Urinary urgency is a frustrating and often unpleasant condition that can interfere with one's daily routine. It is distinguished by an unexpected and intense need to urinate, which can be difficult to ignore and may result in an accident. The need to urinate can be so intense for some people that they experience pain or discomfort.
Urinary urgency can be caused by a number of factors, such as bladder infections, prostate issues, and neurological disorders. An enlarged prostate, which can put pressure on the bladder and cause a frequent need to urinate, is the most common cause of urinary urgency in men. Urinary urgency in women can occur as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause.
Urinary urgency can have a negative impact on a person's ability to work, socialize, and engage in physical activity. It can also cause anxiety and embarrassment, causing some people to avoid social situations or even leave their homes. To relieve urinary urgency, there are several treatment options available, including prescription medication, surgery, and natural remedies such as Pygeum bark.
In this article, we'll look at the history of Pygeum bark, how it works, and the findings of scientific studies on its effectiveness in treating urinary urgency. Based on these studies, we will also provide recommended dosages and offer a conclusion on its potential as a safe and natural treatment option.
History
Pygeum bark is derived from the African cherry tree, a sub-Saharan African native. It has been used in traditional African medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including urinary problems. In the 1960s, European researchers began investigating the therapeutic potential of Pygeum bark and discovered that it could be an effective treatment for urinary urgency.
How it Works
Pygeum bark works by addressing the underlying causes of urinary urgency, such as bladder inflammation and oxidative stress. The bark contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactive compounds such as beta-sitosterol, pentacyclic triterpenes, and ferulic esters.
Inflammation is a normal immune response to injury or infection, but it can cause tissue damage and dysfunction if it becomes chronic. Chronic urinary tract inflammation can cause irritation, pain, and a frequent need to urinate. The anti-inflammatory properties of pygeum bark can help reduce inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract, resulting in less urinary urgency.
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the body's ability to neutralize free radicals and its ability to produce them. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause tissue and cell damage. Inflammation, tissue damage, and urinary urgency can all result from oxidative stress in the urinary tract. The antioxidant properties of Pygeum bark can help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and the symptoms of urinary urgency.
Pygeum bark may help regulate hormones involved in urinary function in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been discovered to specifically inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to prostate enlargement in men. Pygeum bark may help reduce bladder pressure and frequency of urination by decreasing DHT levels.
Overall, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormone-regulating properties of Pygeum bark may help to alleviate urinary urgency and related symptoms. While the exact mechanism of action is still being researched, it is clear that Pygeum bark can be an effective natural remedy for those suffering from urinary urgency.
Studies and Results
Several studies have been carried out to assess the efficacy of Pygeum bark in the treatment of urinary urgency and related symptoms. Here are some of the most important studies and their findings:
Researchers evaluated the effects of Pygeum bark extract in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that can cause urinary urgency, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the British Journal of Urology. For 60 days, 209 men were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg of Pygeum bark extract or a placebo. The group that received Pygeum bark extract showed significant improvements in urinary symptoms at the end of the study, including a decrease in the number of nocturnal urinations, improved urine flow, and a decrease in residual urine volume.
Another study published in the Journal of Urology looked at the effects of Pygeum bark extract on men suffering from chronic prostatitis, a condition that causes urinary urgency and pain. For 60 days, 124 men were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg of Pygeum bark extract or a placebo. The group that received Pygeum bark extract showed significant improvements in urinary symptoms at the end of the study, including a reduction in pain during urination, an increase in urine flow, and a decrease in frequency of urination.
A meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews looked at the findings of 18 randomized, controlled trials that looked at the efficacy of Pygeum bark extract in the treatment of BPH. The researchers discovered that Pygeum bark extract improved urinary symptoms such as nocturnal urination, urine flow, and residual urine volume. The study also discovered that Pygeum bark extract was well-tolerated, with few reported side effects.
Overall, these findings suggest that Pygeum bark extract may be an effective treatment for urinary urgency and related symptoms, particularly in men suffering from BPH or chronic prostatitis. More research is needed, however, to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to assess its effectiveness in other populations. While Pygeum bark extract appears to be safe and well-tolerated, individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of Pygeum bark extract varies depending on the product and the condition being treated. In general, most studies have used a dosage of 100-200 mg per day, divided into two doses. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the product label or to consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Conclusion
Pygeum bark has been used for centuries to treat urinary urgency and related symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help reduce urinary tract inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in less urinary urgency. Pygeum bark extract may be a safe and effective treatment option to consider if you have urinary urgency.
References
Wilt T, Ishani A, Stark G, MacDonald R, Lau J, Mulrow C. Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD001044.
Sokeland J, Albrecht J. [Combination of Sabal and Urtica extract vs. finasteride in benign prostatic hyperplasia (Aiken stages I to II). Comparison of therapeutic effectiveness in a one year double-blind study]. Urologe A. 1997;36(4):327-333.