If you are an avid observer of dietary supplement trends, the chances are that you might have heard of Pygeum. This is a herbal extract that’s derived from the bark of the African plum tree.
Also called the African cherry tree, this native species has become synonymous with a variety of health benefits and wellness effects. Commercial use has led to this plant becoming endangered, but the health benefits of this extract are highly useful for everything right from prostrate trouble to kidney health.
7 Best Pygeum Products & Reviews
1. Swanson Superior Herbs Pygeum
Swanson Superior Herbs’ Pygeum supplement is among one of the best products in the current market. It contains potent ingredients, and the pygeum in this product comes from the bark as well as pygeum extract. The active ingredients improve the overall efficacy of the product. The manufacturer, Swanson Vitamins, has been operational for over fifty years. The founder Leland Swanson started off with Vitamin E capsules, and the brand now offers a wide variety of good-quality products, such as the Pygeum supplement.
The active ingredients contain 400mg of Pygeum Bark and a whopping 100mg of Pygeum extract. It also includes 5% of Phytosterols that have benefits for prostate and kidney health. Each bottle comes with 120 capsules, making it a great value offering. The bulk size offers you capsules at a decently affordable and comparatively inexpensive rate.
The Swanson Vitamins company isn’t a new brand on the block. As a vitamin company that has been operating since 1969, they have a stronghold in the industry and ensure that their products are of the highest quality. The brand also follows the guidelines set by the Federal Drug Administration and GMP. Publicly available and verified customer reviews about this product show that it has positive effects that are in line with what they promise. Some customers with serious conditions like prostatitis reported relief from symptoms with regular use.
Pros
- Potent Ingredients
- Value For Money
- Reputed Manufacturer
- Positive Customer Reviews
Cons
- Overdose May cause Nausea or Headaches
- Doesn’t contain other herb extracts
2. Solaray Pygeum and Saw Palmetto
Solaray Pygeum and Saw Palmetto is said to aid in helping your prostate function. This natural supplement also contained Vitamin B6 and even zinc, apart from pygeum extract and saw palmetto, making it a formidable contender for the top spot in our list.
Solaray is a nutraceutical company based out of Utah. They have been operating since 1973 and offer almost a thousand natural health products. The brand’s credibility is among the best in the industry, and they have been known as a good provider for dietary and health supplements.
This supplement contains 100mg of pygeum extract, 320 mg of Saw Palmetto extract, 20mg of Vitamin B6 and 15mg of zinc. The zinc helps the absorption of other ingredients. Additionally, this product is vegetarian-friendly. With 240 capsules in each bottle, there is no doubt that it is excellent for those who wish to buy in bulk.
Pros
- Effective Ingredients in Optimum Quantities
- Adequate Zinc Levels
- Value For Money
- Reliable Manufacturer
- Vegetarian Product
Cons
- Overdose May cause Nausea or Headaches
- Bulk Packaging Not Suitable For Everyone
3. Vital Nutrients – Saw Palmetto and Pygeum
Vital Nutrients is another leader in the industry when it comes to creating effective supplements and products. Their Pygeum supplement is among the best as it contains an interesting blend of saw palmetto as well as nettle root. These ingredients are also known to be useful for prostate health problems and UTIs.
Vital Nutrients Saw Palmetto, and Pygeum supplement contains a high 375mg of Pygeum Bark extract. It also contains 300mg nettle root extract and 909mg of saw palmetto extract. With 60 pills in a bottle, you’re set for a month’s dose in each bottle. Additionally, the product is fully vegetarian-friendly and doesn’t contain any binders, coatings, or dairy extracts. With all ingredients being lab-tested, this product’s quality is among the best.
Pros
- Potent Ingredients in High Quantities
- Vegetarian-Friendly
- Value For Money
- Lab-Tested Product
Cons
- Overdose May cause Nausea or Headaches
- Must Follow Recommended Dosage
4. NOW Foods Pygeum and Saw Palmetto
As we explained above, products that have a combination of prostate-friendly ingredients are far more likely to help with BHP symptoms and with maintaining a healthy prostate. NOW Foods pygeum supplement also comes with saw palmetto and even pumpkin seed oil, both of which are considered among prostate-friendly ingredients.
