What is sabal and what diseases does it cure?

The sabal (Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata) is a small palm tree with large fan-shaped leaves also well known by its English name: saw palmetto. Its berries, Green when fresh and reddish or bluish black when ripe, they strengthen body tissues, prevent hyperplasia glandular and reduce discomfort derivatives of prostate syndrome.

For all these reasons, although there is no scientific consensus on its real effectiveness, it has become one of the most used natural remedies to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasiaespecially in the United States, but also in Europe.

This condition, which affects many men over the age of 50, is characterized by a benign growth of the prostate that causes difficulty urinating and, as the gland grows and puts pressure on the urethra and adjacent tissues, a feeling of inflammation in the lower part of the pelvis.

The sabal berries or saw palmetto They are collected in autumn and can be consumed fresh (50-100 g daily), dry (50 g daily) or in extract (150-300 mg daily). In areas where sabal or saw palmetto grows naturally (in sparsely vegetated sandy soils of the southeastern United States, northeastern Mexico, and some Caribbean islands) have been used by local populations since ancient timesnot only as food but also as a natural remedy to treat urinary problems in men and to stimulate sexual response and promote erection.

Properties of sabal or Saw Palmetto

Of sabal or saw palmetto The fruits or dates, which are edible, are used medicinally. Among the active ingredients contained in these fruits Essential oils, alcohols, tannins and polysaccharides stand out.

Furthermore, the fruits of the sabal or saw palmetto They contain phytosterols (ß-sitosterol, stigmasterol), unsaturated fatty acids (such as oleic, linoleic, caprylic, lauric and myristic acids), carotenes, vitamin A and C, flavonoids (derived from rutin and kaempferol) and resins.

These compounds give sabal or saw palmetto multiple properties, including antiandrogenic properties, since blocks the production of dehydrotestosterone. This substance is derived from testosterone, the male hormone that stimulates the reproduction of prostate cells.

It is also attributed estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, balsamic, demulcent, diuretic, nutritional and vitamin properties.

What is sabal or saw palmetto used for?

Currently the berries of Sabal serrulata Roem. & Schultz (Serenoa repens Bartram Small.) are used in extract form in phytotherapeutic preparations intended for the care of the prostate and the treatment of different pathologies.

• Prostatitis. They exercise a anti-inflammatory effectin addition to preventing the proliferation of androgens on the prostate tissue, which are the cause of hyperplasia of this gland. In addition, significantly reduce urinary discomfort: dysuria (difficulty urinating), frequency (need to urinate many times) and bladder urgency (permanent feeling of desire to urinate).
• Beign prostate hyperplasia. The extracts of sabal or saw palmettoespecially through the action of fatty acids and phytosterols, could inhibit the production of 5 alpha reductase, an enzyme present in prostate tissues and testicles that is involved in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, responsible for the growth of prostate tissue. The sabal or saw palmetto It would, therefore, moderate the production of these hormones in men and act in a similar way to conventional prostate medication, such as finasteride.
• They can also be beneficial in cases of premature alopecia in mendue to its action on the production of testosterone.
• Hormonal disorders. Due to their estrogenic action, they also have regulatory effects on the female hormonal system.
• Diuretic effects. On Saturday or saw palmetto It is also attributed a tonic and stimulating effect on the secretory function, with the ability to increase the flow or power of urine and strengthen the function of the urinary bladder. It also exerts an effect antiseptic in cystitis.
• anabolic action. Sabal berries tone, help rebuild body tissues and may help weight loss.
• In traditional uses, sabal or saw palmetto It has also been used to relieve cough attacks and throat irritation in laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis and flu.

Can sabal or saw palmetto help with erection?

The fruits of the sabal or saw palmetto have been considered a traditional remedy to strengthen libido, increase sexual desire and enhance erection in man.

They have been used to treat premature ejaculationthe male impotence and the lack of sexual desirebut there is no scientific evidence to support it. It is based, above all, on traditional practices and references to indigenous uses.

How to use sabal or saw palmetto

Sabal berries or saw palmetto They can be found dehydrated or dried, or in powder form. It can be used in different ways:

• In infusion or decoctiontwo cups daily.
• In liquid extract and in tincture.
• c-shapedcapsules or tabletssold in herbalists and also in many pharmacies.
• in syrup for cough and throat irritation.
• Sabal extract as an ingredient of shampoos, creams and lotions to prevent hair loss.

How to take sabal for the prostate

As dietary supplementhe sabal berry extract It can be found alone or as part of formulas together with other substances with synergistic action for prostate protection such as pumpkin seeds, green nettle, lycopene, vitamin E, beta-carotenes and zinc.

The usual dose is usually 2 capsules daily with meals. TO preventive mode are usually recommended about 500 mg/day; If there is already benign prostatic hyperplasia, treatment may be prescribed. 1,000-2,000 mg daily.

The prostate is a gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and a portion of the urethra. Its function is to pour the prostate fluid in the urethra, which mixes with sperm at the time of ejaculation to promote movement of sperm.

This organ can suffer increase in size for various reasons: in the young or middle-aged menthe most common prostate condition is inflammation of the gland due to a acute infection (prostatitis); while in the over 50 years It is more common hypertrophy or exaggerated growth (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH).

When the size of the gland is greater than normal, compresses the urethra and makes urination difficult. It is a benign condition that does not imply the existence of canceralthough sometimes they can manifest together.

The causes of hypertrophy are hormonalbut eating certain foods regularly can delay or alleviate it (tomatoes, nuts or soy).

Sabal or saw palmetto can be useful for prostate care due to its inhibitory effect on the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. (which is involved in the production of estrogen and the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone or DHT, the hormones responsible for cell growth in prostate tissue). It has also been attributed certain ability to regenerate prostate tissue and some clinical studies conclude that it could contribute to stop the invasion of tumor cells in the urinary ducts, including the prostate. Nevertheless, there is no consensus at a scientific level on these effects and there are also double-blind clinical studies that question its effectiveness.

hair remedy

A formula can be prepared to prevent alopecia and stop hair loss.

• Ingredients: Sabal glycolic extract, hop extract, nettle extract, mallow extract, 10 g of each, plus rosemary alcohol (20 g), witch hazel water (20 g) and distilled water, 250 g.
• Preparation: We mix the ingredients and add an emulsifier, such as polysorbate 80, so that it acquires the consistency of a lotion or cream.
• Application: Rub on the scalp, two or three times a week, then wash with a neutral shampoo or a marshmallow decoction.

Precautions and contraindications

The sabal or saw palmetto It is a relatively safe plant, but there are certain aspects to consider if you choose to take it.

Some studies have warned that taking sabal together with ginkgo and salicylic acid could cause bleeding.

Sabal should not be taken in pregnancy and the period of lactationnor manage children under 12 years.

Is It is necessary to consult with a urologist before starting treatments with sabal for prostate problems, and even more so if you are taking hormonal medication.

It is also important to consult with your doctor before starting treatments with sabal. if anti-inflammatories are taken frequently for pain like iboprufen, pain relievers like aspirin, medications for blood circulation and hormonal treatments for the prostate.

A few rare side effects have been described, such as the appearance of nausea, stomach pain, constipation or occasional diarrhea.