Herb for Aging Men - Pygeum Bark

 

Pygeum is an African cherry tree. Pygeum bark has been used as a medicine for a long time. It can improve the symptoms of several diseases and pathologic conditions:

1) BPH

Pygeum is commonly used in the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This is a clinical condition in which the prostate size becomes enlarged. It is usually seen in older men, and it causes uncomfortable urinary problems such as poor urine flow and nighttime urination. It can be used with saw palmetto, stinging nettle root, and/or bee pollen to treat BPH.

Other urinary problems in men include increased frequency and urinary retention, pain during urination, blood in the urine, dribbling or/and unsteady streamline during urination. These symptoms can also be controlled by using pygeum appropriately.

2) Prostate Cancer

The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to BPH symptoms. These patients may also have blood in semen. In such prostate problems, the use of pygeum helps to normalize the epithelium of the prostatic tissue. It increases the anti-estrogenic activity, which is known to aggravate cancer. It decreases fibroblast activity and may stop the progression of cancer. Additionally, pygeum reduces the effects of free radicals and degradative enzymes in the bladder. 

Moreover, recent studies show it can actually inhibit tumor growth. Pygeum prevents the translocation of the androgen receptor into the nucleus of the cancer cell. This inhibits the expression and growth of cancer cells. 

3) Prostatitis symptoms

Prostatitis may occur because of microbial infection in the prostate. For example, the bacteria that leaks from the urethra into the prostate. This causes an immune reaction and inflammation in the area. The strong anti-inflammatory potential of pygeum can alleviate the symptoms naturally.

Pygeum bark contains several bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. For example, triterpenes, which are lipid-soluble compounds that inhibit enzymes that affect the prostate.

The other component is phytosterol. It inhibits the androgen synthesis by blocking the prostaglandin and the arachidonic acid pathway synthesis. It works great to prevent any further prostate growth.  Sometimes, it can help to treat the obstruction in the urinary tract. So, it also contributes to eliminating residual urine.

4) Kidney disease

When the cause is bladder infections, pygeum bark provides symptomatic relief of urinary tract infections. 

5) Symptoms of malaria

Clinical studies show this plant can be used in the treatment of malaria. It can actually improve symptoms such as fever with rigor and chills. It may also improve the intestinal problems associated with malaria. 

Actually, the bark plant is not only anti-inflammatory, but also a powerful antioxidant. As such, pygeum reduces the effect of free radicals and degradative enzymes. In malaria, free radicals are attacking the red blood cells and destroying them. This is why the effect of pygeum can be of great importance in this disease. 

6) Reduces fever-related symptoms

When these and other causes are treated, the fever can also improve. Using pygeum can help to reduce fever and the symptoms associated with it. Chills, seizures in children, and other consequences of fever can improve by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin. Thus they will no longer stimulate the brain center that controls the temperature. 

7) May treat stomach aches

When pain and abdominal distention are caused by inflammation, pygeum can help. It can be very useful in abdominal pathologies and common gastrointestinal symptoms. One clear example is gastritis. In this condition, the acid levels of the stomach are increased. The stomach is made to work with acids, but not at this rate. Thus, gastritis can cause pain and discomfort. 

Through inhibition of the prostaglandins that produce acid, pygeum can improve stomach pain.

8) Boost libido

Pygeum can boost libido. It could be useful in males for common conditions such as erectile dysfunction.

Chemicals in the plant, such as the phytosterols and ferulic acid, can help to increase the secretions of the prostate and its functions. When the prostate is well nourished, the quality of the semen improves. This leads to an improved fertility rate. 

Still, other benefits can be lifted. For example, it is known that the androgen-blocking capacity of pygeum can improve hair health. Pygeum bark can be made into hair loss prevention shampoos with saw palmetto and stinging nettle root.