NOW is among the top brands in the natural health supplement and it is reputed for the clean and green products it crafts. The company has been in business for almost half a century. Based in Illinois, the Pygeum and Saw Palmetto supplement is among their most popular offerings.
This
product contains 50mg of Pygeum extract, 160mg of Saw Palmetto extract and a
robust 5gms of pumpkin seed oil. It also contains 13% phytosterols. The fully non-GMO
product comes with 120 capsules in each bottle.
Pros
- Potent Ingredient Combination in Acceptable Quantities
- Vegetarian-Friendly
- Non-GMO
- Lab-Tested Product
- Reputed Manufacturer
Cons
- Overdose May cause Nausea or Headaches
- Bulk Packaging Not Suitable For Everyone
5. Country Life Pygeum and Saw Palmetto Extract
Country Life Saw Palmetto and Pygeum Extract come equipped with a unique delivery system known as Phospho-Zyme. This system is said to boost the overall efficacy of the product and amplify its effects by aiding your body’s absorption capacity.
The product is equipped with 344mg of their proprietary blend, which also includes pygeum extract. Additionally, it contains 170mg of Saw Palmetto extract and 2% of Phytosterols. This brand’s pygeum supplement is kosher, vegetarian and comes in bottles of 60 capsules.
The
creator of this product is Country Life Vitamins, which is a New York-based
brand. Operating since 1971, the brand is known for its gluten-free range of
products. They are also USDA certified.
Pros
- Potent Ingredient Combination
- Vegetarian-Friendly
- Free From Animal Products
- Reputed Manufacturer
- Gluten-Free
Cons
- Overdose May cause Nausea or Headaches
- Proprietary Blend Could Contain Allergy-Causing Ingredients
6. Oregon’s Wild Harvest Saw Palmetto/Pygeum
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Saw Palmetto and Pygeum comes packed with an enable ingredient blend that contains pygeum bark, nettle root and even saw palmetto. The best part about this supplement is that it makes use of whole herbs, instead of settling for extracts. It doesn’t mean that extracts aren’t potent, it’s just that herbs are closer to the natural source and hence make for a better product.
This product contains 160mg of pygeum bark, 500mg of saw palmetto and 340mg of nettle root. This makes for a formidable supplement, and since it contains only organic ingredients, it’s an effective product. This vegetarian pygeum supplement is available in bottles containing 90 pills.
The
herb expert Randy Buresh established Oregon’s Wild Harvest Company along with his
wife Pam’s support in 1994. The couple is passionate about the products they
create and make sure only to produce Non-GMO products. All the company’s
offerings are potent, pure and of the highest quality.
Pros
- Potent Ingredient Combination
- Contains herbs instead of extracts
- Non-GMO and Fully Vegetarian
- Reputed Manufacturer
- Organic
Cons
- Overdose May cause Nausea or Headaches
- Slightly Expensive as Compared to Other Products
7. Nutrissence Pygeum and Saw Palmetto
Nutrissence Pygeum and Saw Palmetto is another excellent supplement to aid you in your prostate health. Sold only on Amazon, this product is FDA approved and follows GMP guidelines.
It contains a powerful blend of Saw Palmetto and Pygeum, making it useful for a variety of purposes. It usually doesn’t feature among the top lists, but it offers excellent value for money as it is on the cheaper side.
The
product contains 100mg of Pygeum bark extract, 320mg of saw palmetto extract
and 12% phytosterols. Th reviews for this product are positive, and when we
look at the price tag, the quality is excellent.
Pros
- Effective Ingredient Combination
- Contains NO Soy or Animal Extracts
- Fully Vegetarian and Gluten-Free
- Reputed Manufacturer
- Best Price and Most Economical Option
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Overdose May cause Nausea or Headaches
- Sensitive People May Face Risk of Allergies
The
Benefits of Pygeum
We have now understood which pygeum supplements are ruling the market. These products are sure to help you get optimum pygeum and fight the problems related to a lack of the same. Now, let’s take a look at the many benefits pygeum has on the body.
