Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Pygeum Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Strong
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • GI discomfort (nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea) — reported in approximately 5% of users; mild and usually transient
  • Constipation (occasional)
  • Headache (rare)
  • Excellent overall safety profile established across multiple Cochrane-reviewed RCTs

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Finasteride/dutasteride — potential additive effects on prostate; may be complementary but discuss with urologist
  • Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin) — may have additive effects on urinary symptoms; generally considered safe to combine
  • Blood thinners — ursolic acid may have mild antiplatelet properties; inform physician

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 200mg daily; most clinical trials use 100mg daily (50mg twice daily)

Looking for a well-tested Pygeum?
All our top picks are third-party verified for purity
Full Pygeum Guide

References

  1. Meta-analysisWilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R, Rutks I, Stark G (2002). Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
  2. ReviewEdgar AD, Levin R, Constantinou CE, Denis L (2007). A critical review of the pharmacology of the plant extract of Pygeum africanum in the treatment of LUTS. Neurourology and Urodynamics. DOI PubMed
  3. Meta-analysisIshani A, MacDonald R, Nelson D, Rutks I, et al. (2000). Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis.. The American journal of medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTPiquero-Casals J, Saceda-Corralo D, Aladren S, Bustos J, et al. (2025). Oral Supplementation with l-Cystine, Serenoa repens, Cucurbita pepo, and Pygeum africanum in Chronic Telogen Effluvium and Androgenetic Alopecia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Study.. Skin appendage disorders. DOI PubMed
  5. ReviewDreikorn K, Berges R, Pientka L, Jonas U (2002). [Phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Current evidence-based evaluation].. Der Urologe. Ausg. A. DOI PubMed
  6. Dreikorn K (2000). Phytotherapeutic agents in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.. Current urology reports. DOI PubMed