Sabal (Sabal serrulata or Serenoa repens): properties and how to take it

What is sabal and what diseases does it cure?

The sabal (Sabal serrulata or Serenoa repens) is a small palm tree large fan-shaped leaves. its berries –green when fresh and bluish-black when ripe– strengthen body tissues, prevent hyperplasia glandular and reduce discomfort derivatives of the prostate syndrome.

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 enlarges and puts pressure on the urethra and adjacent tissues, a feeling of inflammation in the lower part of the pelvis.

The sabal berries are harvested in autumn and they can be eaten fresh (50-100 g daily), dry (50 g daily) or in extract (150-300 mg daily).

Sabal medicinal properties

Between the active principles that contain the fruits of sabal essential oils, alcohols, tannins and polysaccharides stand out.

These compounds give them multiple properties, among which the blocking of the production of dehydrotestosterone. This substance is derived from testosterone, the male hormone that stimulates the reproduction of prostate cells.

Sabal berries are currently used in phytotherapeutic preparations intended for the treatment of the following pathologies:

Prostatitis. they exert a anti-inflammatory effect, in addition to preventing the proliferation of androgens on the prostate tissue, which are the cause of the hyperplasia of this gland. In addition, significantly reduce urinary discomfort: dysuria (difficulty urinating), pollakiuria (needing to urinate many times) and urgency (permanent feeling of desire to urinate). hormonal disorders. Due to their estrogenic action, they also have regulatory effects on the female hormonal system. anabolic action. They tone up, help rebuild body tissues and promote gain weight.diuretic effects. They strengthen the bladder and the elimination of urine. They also act as antiseptic in cystitis. Other indications: Help in cases of impotence, premature ejaculation, respiratory infection with persistent cough, asthma, bronchitis, nasal congestion, fatigue and general weakness.They can also be beneficial in cases of alopecia in men.

How to use sabal to care for the prostate?

The prostate is a gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and a portion of the urethra.

Its function is to pour the prostatic fluid in the urethra, which mixes with sperm at the time of ejaculation to promote displacement 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; 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 fatty acids and sterols reduce 5-alpha-reductase activityan enzyme involved in the production of estrogen and the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), hormones responsible for cell growth in prostate tissue.

It does not present contraindications and its intake prevents hyperplasia and mitigates symptoms mentioned.

As prevention you have to take about 500mg/daybut if an HBP already exists, it can be reach 1,000-2,000 mg daily.

How to take sabal

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

The usual dose is usually 2 capsules daily with meals.