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Banaba Extract

Also known as: banaba, banaba leaf extract, barbasco, crepe myrtle, Lagerstroemia speciosa

Overview

Banaba, scientifically known as Lagerstroemia speciosa, is a tropical plant indigenous to India, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. Its leaves are traditionally utilized for their potential anti-diabetic effects, due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as corosolic acid, ellagitannins, and triterpene acids. Research suggests banaba may aid in diabetes management, prediabetes, and other metabolic disorders through blood sugar regulation, antioxidant benefits, and anti-inflammatory effects. Although the body of research is moderate, it includes primarily animal studies and limited human trials, indicating potential benefits but lacking extensive large-scale studies or systematic reviews to solidify its efficacy as a widely recognized treatment.

Benefits

The most well-documented benefit of banaba extract is its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. Clinical studies have shown that corosolic acid can significantly lower blood sugar levels shortly after consumption. In addition, a six-month clinical trial involving a combination of banaba, mulberry, and Korean red ginseng demonstrated effectiveness in reducing low-grade inflammation markers in type 2 diabetes patients. Other potential benefits include enhanced cellular glucose uptake, regulation of lipid metabolism, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Individuals with diabetes or prediabetes are expected to experience the most significant benefits, although variations in effectiveness have been noted across different studies.

How it works

Banaba's mechanism of action primarily involves enhancing glucose uptake by cellular tissues and dampening gluconeogenesis, which together help in managing blood sugar levels. Corosolic acid, the key bioactive agent, interacts with crucial enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, modulating various signaling pathways, including PPAR, MAPK, and NF-κB, which regulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Such interactions may also contribute to managing oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby supporting overall metabolic health.

Side effects

Banaba is generally classified as possibly safe for short-term use, typically not exceeding two weeks, as there is limited long-term safety data. Common side effects include dizziness, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset, affecting over 5% of users. While there are no documented rare or uncommon side effects, individuals should be cautious of potential interactions with diabetes medications, antihypertensives, and other drugs that could lead to hypoglycemia or hypotension. Further, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to avoid banaba due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with diabetes or on medications that influence blood sugar or blood pressure should exercise caution.

Dosage

Determining the effective dosage for banaba can be complex due to variations in study designs and used formulations. Some research suggests taking 6 grams per day of a combination supplement could yield beneficial effects within six months. However, no upper dosage limit has been firmly established due to a lack of long-term safety data. While timing for ingestion remains undefined, both water-soluble and corosolic acid standardized extracts have been shown to produce efficacy in trials. Probiotic bioconversion may also play a role in enhancing absorption and effectiveness.