Palmex

Palmex is a natural phytotherapeutic agent and nutritional supplement developed by the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas (CNIC) in Cuba for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It consists of a lipid extract derived from the fruits of the Cuban royal palm (*Roystonea regia*), containing a mixture of free fatty acids such as oleic, palmitic, and lauric acids. Palmex exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-targeted mechanism, including the inhibition of the enzyme 5α-reductase (which prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone), antagonism of α1-adrenoreceptors (promoting smooth muscle relaxation in the prostate and bladder neck), and antioxidant activity that reduces oxidative stress in prostate tissue. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Palmex is effective in improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), increasing maximum urinary flow, and reducing prostate volume, with a safety profile comparable to standard pharmacological treatments like finasteride and tamsulosin.

Brand names

Palmex

Other names

lipid extract of Roystonea regiaCuban royal palm fruit extract