Babassu
Scientific names: Orbygnya Speciosa
Other common names: Babassu Coconut, Babassu Palm Tree
Babassu is the common name of a Brazilian native palm tree called Orbignya speciosa, whose kernels are commonly used (eaten entirely or as a grounded powder), in parts of Brazil for the treatment of urinary disorders
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common complaint among aging men and are usually caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A number of medical treatments for LUTS/BPH exist, such as α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, phytotherapeutical drugs and combination therapies. [1].
TRADITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF BABASSU
Immune Support, Men, Urinary Tract Support
Uses
Among the parts used for medicinal purposes, leaves, roots, and fruits should be highlighted. Leaves and roots are used as tea for pain and wound healing, while fruits are used in a much bigger scale: mesocarp floor and milk are used for the treatment of gastritis, hepatitis, osteoporosis, skin wounds, and leukorrhea; liquid albumen is used as eyedrops to treat conjunctivitis; and the seed oil is used as laxative, vermifuge, and anti-inflammatory and for the treatment of myiasis, mycosis, skin wounds, hemorrhoids, leukorrhea and female genital inflammation, and spider bites
Microemulsions containing babassu oil, may act as new and potentially efficient therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia due to their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects and improve human immune system function by increasing superoxide anion release, phagocytosis of mononuclear phagocytes, and antimicrobial activities [2].
View Important Precautions
Chemistry of Babassu oil
Babassu oil is composed mainly of saturated fatty acids (80-91%), such as lauric acid (43-50%), myristic acid (15-18%), palmitic acid (6-10%), capric acid (4-6%), caprylic acid (0-5%) and stearic acid (3-5%); the remainder is unsaturated fatty acids (9-20%), in which oleic acid (12-19%) and linoleic acid (1-3%) are present.
Parts Used
Kernels
Additional Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21396436?report=abstract.
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753019/
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
