What is Banaba good for?
Rich in corosolic acid (a substance found to possess blood-sugar-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties), banaba also contains ellagitannins, a class of compounds with antioxidant effects. Banaba is touted as a natural remedy for the following conditions: In addition, banaba is often marketed as a natural weight loss aid.
What is Banaba in botany?
Botany. Banaba is a deciduous, tropical, flowering tree that grows in India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. It typically grows 5 to 10 m in height, and sometimes up to 20 m. The smooth, large, spatulate, oblong to elliptic-ovate leaves measure 4 to 8 cm in width and 12 to 25 cm in length.
Is Banaba safe to take?
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of banaba for these uses. Banaba is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth on a short-term basis. Not enough is known about the safety of using banaba long-term.
Clinical Overview
Banaba leaf preparations have been used in Philippine folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. Certain constituents (eg, corosolic acid) possess hypoglycemic activity. Several animal studies of banaba have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects, but more clinical studies are needed.
Botany
Banaba is a deciduous, tropical, flowering tree that grows in India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. It typically grows 5 to 10 m in height, and sometimes up to 20 m. The smooth, large, spatulate, oblong to elliptic-ovate leaves measure 4 to 8 cm in width and 12 to 25 cm in length.
History
Banaba has been used as a folk medicine to treat diabetes in various parts of the world, especially in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Folkloric use of banaba leaf decoctions for diuretic and purgative purposes and of root parts for stomach ailments has also been recorded.
Chemistry
Banaba leaves contain ellagic acid derivatives. 5 Reports have confirmed the presence of ellagitannins, lagerstroemin, flosin B, and reginin A, all possible glucose transport enhancers. 6 Lagertannins, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and some olefins also have been found in banaba leaves and extracts.
Uses and Pharmacology
Animal and clinical studies have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects of both the aqueous and methanol extracts; most studies have focused on corosolic acid. The water-soluble tannin fractions (ie, ellagitannins) may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin-like, and glucose regulatory activities. 4
Dosing
Limited clinical trial data exist to provide dosing recommendations. Doses of 32 mg or 48 mg of the standardized extract from L. speciosa leaves (Glucosol) (standardized to 0.32 and 0.48 mg of corosolic acid, respectively) were given daily for 10 days in one small study. 29
Interactions
A case report exists of nephrotoxicity in a diabetic patient, potentially related to an interaction with diclofenac. 42
Benefits of Banba
There is currently a lack of scientific evidence for the health effects of banaba. Some preliminary research indicates that banaba may offer certain benefits, however, the studies are often dated or use a combination of herbs. Here's a look at several key study findings:
Side Effects and Safety
Very little is known about the safety of using banaba in the long term. However, there is some concern that banaba may reduce blood sugar levels. A 2012 review found that banaba use was associated with mild adverse effects.
Banba Recommendations
Due to the lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend banaba for any health-related purpose. If you're considering using banaba, consult your primary care provider first.
What are the active ingredients in banaba?
The leaves contain over 40 beneficial compounds. The active ingredients in banaba are various phytochemicals.
Benefits of Banaba Leaves
When someone takes banaba, they have a lower chance of developing diabetes. People who already have diabetes have a lower possibility of their diabetes progressing. Banaba is used to help lower blood sugar, help improves insulin resistance, and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Further health benefits of banaba
Inflammation: People taking banaba have also been known to have lower levels of high sensitivity C reactive protein ( also known as hs CRP for short). High sensitivity C reactive protein is an indication of how much inflammation is present in the body. Therefore, people on banaba should expect to have less inflammation throughout the body.
How long does it take for banaba to start working?
The hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract (hot water) and methanol extracts have been demonstrated in several clinical studies.
Side effects and Precautions
Banaba is very safe for long term use, with no adverse effects identified. Overall, the data support the safety of banaba use as a supplement.
How can you choose the best banaba supplement to treat your diabetes?
Banaba supplements come in different forms: capsules, tablets, powder form, and even banaba tea extract. All these forms are taken orally.
Conclusion
An increasing amount of evidence involving both animal and human studies suggest that Banaba leaf extracts offer antidiabetic and antiobesity effects. Furthermore, it has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve glycemic control, which can help to prevent complications associated with diabetes and improve diabetes management.
Overview
Banaba is a species of crepe myrtle tree that is native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. People use the leaves to make medicine.
Uses & Effectiveness
Diabetes. Some early research suggests that taking a particular banaba extract (Glucosol) for 2 weeks lowers blood sugar by 10% in people with type 2 diabetes. However, other early research suggests that taking a single dose of corosolic acid, a chemical in banaba, before eating does not improve post-meal sugar tolerance.
