Sabal palm is a North American medicinal plant that plays an important role in solvingsolving typically male problems, from benign prostatic hypertrophy to impaired potency to baldness. Sabal palm affects male hormonal balance, and it does so primarily due to its high content of phytosterols and fatty acids. Recommended for men, sabal palm can also be a useful herbal resource for women. It has a strengthening effect, alleviates hormonal problems, and when used externally, is excellent for the condition of hair.
Table of contents
- 1 What is sabal palm (saw palmetto)?
- 2 Active ingredients contained in the fruit of the sabal palm plant
- 3 Sabal palm – medicinal properties
- 4 Sabal palm for prostate problems
- 5 Sabal palm for erectile and potency problems. Sabal palm and testosterone
- 6 Sabal palm for baldness
- 7 What else does saw palmetto help with? That is, the health-promoting use of sabal palm fruit extracts
- 8 Sabal palm in cosmetics – will the saw palmetto fruit help with problematic hair?
- 9 How to use sabal palm? In the care of hair and scalp, the best way is to use rubs. They are made in a very simple way:
- 10 How to use sabal palm extracts (sabal palm fruit extracts)?
- 11 Sabal palm – side effects
What is sabal palm (saw palmetto)?
Sabal palm (Serenoa repens L.) belongs to the areca family, which also includes coconut and date palm. Other common names for sabal palm are saw palmetto and ball sided palm. The plant is native to the United States, and its first users were Indians. It grows mainly in the southeastern USA states, including Florida, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Arkansas.
The sabal palm is such a distinctive and important plant that its illustration has found a place on Florida’s flag and emblem. It has been used for many decades. Among other things, Indians used it for urinary tract problems, and it was also a method for improving fertility. For Native Americans, moreover, the sabal palm was an edible plant. In the 19th century, European settlers brought the plant to the Old Continent.
Saw palmetto is a low-sized palm characterized by a short stem, at the top of which is located a showy plume of leaves. The leaves are voluminous, ribbon-like, stiff and have a dark green or bluish-green hue. Flowers are small and white. Fruits are small, oval, shiny. At first they are green, as they ripen they darken and become purple-black or quite black. The tree reaches a height of 2 meters and a width of 1 meter.
Active ingredients contained in the fruit of the sabal palm plant
Sabal palm is distinguished by its high content of fatty acids and sterols. Thanks to these active compounds, the plant intensively supports the functioning of the prostate and urinary tract, relieving annoying urinary problems. Sterols contained in the saw palmetto fruit also support the cardiovascular system and contribute to lowering total cholesterol in the body.
Sabal palm contains such components as:
- phytosterols (stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, sitostreol, campesterol),
- fatty acids (lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, caprylic, oleic, linolenic),
- polysaccharides,
- beta-carotene,
- flavonoids (isoquercetin, quercetin, kemferol, roifolin),
- vitamin E derivatives,
- tannins,
- terpenes,
- amino acids,
- resins,
- uronic acids,
- galactose.
Sabal palm – medicinal properties
Sabal palm, although it is mainly used for male ailments, also exhibits more comprehensive effects.
Thanks to the presence of sterols, flavonoids, terpene compounds, tannins and other active substances, it supports the circulatory systemcirculatory , immune and endocrine systems, as well as participating in the elimination of pathogens from the body and helping to extinguish inflammation.
Many of the components contained in sabal palm fruits have a high antioxidant potential, which helps to increase the defense barrier against diseases of civilization.
Properties of sabal palm to improve the condition of the body:
- antioxidant,
- anti-cholesterol,
- tonic,
- regulating hormone levels,
- Sedative (reducing smooth muscle tension),
- anti-edematous,
- anti-inflammatory.
Sabal palm for prostate problems
Intensification of the process of converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, advanced age, a decrease in testosterone levels, as well as high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood are the main factors that contribute to the growth of the prostate (prostate gland) in men. This condition is faced by a very wide range of men. About half of men over the age of 50 struggle with benign prostatic hyperplasia and about 80% of men over the age of 75.
The increased volume of the prostate gland results in pressure on the urinary tract, which in turn leads to persistent discomforts such as:
- a constant feeling of pushing on the bladder,
- pain,
- frequent urination (including at night),
- problem with holding urine,
- inability to initiate micturition,
- weak and intermittent urine stream and inability to empty the bladder completely.
