Saw palmetto – Sabal serrulata
At some point after the age of 50, almost every man experiences the prostate gland beginning to grow unnoticed. This alone would not be a problem if the growth did not lead to difficulties in urinating over time. Fortunately, there is a remedy for this – or rather, a palm tree.
Clear the urethra
Fields of application
Saw palmetto is considered to be the most effective medicinal plant for prostate problems. Its diuretic and decongestant properties alleviate the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto is not only as effective as chemical medications, but is even superior due to the lack of side effects. Unlike some chemical preparations, plant extracts have no negative effect on potency. On the contrary: the native inhabitants of America even used saw palmetto as an elixir of love because its fruits are said to have an aphrodisiac effect. The most important ingredients include palmetto oil, flavonoids, phytosterols, triglycerides, triterpenes, carotenoids, water-soluble polysaccharides and essential oils. The phytosterols inhibit the formation of dihydrotestosterone at the androgen receptors, which slows down the further enlargement of the prostate. Clinical studies have shown that remarkable success can be achieved with herbal remedies, especially in the early stages of prostate disease.
Botanical characteristics
The short-stemmed, shrubby plant with grey-green leaves and large, dark red fruits is also known as dwarf palm, sabal fruit or European palm. The saw palmetto plant can grow to around six metres in height and has sharply serrated leaves and stems with spines. It grows wild in the marshy and tropical coastal areas of South Carolina, Florida and southern California. The fruits are dried and processed into an extract for use in medicines.