding the benefits of pygeum bark for the urinary health of older men.
The urinary problems associated with the natural process of aging common to most men, was once referred to as “old man’s disease.” Due to the aging process, the prostate can continually grow larger which can interfere with a normal urinary function. In fact, 90% of men 80 years and older have some degree of prostate enlargement. Men over age 40 are also at risk.
Interest in the use of pygeum bark and saw palmetto for prostate health has extended to the United States.
Multiple clinical studies performed on pygeum bark from 1966-2000 prove that pygeum bark can produce a significant improvement for urinary health. Pygeum bark improves urinary function common to all men by affecting urine flow, urine volume, and the number of nightly visits to the bathroom. According to the American Journal of Medicine, “Men were more than twice as likely to report an improvement in overall symptoms…”
Pygeum bark extract promotes urinary health multiple ways. The prostate health benefits of pygeum bark are attributed to pygeum bark and not just one component of it. Researchers have discovered that pygeum bark is comprised of multiple components and helps reduce swelling, inflammation, bladder sensitivity and the number of binding sites for DHT, a form of testosterone that is associated with prostate growth.
Scientific studies show that pygeum bark may help keep prostate cells healthy. Scientists have studied pygeum bark to see if it helps reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
For more information about prostate health, please call 1-800-26-ALIVE (262-5483).
References:
Pygeum africanum, Monograph, Alternative Medicine Review
Scientific abstracts: Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis Am J Med. 2000 Dec 1;109(8):654-64. Phytosterol Pygeum africanum regulates prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo. Endocrine, February 1, 2007; 31(1): 72-81
Tags: pygeum bark
Pygeum bark is an ingredient found in Res-Q Super Prostate Health. I feel that Res-Q Super Prostate Health is a great prostate supplement because of the combination of herbs in the formula.
I like the fact that pygeum bark is combined with saw palmetto and a beta-sitosterol complex. Combining multiple herbs that have been researched for prostate health can only provide greater benefits.
There are many ingredients in Res-Q Super Prostate Health. To find out more, you can call 1-800-26-ALIVE and speak to a friendly Res-Q Consultant or go to http://www.myresqproducts.com and then go to products and the label for Res-Q Super Prostate Health can be viewed there.