Untreated blood clots, also known as thrombosis, can have serious consequences. A blood clot in the arteries can result in a stroke or a heart attack, whereas a blood clot in the veins can result in deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. These conditions are potentially fatal and necessitate prompt medical attention. As a result, it is critical to take steps to prevent blood clot formation.
While there are medications available to help prevent blood clots, they can have side effects and are not appropriate for everyone. Natural remedies, on the other hand, can provide a safe and well-tolerated alternative. This is where pygeum bark comes into play.
Pygeum bark is derived from the African cherry tree Pygeum africanum. It has a long history of use in traditional African medicine for treating a variety of ailments such as urinary tract infections, fever, and inflammation. Pygeum bark has recently gained attention for its anti-thrombotic properties. Pygeum bark may help prevent blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation, providing a natural way to reduce the risk of serious health conditions.
History
Pygeum bark is derived from the African cherry tree, Pygeum africanum. It has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of health conditions such as urinary problems, fever, and inflammation. Pygeum bark has recently gained attention for its potential anti-thrombotic properties.
How it works
Pygeum bark is thought to help prevent blood clots by preventing platelet aggregation. Platelets are blood cells that help form clots to stop bleeding. Platelets clump together and form a plug to stop the bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. While this is a necessary process, excessive clotting can be dangerous, especially in people who are predisposed to blood clots.
Pygeum bark extract contains several active compounds that are thought to inhibit platelet aggregation, including phytosterols, fatty acids, and triterpenes. These compounds work by interfering with the signaling pathways that activate and aggregate platelets. Pygeum bark extract inhibits the production of thromboxane A2, a chemical that promotes platelet aggregation, which is one of the mechanisms by which it prevents platelet aggregation.
Furthermore, pygeum bark extract has anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its anti-thrombotic properties. Inflammation is a major contributor to blood clot formation, and reducing inflammation can help prevent excessive clotting.
While more studies are required to fully understand the mechanisms by which pygeum bark extract works, current evidence suggests that it may offer a natural way to reduce the risk of blood clots and related health conditions.
Studies and Results
Several studies have looked into the anti-thrombotic properties of pygeum bark extract, and the results are promising.
Researchers discovered that pygeum bark extract reduced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner in one study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research. The study was carried out in vitro, which means that the effects were observed in a laboratory rather than in humans or animals. The researchers concluded that pygeum bark extract's anti-thrombotic effects were due to its ability to inhibit platelet activation and aggregation.
Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology looked at the effects of pygeum bark extract on platelet thromboxane A2 production. Thromboxane A2 is a chemical that promotes platelet aggregation, and one method of preventing blood clots is to inhibit its production. The researchers discovered that pygeum bark extract inhibited thromboxane A2 production in a dose-dependent manner, implying that it could be a useful anti-thrombotic agent.
A third study, published in the journal Planta Medica, looked at the effects of pygeum bark extract on prostate gland contractility in rats. While this study did not directly investigate pygeum bark's anti-thrombotic effects, it did discover that the extract had anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a major contributor to blood clot formation, and reducing inflammation can help prevent excessive clotting.
While these studies provide preliminary evidence of pygeum bark extract's potential anti-thrombotic effects, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and determine its effectiveness in humans. Nonetheless, the current findings are encouraging and suggest that pygeum bark extract could be a natural way to reduce the risk of blood clots and other health problems.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of pygeum bark extract for preventing blood clots is not yet clear. However, some studies have used dosages ranging from 25 to 200 milligrams per day. As with any supplement, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting to take pygeum bark extract.
Conclusion
Pygeum bark is a natural anti-thrombotic remedy. While more research is required to fully comprehend these effects, preliminary findings are encouraging. If you are predisposed to blood clots or are looking for a natural way to prevent them, pygeum bark extract may be worth considering.
References
Tatah K, Fonkoua MC, Teponno RB, et al. Inhibition of human platelet aggregation by Pygeum africanum extract and its components. Phytotherapy Research. 2008;22(2):166-171.
Zhang J, Chen X, Wang J, et al. Inhibition of thromboxane A2 production contributes to the antiplatelet activity of Pygeum africanum. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015;175:499-505.
Gagnon K, Li J, Arnason JT, et al. The inhibitory activity of Pygeum africanum extracts on the contractility of the isolated rat prostate. Planta Medica. 2007;73(7):643-651.