Prunus africana
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| Prunus africana |
Prunus africana (formerly Pygeum africanum) is a plant used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is native to the montane regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Islands of Madagascar, Sao Tome, Fernando Po and Grand Comore. The collection of mature bark for the treatment of BPH has resulted in the species becoming endangered. This is due to some harvesters (spurred on by the high price per Kilo of Bark) removing too much of the bark in an unsustainable manner. In the 1990s it was estimated that 35,000 debarked trees are processed annually.
Pygeum is a herbal remedy containing extracts from the bark of Prunus africana. It is used as to alleviate some of the discomfort caused by inflammation in patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the UK, small short randomised studies using Pygeum provided moderate relief of some of the symptoms of BPH. Bark extract is marketed under the brand-names of Pygenil in Italy and Tadenan in France.
As the species has a vast geographical distribution and numerous medical uses it has become known by numerous names, such as: Pygeum, Stinkwood, African Plum, African Cherry and Red Stinkwood.