There are many natural ways to significantly alleviate these symptoms, and one of the most commonly recommended and effective is the systematic use of herbs such as sabal palm.
Sabal palm helps regulate male sex hormones, as well as supports the urinary system and improves urine flow, making it a valuable aid in reducing the severe symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia.
Sabal palm’s main mechanism of action involves reducing the activity of the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is a very active form of testosterone that stimulates the proliferation of prostate cells, thereby having the effect of increasing prostate volume.
Saw palmetto inhibits the proliferation of prostate cells, and at the same time, thanks to the phytosterols it contains, it has an effect on lowering the level of bad cholesterol in the body, which also has a positive effect on prostate health. One of the richest prostate health supplements with sabal palm is Prostoxalen.
Sabal palm for erectile and potency problems. Sabal palm and testosterone
Worth knowing, sabal palm not only counteracts the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, but also helps balance the concentration of testosterone itself in the body. It is especially valuable in the case of reduced testosterone levels (it mobilizes the body to secrete it). As a result, it positively affects sexual performance, increases libido and eliminates erection problems.
Sabal palm for baldness
The biologically active components of sabal palm inhibit the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This makes the plant a valuable weapon against the process of transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone DHT.
DHT is a highly active testosterone derivative that causes miniaturization of hair follicles, which in turn contributes to the disruption of the hair growth cycle and excessive hair loss. This is known as androgenetic alopecia. Regular use of sabal palm extracts helps reduce DHT levels in the body and counteracts androgenetic alopecia.
Check out an intensive anti baldness formula with sabal palm: Folisin
What else does saw palmetto help with? That is, the health-promoting use of sabal palm fruit extracts
Saw palmetto is a plant-based solution to many male ailments. It’s also a comprehensive support for the entire body.
Sabal palm:
- strengthens the body,
- helps restore hormonal balance,
- supports the urinary tract,
- improves urine flow and eliminates urinary problems,
- counteracts urinary incontinence,
- reduces inflammation,
- relieves cough,
- has antioxidant and anticancer effects,
- improves fertility,
- relaxes smooth muscles,
- relieves pains and burning,
- reduces swelling,
- supports the cardiovascular system and heart, reduces blood cholesterol levels,
- moisturizes and protects the skin,
- normalizes skin function, reduces seborrhea and acne.
Sabal palm in cosmetics – will the saw palmetto fruit help with problematic hair?
Regular application of sabal palm to the hair can bring us a marked improvement in its condition. Here’s how it works:
- reduces hair loss,
- strengthens hair follicles and roots,
- promotes the growth of new hair,
- leads to thickening and thickening of hair,
- eliminates the phenomenon of excessive hair greasiness,
- has a beneficial effect on the condition of the scalp.
How to use sabal palm? In the care of hair and scalp, the best way is to use rubs. They are made in a very simple way:
Grind a handful of dried sabal palm fruits into smaller pieces and pour a small amount of boiling water over them. We steep 15 minutes covered. We strain and cool. We add a few drops of burdock, rosemary or argan oil. Mix. We rub into the scalp and hair. We rinse after about 30 minutes.
How to use sabal palm extracts (sabal palm fruit extracts)?
Sabal palm preparations are generally available in capsule form, less commonly in hard tablet form. The use of sabal palm extracts in the form of dietary supplements works well in combating benign prostatic hyperplasia, treating androgenetic alopecia, erectile and potency problems, as well as problems with urination and incontinence. The best results come from preparations that include other similarly acting ingredients in addition to sabal palm (e.g., capsules of Prostan Plus).
How to use preparations containing sabal palm fruit extracts? It all depends on the dose of saw palmetto extract contained in 1 capsule or tablet. Mostly, it is recommended to take from 1 to 3 capsules or tablets per day. The method of taking therefore depends on the product in question. Before use, read the dosage instructions on the package and follow the instructions.
Sabal palm – side effects
Side effects after the use of sabal palm appear rarely. If they do occur, they are usually the result of taking too large doses. The following side effects may occur: dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, decreased blood clotting.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saw-palmetto
- https://www.healthline.com/health/testosterone-saw-palmetto#prostate
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saw-palmetto-benefits
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31807332/
