Prunus Africana or pygeum is an evergreen tree native to the green yet forested regions of Africa. Both the tree and the fruit see beneficial uses in African society; the wood is used for building wagons, while powdered pygeum barks are used for medical purposes. What are some of Prunus Africana’s medical uses?
What are its Health Benefits?
- Prunus Africana for BPH Treatment
First, Prunus Africana or pygeum is able to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or in simple words, enlaged prostate. It is a common sexual health condition affecting men over 50 years old of age. Pygeum is able to minimize the symptoms of BPH, which involve frequent urination, night urination, and the growth of prostate cells.
- Prunus Africana and Prostate Cancer
In addition to the information above, pygeum is also able to provide a strong protection against cancerous prostate cells by being androgen receptors that leads to the development of prostate cancer itself.
- Prunus Africana for Prostatitis Medication
Still related to prostate health, pygeum could effectively heal prostatitis, indeed better than that of antibiotics thanks to its inflammatory and urinary benefits. It helps treat prostatitis similar to how it treats BPH symptoms.
- Prunus Africana is Both an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory
Pygeum, according to research have some antioxidant activities by downregulating oxidative stress and inflammation in the areas of kidney, prostate and health benefits human urine tract. Also, pygeum is an anti-inflammatory the same way it blocks the growth of benefits of kale leaves for cancer.
- Prunus Africana and Kidney Health
Pygeum, being helpful for urinary conditions is also helpful for benefits of coriander leaves for kidney health. Despite more researches are needed, however pygeum removes symptoms indicative to symptoms of kidney stones disease such as pain, inflammation, frequent urination, and others.
- Prunus Africana May also Help Treat Urinary Conditions
In line with the information above, pygeum’s health benefits mostly revolve around the prostate and urinary system. Urinary tract infections (UTI), bladder infections, and others can easily be treated using pygeum. Besides, of all herbs usable for treating urinary conditions, pygeum is the one that stands out most.
- Prunus Africana and Symptoms of Malaria
Africans traditionally use pygeum for curing symptoms of malaria, such as high fever. Interestingly, modern researches aren’t able to verify the link in between pygeum and malaria, which is in contrast to what is said in African culture.
- Prunus Africana for Fever
Fever is treatable using pygeum by using the bark of the tree, according to African traditional medicine.
- Prunus Africana Gets Rid of Stomach Aches
And finally, pygeum or Prunus Africana heals stomach aches by soothing its symptoms, again according to African traditional medicine.
Advices on Prunus Africana
Studies show that pygeum is largely safe provided that it is used accordingly. However for some, side effects such as gastric disturbances, nausea, how to prevent diarrhea, and constipation may come across. Should this happens, decrease dosage or discontinue consumption entirely.
This sums up Prunus Africana medical uses, which perhaps is most beneficial for prostate related conditions. However on top of all those, more researches are still needed to evaluate the effects thoroughly.