Tadenan

Pygeum/Drug Interactions:

  • 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: Based on in vitro evidence, pygeum extract may inhibit human prostatic 5-alpha-reductase, but much less powerfully than finasteride (13). 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as terazosin (Hytrin?) or finasteride (Proscar?), are commonly used to treat symptoms of prostate enlargement, and they may increase the effects of pygeum, although this is not well studied.
  • AndrogensAndrogens: Based on laboratory and in vitro evidence, dichloromethane extract from the stem barks of Pygeum africanum and atraric acid, a constituent of Pygeum africanum, have been found to have antiandrogenic activity (14; 26).
  • AntiandrogensAntiandrogens: Based on laboratory and in vitro evidence, dichloromethane extract from the stem barks of Pygeum africanum and atraric acid, a constituent of Pygeum africanum, have been found to have antiandrogenic activity (14; 26).
  • Anti inflammatory agentsAnti inflammatory agents: Pygeum africanum has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro studies (27; 28); however, the effects with other anti-inflammatory agents is not well understood.
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: Pygeum africanum has been shown to exhibit anticancer effects in in vitro and in vivo studies (5); however, the effects with other antineoplastic agents are not well understood.
  • EstrogensEstrogens: Pygeum reportedly has estrogenic effects (15; 16) and theoretically may have additive effects when used with estrogens.
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: Based on laboratory and in vitro evidence, dichloromethane extract from the stem barks of Pygeum africanum and atraric acid, a constituent of Pygeum africanum, have been found to have antiandrogenic activity (14; 26). Pygeum also reportedly has estrogenic effects (15; 16) and theoretically may have additive effects when used with estrogens.

    • Pygeum/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AndrogensAndrogens: Based on laboratory and in vitro evidence, dichloromethane extract from the stem barks of Pygeum africanum and atraric acid, a constituent of Pygeum africanum, have been found to have antiandrogenic activity (14; 26).
  • AntiandrogensAntiandrogens: Based on laboratory and in vitro evidence, dichloromethane extract from the stem barks of Pygeum africanum and atraric acid, a constituent of Pygeum africanum, have been found to have antiandrogenic activity (14; 26).
  • Anti inflammatory herbsAnti inflammatory herbs: Pygeum africanum has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro studies (27; 28); however, the effects with other anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood.
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Pygeum africanum has been shown to exhibit anticancer effects in in vitro and in vivo studies (5). Extracts from Pygeum africanum are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (26). The effects with other antineoplastic agents, however, is not well understood.
  • Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: Based on laboratory and in vitro evidence, dichloromethane extract from the stem barks of Pygeum africanum and atraric acid, a constituent of Pygeum africanum, have been found to have antiandrogenic activity (14; 26). Pygeum also reportedly has estrogenic effects (15; 16) and theoretically may have additive effects when used with estrogens.
  • PhytoestrogensPhytoestrogens: Pygeum reportedly has estrogenic effects (15; 16) and theoretically may have additive effects when used with phytoestrogens.
  • Saw palmetto(Serenoa repens)Saw palmetto(Serenoa repens): Based on clinical evidence, pygeum may result in increased effects on the prostate if used with saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) (21).
  • Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): Based on clinical evidence, pygeum may result in increased effects on the prostate if used with stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) (21). Combination products are available containing both stinging nettle and pygeum.

    • Pygeum/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Pygeum/Lab Interactions:

  • Hormone panelHormone panel: Based on laboratory and in vitro evidence, dichloromethane extract from the stem barks of Pygeum africanum and atraric acid, a constituent of Pygeum africanum, have been found to have antiandrogenic activity (14; 26). Pygeum also reportedly has estrogenic effects (15; 16), and theoretically may have additive effects when used with estrogens.
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum valuesProstate-specific antigen (PSA) serum values: In theory, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum values may be reduced with the use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, masking otherwise elevated levels. Patients with prostate cancer should discuss the use of any 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (drug or herb, such as pygeum or saw palmetto) with their oncologists or urologists.