Top Conditions
Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.)
background
Banaba is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Banaba has been used for blood sugar control. The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of banaba leaf extract is similar to that of insulin, which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells.
Currently, research suggests that taking banaba extract, standardized to 1% corosolic acid, by mouth may lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, however further evidence is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
synonyms
Banaba extract, banglang (Vietnam), bang-lang (Cambobia), bungor (Malaya, Sabah), Byers wonderful white crapemyrtle, crape myrtle, crepe myrtle, corosolic acid, ellagitannins (flosin B, reginin A, lagerstroemin), flos-reginae Retz, GlucosolTM, glucosal, intanin (Thailand), jarul (India), Lagerstroemia, Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Lagerstroemia speciosa, lasubine, Lythraceae (family), lythraceae alkaloids, Munchausia speciosa, Pride-of-India, pyinma, Queen's crape myrtle, Queens flower.
evidence table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Diabetes
(Grade: C)
Preliminary research investigating the effects of banaba on diabetes report promising results. However, additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be made.
Preliminary research investigating the effects of banaba on diabetes report promising results. However, additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be made.
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