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Banaba Leaf Side Effects

Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa), is a type of Crepe Myrtle tree that produces pink or white flowers. It is native to the Phillippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan. Its wood is sometimes used to make furniture. Extracts from the leaves are also used as a treatment for diabetes, hypoglycemia and high blood pressure.

  1. Banaba and Diabetes

    • Banaba leaf extract is used as an herbal treatment for diabetes in some parts of the world. It is particularly popular in the Philippines. Banaba extract is rich in corosolic acid which is a plant insulin that has been shown to have some anti-diabetic therapeutic effects. Tests in animals have also shown that banaba extract can increase insulin, reduce blood glucose, and improve hypoglycemia. It can be obtained in the form of a juice, tea or tablet.

    Functions of corosolic acid

    • Corosolic acid is an insulin-like compound that has the ability to modulate the levels of insulin and glucose. The lowering of blood-sugar levels may also be responsible for a reduction in appetite and carbohydrate cravings that is often reported. Banaba leaf extract is also rich in antioxidants which have a cleansing effect on the body and boost the immune system.

    Minor Side Effects

    • The appropriate dose depends on a number of factors including health and age and should be decided by a physician. Though banaba extract may be safe for most people little is known about necessary special precautions. Because of banaba's effect on blood sugar it can be dangerous to the health if taken before surgery. You should stop taking it two weeks before major surgery.

    More Serious Side Effects

    • There is little or no scientific evidence at this time of serious side effects, though this does not mean banaba is completely safe, only that the body of research is small. Banaba should not be taken for more than fifteen days. It should not be taken if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

    Contraindications

    • If you are considering taking banaba extract for diabetes you should check with your physician to ensure it is safe for you to do so. Because banaba extract can cause blood sugar levels to drop significantly, it should not be taken in combination with any other medications or herbs that cause hypoglycemic activity.

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