Banaba leaf extract is widely popular as an antidiabetic supplement, and its proponents claim it can help with weight loss. Does the science back them up? Read on to find out.<\/p>\n
Lagerstroemia speciosa<\/i>, commonly known as banaba, is a tropical tree widely grown in the Philippines. Traditional practitioners (and people looking for natural complements to their health management strategies) use it as antidiabetic [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Water and methanol (alcohol) extracts of this tree\u2019s leaves are sold in capsule form and used to help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. The capsules often contain other substances such as green tea<\/a>, green coffee<\/a>, tamarind, gymnema<\/a>, black pepper<\/a>, and\/or metals like vanadium and magnesium<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Banaba leaf extract\u2019s active components include corosolic acid, lagerstroemin, and gallotannins [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Corosolic acid lowered glucose<\/a> in several animal and human trials, possibly by [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n It also lowers fat levels (triglycerides<\/a> and LDL<\/a>, the \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol<\/a>) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Banaba contains ellagitannins, a type of molecule present in many common fruits and nuts such as pomegranates, strawberries, and almonds [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Ellagitannins like lagistroemin may increase glucose transport activity by activating glucose transporters (GLUTs) and promoting the production of more signaling (transmission) molecules. Transmission molecules like Nf-kB<\/a> and MAPK, along with GLUTs, all help cells to absorb glucose and use it for energy [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n PGG, one of the banaba\u2019s key gallotannins, discouraged fat cell production (adipogenesis) in cell studies. Gallotannins are a type of tannic acid, the class of compound, found in red wine, which reduced blood sugar in diabetic patients. These mechanisms have led some researchers to call for deeper investigations into banaba\u2019s antidiabetic potential [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Banaba leaf supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use and generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.<\/span><\/p>\n Banaba leaf may help lower blood sugar by increasing glucose tolerance. It can decrease glucose production in the body up to 30% and decrease the breakdown of storage molecules (like starch and<\/span> glucagon<\/span><\/a>) into glucose [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike many antidiabetics, banaba has not been observed to promote weight gain<\/span> [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n In a year-long study, 15 diabetic patients took 100 mg of pure water-soluble banaba extract pills daily. At both 6 months and 1 year, the patients had <\/span>significantly improved glucose tolerance<\/b>. At the end of the year, they had up to a 16% decrease in their blood sugar levels but <\/span>did not have low blood sugar<\/b> (hypoglycemia) [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n In another clinical trial, 24 patients with mild type 2 diabetes were given 3 tablets containing a mix of banaba, green tea, green coffee, and garcinia (tamarind) 3 times a day. The patients had an average blood glucose decrease of 13.5% [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n In another 2-week study of 10 type 2 diabetic patients, the subjects took 32 mg or 48 mg banaba capsules (with a 1% concentration of corosolic acid) daily. At the end of the clinical trial, they had a <\/span>30% decrease<\/b> in blood glucose levels<\/b> [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n Despite these promising results, the FDA has not approved banaba for lowering blood glucose. In order for it to reach the rigorous standards required for approval, large-scale clinical trials must be conducted to identify a safe and effective dose. Talk to your doctor before supplementing.<\/span><\/p>\n People with prediabetic insulin resistance may also benefit from banaba. In one clinical trial of 80 prediabetic adults, banaba extract improved insulin sensitivity and preserved pancreatic beta-cell function over 12 weeks. However, banaba did not reduce the degree to which blood sugar spiked after a meal. Further clinical trials are needed to determine how useful banaba might be in controlling insulin resistance and preventing progression into diabetes [<\/span>R<\/span><\/a>].<\/span><\/p>\n The following purported benefits are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of banaba leaf for any of the below-listed uses. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking banaba leaf, and never use it in place of something your doctor recommends or prescribes.<\/span><\/p>\nComponents and Mechanisms<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Benefits of Banaba Leaf<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Possibly Effective For<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
1) Blood Sugar Control<\/span><\/h4>\n
Prediabetes<\/span><\/h5>\n
Insufficient Evidence For<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n