Side Effects
Banaba is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth on a short-term basis. The long-term safety is unknown.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of banaba during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of banaba depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for banaba. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
The Secret Ingredient (s) In Banaba Leaf Doctors Rely On Revealed
One of the things you're going to like about banaba leaf is how thoroughly it's been tested.
More Surprising Benefits Associated With Banaba Leaf
Further research into banaba leaf reveals this powerful plant is actually good for much more than helping out with keeping blood sugar levels normal. As renowned nutraceutical expert Jon Barron writes :
Banaba Herbal Tea For Weight Loss Control
Meanwhile, here are the health benefits of banaba leaves for your diet solution.
Banaba Leaves for Overall Health Tricks
Efficacy of Banaba for Cholesterol treatment are enormous. Almost all parts of this plant, the seeds, bark, and leaves, can be used for the treatment of various diseases. The seeds, for example, can be used to lower blood pressure levels.
How To Use Banaba Herb For Weight Loss?
Preparation and application of Banaba herbal tea for weight loss management
Banaba Leaves Cautions
Banaba is normally beneficial for most people when taken by drinking it on a temporary basis. The long-term effect is not yet known though. The same as with another herb medication, fair usage consumption is advised.
Clinical Overview
- Use
Banaba leaf preparations have been used in Philippine folk medicine for treatment of diabetes. Certain constituents (eg, corosolic acid) possess hypoglycemic activity. Several animal studies of banaba have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects, but more clinical studies are needed. - Dosing
Limited clinical trial data exist to provide dosing recommendations. Doses of 32 mg or 48 mg of the standardized extract from L. speciosa leaves (Glucosol) (standardized to 0.32 and 0.48 mg of corosolic acid, respectively) were given daily for 10 days in one small study of patients with typ…
Botany
- Banaba is a deciduous, tropical, flowering tree that grows in India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. It typically grows 5 to 10 m in height, and sometimes up to 20 m. The smooth, large, spatulate, oblong to elliptic-ovate leaves measure 4 to 8 cm in width and 12 to 25 cm in length. The flowers are pink to purple when in bloom, and give way to oval, nut-like fruits; the leaves tur…
History
- Banaba has been used as a folk medicine to treat diabetes in various parts of the world, especially in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Folkloric use of banaba leaf decoctions for diuretic and purgative purposes and of root parts for stomach ailments has also been recorded. The first published research study evaluating the insulin-like activity ...
Chemistry
- Banaba leaves contain ellagic acid derivatives.5 Reports have confirmed the presence of ellagitannins, lagerstroemin, flosin B, and reginin A, all possible glucose transport enhancers.6 Lagertannins, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and some olefins also have been found in banaba leaves and extracts.6, 7, 8, 9 Lageracetal (1,1-Dibutoxybutane), 1-pentanol, ellagic acid…
Uses and Pharmacology
- Animal and clinical studies have demonstrated hypoglycemic effects of both the aqueous and methanol extracts; most studies have focused on corosolic acid. The water-soluble tannin fractions (ie, ellagitannins) may provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin-like, and glucose regulatory activities.4
Dosing
- Diabetes
Limited clinical trial data exist to provide dosing recommendations. Doses of 32 mg or 48 mg of the standardized extract from L. speciosa leaves (Glucosol) (standardized to 0.32 and 0.48 mg of corosolic acid, respectively) were given daily for 10 days in one small study.29
Interactions
- A case report exists of nephrotoxicity in a diabetic patient, potentially related to an interaction with diclofenac.42 Hypoglycemic drugs, insulin: Banaba has been shown to produce insulin-like actions and may have additive effects if taken concomitantly with diabetic drugs.2 Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs: Antithrombin activity has been reported for the related specie…
Adverse Reactions
- No adverse effects have been reported; clinical trials are lacking to provide information regarding adverse effects.4, 43 Use caution in patients with diabetes due to the potential of banaba to lower blood sugar.2
Toxicology
- No toxicity has been reported, even in high doses.44 In one report, large oral doses did not produce toxic effects or convulsions.45
Disclaimer
- This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this pro…
Health Benefits
Possible Side Effects
- Consuming banaba could cause certain side effects, including sleep disturbances and headaches. If you are taking banaba, try taking a smaller dosage, supplementing with food, or discontinuing use. Keep in mind, research is not available on what occurs when consuming banaba supplements for a long period of time. You should speak with a healthcare pr...
Dosage and Preparation
- Limited clinical data shows exact dosing recommendations of banaba. In one study, doses of 32 milligrams or 48 milligrams of extract of the banaba leaves were given daily for 10 days to patients with type 2 diabetes.1Speak with a healthcare provider to learn what is best for you based on your health history. The appropriate dose depends on your health, age, and tolerance. …
What to Look For
- If you consume banaba supplements, look for products that contain the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) seal, as this ensures high quality. The label also should not list any treatment, cure, or relief of symptoms for a disease, as this is illegal per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).6