--- title: "African Cherry Bark Benefits & Side Effects" description: "EMA recognises African cherry (pygeum) bark extract as a traditional remedy for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. See a doctor first." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/african-cherry-bark/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) # African Cherry Bark Prunus africana B Limited clinical evidence EMA recognises African cherry (pygeum) bark extract as a traditional remedy for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. See a doctor first. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **Unknown** Breastfeeding **Unknown** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## At a glance African cherry (Prunus africana, formerly Pygeum africanum) is an African tree whose bark is extracted. EMA recognises the traditional use of a standardised bark extract for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. A Cochrane review found moderate symptom improvement in small, short trials. **Parts used:** bark **Key constituents:** Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol), Pentacyclic triterpenes (ursolic and oleanolic acid), Ferulic acid esters Updated: October 24, 2026 Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use EMA recognises a standardised African cherry bark extract as a traditional herbal medicinal product for the relief of lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, after a doctor has ruled out serious conditions. \[1\] - B Limited clinical evidence In a Cochrane review of 18 randomized trials in 1,562 men, pygeum extract moderately improved symptoms compared with placebo; night-time urination fell by 19%, residual urine by 24% and urine flow rose by 23%. The trials were small and short (mean 64 days), with no comparison to standard drugs. \[2\] ## How is it used? ### Food The standardised bark extract is taken by mouth as capsules or tablets. Long-term use is possible; the bark itself is not prepared at home. **Amount:** 100 mg standardised extract a day (50 mg twice daily) \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 18 years - Before use, a doctor must rule out serious conditions such as prostate cancer. - See a doctor promptly if you have fever, cramps, blood in the urine, painful urination or cannot pass urine. - For adult men only; there is no relevant use in women or under 18. - Do not stop prostate medicine without asking your doctor; pygeum has not been compared with standard drugs. \[1\] \[2\] ### Drug interactions No recorded interactions ### Side effects - Rarely digestive complaints such as nausea, constipation or diarrhoea #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Frequently asked questions Is pygeum good for the prostate? EMA recognises standardised bark extract as a traditional use for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. A Cochrane review found moderate symptom improvement in small trials. What is the difference between pygeum and saw palmetto? Both are different plants used for symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. Pygeum is a tree bark extract, while saw palmetto is a fruit extract. Does pygeum reduce night-time urination? In the Cochrane review, night-time urination fell by about 19% compared with placebo; the trials were small and short. Do I need to see a doctor before taking pygeum? Yes. EMA requires a doctor to rule out serious diseases such as prostate cancer before use. Does pygeum have side effects? Nausea, constipation or diarrhoea can occur rarely. In the Cochrane review, side effects were mild and similar to placebo. ## Sources Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval. 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Prunus africana (Hook f.) Kalkm., cortex](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-prunus-africana-hook-f-kalkm-cortex_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2016 · Monograph Source accessed: October 24, 2026 2. [Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia](https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001044/information) Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2011 · Systematic review Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page African Cherry Bark (Prunus africana). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/african-cherry-bark/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Understanding Evidence Levels (A, B, C and T)](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/understanding-evidence-levels/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Ashwagandha](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ashwagandha/) B Limited clinical evidence Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Ashwagandha root extracts have limited evidence for stress and sleep. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and liver disease; drug interactions are possible. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Maca](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/maca/) B Limited clinical evidence Lepidium meyenii Maca root powder has been tried for sexual desire and function in small studies; evidence is limited. Take care in pregnancy and hormone-sensitive cancers. 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[Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Floral Water](https://herbadex.com/en/form/floral-water/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Clay, Soap & Other) [Clay, Soap & Other →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Horse Chestnut](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horse-chestnut/) A Strong clinical evidence Aesculus hippocastanum Standardised horse chestnut seed extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy, aching legs; never eat raw conkers. [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Aloe Vera](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/aloe-vera/) B Limited clinical evidence Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Aloe vera inner-leaf gel may shorten healing time in some burn studies. This entry covers topical use; swallowing yellow aloe latex carries notable risks. 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If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.