Pygeum

Prunus africana

Physical Characteristics

Prunus africana is an evergreen Tree growing to 18 m (59ft) by 18 m (59ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Africa - Sudan, Ethiopia, south to Zambia, Zimbabwe and S. Africa. Also in Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Angola in West Africa.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Appetizer Febrifuge Purgative Urinary The bark is highly valued for its medicinal properties, particularly as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate gland hypertrophy, diseases that commonly affect older men in Europe and N. America[402 , 418 ]. Modern research has shown that this can be a very effective treatment. In addition, the bark is used in traditional medicine as a purgative and as a remedy for stomach ache[402 , 418 ]. The leaves are used as an inhalant for fever or are drunk as an infusion to improve appetite[418 ]. The tree contains several medically active compounds including the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin, which is found in the bark, leaf and fruit; phytosterols such as. ß-sitosterol 15-18%, and its 3-O-glycoside, ß-sitostenone, campesterol, and aucosterol; pentacyclic triterpenoids (mainly of the oleanolic and ursolic acid type)[395 ].

Known Hazards

The bark, bruised leaves and fruits smell strongly of bitter almonds, suggesting the presence of hydrogen cyanide. They are reputed to be poisonous and are used in witchcraft[418 ]. Hydrogen cyanide is found mainly in the leaves, seed and bark, and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.