Treats
Prostate Cancer
Pygeum has gained a reputation for being a
cancer-fighting element, especially useful in reducing prostate cancer risks. A 2012 study showed that the BPH (Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia) benefits that Pygeum possesses may also protect the body
against cancerous growths in the prostate. Its anti-inflammatory properties may
also contribute to its cancer-prevention ability.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is best known as an enlarged prostate
syndrome. This is a well-observed condition, especially in the case of men
above the age of fifty. This sexual health condition can cause problems with
the lower urinary tract and is often painful.
As per this report, pygeum can be
considered an effective alternative remedy for BPH symptoms. Although compared
to pharmaceutical drugs, Pygeum’s effect may be moderate. However, when you
compare the fact that naturally sourced Pygeum is safer than some
prescriptions, it makes Pygeum a clear winner. Regularly using a good
supplement may ais in reducing nocturia, frequent urination, accompanying pain,
and even inflammation that accompanies BPH.
Prostatitis Symptoms
As per a 2014 study, prostate-healthy
herbs like pygeum could be effective in the treatment of prostatitis. When a
comparison with antibiotics was made, it was found that the herbs were equally
effective as antibiotics. The main reason for this is that pygeum has powerful
anti-inflammatory properties, and its effectiveness in relieving BPH may be the
reason for its efficacy.
Reduces General Inflammation
Pygeum’s anti-inflammatory properties are
integral to its effectiveness as a prostate-friendly ingredient. These benefits
of pygeum were studied in this 2012 study on pygeum. The study found that
pygeum could regulate oxidative stress in the body and reduce inflammation in
the urinary tract, kidneys and prostate. It could also be useful in preventing
cancer cells from spreading in the prostate. Pygeum also has immunity-boosting
properties.
Treats
Kidney Disease Symptoms
Pygeum greatly helps the urinary tract and
curbs prostate discomfort. Similarly, as per a 2014 review, it was found that pygeum
might assist in the treatment of some kidney diseases. Symptoms like frequent
urination and inflammation usually accompany kidney disease. Since pygeum helps
with these symptoms, with more research, we will be able to confirm its true
potential as a kidney-friendly herb.
Treats Urinary Conditions
Owing to its anti-inflammatory properties
and ability to reduce oxidative stress, pygeum may also be useful in treating
and healing the bladder and urinary tract. However, there aren’t many studies
conducted on humans that could attest to the same.
Malaria Symptoms
Traditionally, the Africans made use of
this herb as traditional medicine for malaria. However, there aren’t many
actual studies that could prove this point. Instead, experts believe that the
traditional use was for alleviating any accompanying kidney or bladder
conditions.
Boosts Libido
A study
from 1991 showed that pygeum could be a possible option for boosting libido. Since
it has many properties, including improving prostate health, there is a link
between improved libido and pygeum. It also relieves pain, reduces
inflammation, and keeps the bladder and prostate healthy. All of these may be
responsible for poor libido, so by focusing on reducing these symptoms, it
could aid in libido enhancement.
Pygeum
Recommended Dosage
Apart from pills and capsules, you may even
find pygeum in tincture or tea format. However, irrespective of the form it’s
in, pygeum should be taken in the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. On
average, doses of 100 to 200 mg a day are ideal. This amount is usually
considered as the sample for most studies as it’s the most effective dosage
quantity.
Remember that most supplements have the
specific dosage printed on the package. It is best to follow these
instructions. Taking too little may leave you deficient, whereas overdosing may
lead to nasty side effects. Rember to invest in a good supplement and buy from
reputed manufacturers. The main reason for this is that while regulated,
dietary supplements may not all be good for you as the FDA doesn’t strictly
regulate these drugs.
Lastly, consult your medical professional
before you start with any pygeum supplement. They may be able to prevent any
side effects or allergic reactions by ensuring safety.
Possible
Risks and Side Effects
While there aren’t any alarming side effects that people have experienced with pygeum supplements, you can never be too sure. Some side effects of this herb include nausea, abdominal pain, gastric pain or disturbances, constipation and even diarrhea. Most of these side effects only show up in case of an overdose. This is why you should be cautious not to overdo it with your supplement. If you notice any of these side effects, reduce the dosage and consult a medical professional.
There aren’t many conclusive studies
available on the effects of pygeum in pregnant or lactating women. However, to
be on the safer end, avoid these supplements in these cases. Children and
minors, as well as those on heavy medication,
should avoid pygeum.
