Royal palm sp

Its key ecological role lies in providing **food and habitat** for a wide range of fauna, including birds, bats, and insects. The palm produces fruits that serve as an important food source for frugivorous birds and bats, supporting their survival and aiding in seed dispersal, while its flowers attract insects and pollinators. The dense canopy and sturdy fronds offer shelter, nesting, and roosting sites, particularly in urban and landscaped environments where natural vegetation is limited. In addition, these palms contribute to **carbon sequestration** by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide during growth and storing it in their biomass, thereby helping to mitigate climate change. Through continuous CO₂ uptake and oxygen release, they function as natural urban **“air purifiers,”** improving air quality, moderating microclimates, and enhancing overall ecological health in cities and periurban areas.

They are traditionally used in the treatment of **diabetes**, as various parts of the plant are believed to help regulate blood glucose levels. Experimental studies have shown that an extract obtained from the fruit of *Roystonea regia*, known as **D-004**, exhibits significant pharmacological activity. In animal models, particularly in rodents, D-004 has been found to **reduce benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)** by inhibiting prostate enlargement and modulating inflammatory and hormonal pathways. These findings highlight the medicinal potential of *R. regia*, supporting its traditional use and indicating its promise as a natural therapeutic agent for metabolic and prostaterelated disorders, pending further clinical validation.