Benefits. Biological activities of leaves of an ethnomedicinal plant, Palmera is an antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant. Dried Palmera leaves are great to sleep on as the plant even when it dried contain antibacterial properties. The study showed the leaves and roots to possess antioxidant activity. The antioxidant potential of leaves to be greater than the roots. A plant considered a rich source of phytoconstituents: gums, saponins, glycosides, carbohydrates, albuminoids, fats, vitamins A, B, and C. Studies have suggested analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, anticancer properties.

"The present study indicated that methanol extract and acetone fraction shows a prominent antimicrobial activity against most referenced bacterial and fungal strains. Methanol extract possesses an interesting antioxidant activity as that of ascorbic acid. The antioxidant activity might be attributed to the presence of natural antioxidants such as phenolic compounds. Thus considering together, these out-comes show that the Borassus flabellifer Linn (Palmyra Tree) leaves could be considered as good sources of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials and may find several applications in agro-food and pharmaceutical industries." - Cairo University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Read More

About the Palmera tree in Sri Lankan culture. The recently germinated seeds form fleshy sprouts below the surface which can be boiled and eaten as a fibrous, nutritious food. The germinated seed's hard shell is also cut open to take out the crunchy kernel which tastes like a water chestnut but sweeter. The ripe fibrous outer layer of the fruits is edible after boiling or roasting. When the fruit is tender, the kernel inside the hard shell is an edible jelly that is refreshing and rich in minerals. When the crown of the tree from which the leaves sprout is cut one can make a cake. In ancient times, dried palm leaves were used to write manuscripts.