Nocturia is a common condition that affects many people, particularly the elderly. It is defined as the need to urinate during the night, which can be annoying and disrupt sleep. While nocturia can affect both men and women, it is frequently associated with prostate issues in men. An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause urinary symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination.
Nocturia has a negative impact on quality of life because it causes daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It can also increase the risk of falling, particularly in older people. While many medications are available to treat nocturia, some people prefer natural treatments to avoid potential side effects. Pygeum bark is a natural supplement that has been shown to help men with prostate issues reduce nocturia and improve urinary symptoms. This article will look at the history, mechanism of action, and recommended dosage of pygeum bark for nocturia relief.
History
Pygeum bark is derived from the African cherry tree (Prunus africana), which is native to Africa's central and southern regions. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat urinary and prostate problems. French researchers isolated the active compounds in pygeum bark in the 1960s and began studying its effects on the prostate.
How it works
Pygeum bark contains a number of bioactive compounds that are thought to contribute to its therapeutic properties. Among these substances are phytosterols, fatty acids, and triterpenes. According to research, these compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid in the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland.
Inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to play a role in the onset and progression of prostate problems such as BPH. BPH is characterized by an overgrowth of prostate tissue, which can cause bladder pressure and urinary symptoms. Pygeum bark may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can reduce prostate tissue growth and proliferation.
Pygeum bark may help regulate the production of hormones that contribute to prostate enlargement, such as dihydrotestosterone, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (DHT). DHT is a male hormone that is responsible for prostate gland growth and development. DHT production increases in men as they age, which can lead to prostate enlargement. Pygeum bark may help reduce prostate size and relieve urinary symptoms by regulating DHT production.
Pygeum bark may also have an effect on the bladder and urinary tract directly. According to some research, it can help reduce bladder irritability and increase bladder capacity, which can reduce nighttime urination frequency.
Overall, the precise mechanism of action of pygeum bark is unknown, and more research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic effects. However, the evidence suggests that it has multiple mechanisms of action that can contribute to its efficacy in reducing nocturia and improving urinary symptoms in men with prostate issues.
Studies and Results
Several clinical trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy of pygeum bark in reducing urinary symptoms in men with prostate problems, including BPH. In 1998, 263 men with enlarged prostates participated in a randomized, double-blind study published in the journal Prostate. For two months, the men were given either a pygeum bark extract or a placebo. The men who received the pygeum bark extract had significant improvements in urinary symptoms, including less nighttime urination, according to the study. The pygeum group, in particular, experienced a 20% reduction in nighttime urination frequency, compared to a 7% reduction in the placebo group.
In 1995, Current Therapeutic Research published another study of 47 men with BPH. For six months, the men were given a pygeum bark extract, and the researchers tracked changes in urinary symptoms and prostate size. After six months of treatment, the pygeum bark extract reduced the number of nighttime urinations by 35%. In addition, when compared to the placebo group, the pygeum group had a smaller prostate.
In 2000, the American Journal of Medicine published a meta-analysis of several studies on pygeum bark extract for BPH. The meta-analysis included 18 studies with 1,562 participants in total. The researchers discovered that pygeum bark extract improved urinary symptoms and flow rate while having few side effects.
Overall, the evidence suggests that pygeum bark extract is a safe and effective natural treatment for nocturia and urinary symptoms in men with prostate problems. More research, however, is required to fully understand its long-term effects and optimal dosing regimen.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of pygeum bark extract varies depending on the specific product and formulation. Most studies have used doses of 50-200 mg of standardized pygeum bark extract per day. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
Conclusion
Pygeum bark is a natural supplement that has been shown to be effective in reducing urinary symptoms in men with prostate problems, including frequent nighttime urination. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and long-term effects, pygeum bark is a promising natural nocturia treatment.
References
Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R. Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD001044.
Andro MC, Riffaud JP. Pygeum africanum extract for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a review of 25 years of published experience. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 1995;56(9):796-817.
Chatelain C, Autet W, Brackman F. Comparison of once and twice daily dosage forms of Pygeum africanum extract in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized, double-blind study, with long-term open label extension. Urology. 1999;54(3):473-478.
Ishani A, MacDonald R, Nelson D, Rutks I, Wilt TJ. Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2000;