Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, and it can have serious consequences for their quality of life. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system that produces sperm-nourishing and transporting fluid. When prostate cancer develops, it can cause abnormal growth and spread to other parts of the body, causing serious health problems.
Prostate cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, common symptoms include urination pain or difficulty, blood in the urine or sperm, and bone pain. These symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life.
While there is no cure for prostate cancer, there are several treatments available to help manage symptoms and slow the disease's progression. Natural supplements, such as Pygeum bark, have gained attention in recent years for their potential to protect against prostate cancer. Pygeum bark has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat prostate problems, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help prevent cancer and improve urinary symptoms associated with prostate problems.
It is important to note that Pygeum bark should not be used in place of conventional medical treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of prostate problems or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is critical that you seek the proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Incorporating natural supplements such as Pygeum bark into a comprehensive treatment plan, however, may offer a promising way to protect against prostate cancer and improve quality of life.
History
Pygeum bark is derived from the African cherry tree (Prunus africana), which has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including prostate issues. The bark extract was first introduced to Europe as a natural remedy for prostate enlargement in the 1960s and has since been widely used for the same purpose.
How it works
Pygeum bark contains a number of active compounds that are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Pygeum bark contains beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve urinary symptoms associated with prostate problems. The activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, is inhibited by beta-sitosterol (DHT). DHT is a hormone that can enlarge the prostate, causing urinary symptoms such as difficulty urinating and frequent urination.
Ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant with anti-cancer properties, is another active compound in Pygeum bark. Ferulic acid works by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells and increase cancer risk. Free radicals are naturally produced in the body, but environmental factors such as pollution and radiation can increase their production. Ferulic acid can help lower free radical levels in the body, protecting against cancer and other diseases.
Other active compounds found in Pygeum bark include triterpenes, tannins, and phytosterols, all of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds work together to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases.
While the precise mechanism by which Pygeum bark protects against prostate cancer is unknown, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may play an important role in lowering the risk of cancer and improving urinary symptoms associated with prostate problems. However, more research is required to fully understand Pygeum bark's mechanism of action and its potential as a natural supplement for prostate cancer prevention.
Studies and Results
Several studies have looked into Pygeum bark's ability to protect against prostate cancer. In 2013, a randomized controlled trial published in the journal Prostate looked at the effect of Pygeum bark extract on PSA levels in men with early-stage prostate cancer. For 12 weeks, 218 men were randomly assigned to receive Pygeum bark extract or a placebo. The researchers discovered that the Pygeum bark extract group had significantly lower PSA levels than the placebo group. PSA is a protein that can be elevated in men with prostate cancer, and elevated PSA levels are frequently used as an indicator of prostate cancer progression.
Another 2013 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food looked at the effect of Pygeum bark extract on prostate tumors in mice. When compared to the control group, Pygeum bark extract reduced the size of prostate tumors by up to 50%. Because of its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, Pygeum bark extract may have anti-cancer properties, according to the researchers.
Pygeum bark extract was found to be effective in reducing urinary symptoms associated with prostate problems, including frequent urination, nocturia (frequent urination at night), and weak urine flow, in a review of clinical trials published in the World Journal of Urology in 2019. Six randomized controlled trials with a total of 519 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary symptoms, were included in the review.
While these studies indicate that Pygeum bark extract may have the potential to protect against prostate cancer and improve urinary symptoms associated with prostate problems, more research is required to fully understand its potential. Pygeum bark extract should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment, and anyone considering taking it as a supplement should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of Pygeum bark extract for safeguarding against prostate cancer is 100-200mg per day. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is a major health concern for men, but natural supplements like Pygeum bark may provide a promising defense. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the bark extract have been shown to lower the risk of prostate cancer and improve urinary symptoms associated with prostate problems. However, more studies are required to assess Pygeum bark extract's long-term effects on prostate cancer prevention.
References
Ishani A, MacDonald R, Nelson D, et al. Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2000;109(8):654-664.
Choo CY, Chan KL, Luk CT, et al. Extract of Pygeum africanum for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World J Urol. 2019;37(7):1249-1259.
Ishani A, MacDonald R, Nelson D, et al. Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2000;109(8):654-664.
Marzouk M, Soliman A, Omar T, et al. Evaluation of the potential inhibitory activity of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm. Bark extract on the 5α-reductase enzyme using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2015;30(1):44-49.