Solaray Pygeum & Saw Palmetto

Natural Formulation Of Nutrients Essential For Prostate Health!

Pygeum is an evergreen tree found in the higher elevations of central and southern Africa. The bark is used. These trees are environmentally threatened in the wild, so it is questionable whether this herb should be used for the time being. While some effort is being made to grow pygeum on plantations, not all companies are careful in choosing an ecologically sustainable supplier.

The powdered bark was used as a tea for relief of urinary disorders. European scientists were so impressed with reports of pygeum's actions that they began laboratory investigations into the active constituents in the bark. This led to the development of the modern lipophilic (fat-soluble) extract used today.

Chemical analysis and studies indicate that the lipophilic extract of pygeum bark has three categories of active constituents. The phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, have anti-inflammatory effects by interfering with the formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins that tend to accumulate in the prostate of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The pentacyclic terpenes have an anti-edema or decongesting effect. The last group are the ferulic esters. These constituents reduce levels of the hormone prolactin and also block cholesterol in the prostate. Prolactin increases uptake of testosterone in the prostate, and cholesterol increases binding sites for testosterone and its more active form dihydrotestosterone. Pygeum alone has been shown in double blind studies to help men with BPH. It has also been used successfully in combination with nettle root. However, long-term studies (six months or greater) are lacking.

How much is usually taken? The accepted form of pygeum used in Europe for treatment of BPH is a lipophilic extract standardized to 13% total sterols (typically calculated as beta-sitosterol). The recommended dose is 50-100 mg two times per day. Pygeum should be monitored over at least a six to nine month period to determine efficacy. As is the case with all BPH treatments, close medical supervision is important.