> Supplement Index > Banaba Leaf / Lagerstroemia speciosa > Banaba Leaf General Information Banaba Leaf Uses & Scientific Evidence For Banaba Leaf Dosage Information Banaba Leaf Safety & Interaction Information - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Banaba Leaf General Information Banaba is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. The leaf extract of this plant contains a triterpenoid known as corosolic acid, which stimulates glucose transport into cells. Due to this triterpenoid, Banaba can be effective in regulating blood sugar levels and insulin in the blood. For many people, hunger, various food cravings, specifically, carbohydrates such as breads and sweets, and appetite, are related to fluctuations in insulin and blood sugar. By regulating blood sugar and insulin levels, it reduces those cravings and helps control the appetite, and can also be a weight loss aid for certain individuals. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Banaba Leaf Uses & Scientific Evidence For Numerous scientific studies have shown that the corosolic acid in Banaba stimulates glucose uptake. In humans with type II diabetes, clinical trials show this extract to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels and maintaining better control of blood sugar fluctuations. Due to its effects on blood sugar and insulin, Banaba leaf tea is used as a treatment for diabetes and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). A pleasant side effect of regulating blood sugar levels is the reduction of carbohydrate cravings and caloric intake, which in turn, promotes moderate weight loss; on average 2-4 lbs. a month. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Banaba Leaf Dosage Information A safe dose is between 8 and 48 mg per day of Banaba extract taken with meals. For best results though, it is best to consult with your physician the dosage to be used in treating your condition. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Banaba Leaf Safety & Interaction Information There have been no adverse side effects associated in taking the recommended doses of Banaba. Exceeding the standard doses though can cause hypoglycemic effects such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -