Banaba Lowers Blood Sugars and Raises Hope for Diabetics

By HelloLife

Banaba: A Botany Introduction

Banaba,Lagerstroemia speciosa, is a tropical flowering tree native to India, the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The banaba tree is large growing to be heights of 50 feet or more, with the presence of dark green, oblong leaves. The flowers are typically purple or pink in color, and the tree produces a nut like fruit.

Banaba: History

Banaba has been utilized by many cultures, particularly in the Philippines, as a folk medicine. Traditionally, banaba leaves were used to brew tea for the treatment of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Banaba was also utilized as a diuretic and for certain stomach problems. Currently, the plant banaba is being studied and researched to determine the mechanisms for its application of hypoglycemic effects for possible treatments of diabetes.

Banaba: Corosolic Acid

One of the main ingredients of banaba is corosolic acid. Corosolic acid acts to stimulate glucose transport into the cells. This stimulation modifies blood sugar levels, having hypoglycemic effects. Corosolic acid is often compared to have insulin-like capabilities due to its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. These effects have been shown in several model animals, but only minor amounts of research have been completed with humans. However, the research on corosolic acids is limited and very few studies have been completed to support this evidence.

Banaba: Recommended Dosage

Currently, dosing recommendations are not well documented; one small randomized study determined that a dosage between 32 and 48 mg could be standardized to a 1% corosolic acid administration. In this preliminary study, effects on lowering blood sugar levels occurred after a two week period. However, this was a limited study, and was in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. More research is necessary to determine actual dosaging and the hypoglycemic effects of banaba on blood sugar regulation.

Banaba: Safety First

As banaba is a natural plant product, there have been no toxicological reports. However, it is possible that banaba could have toxic effects if taken in excess. It is thought that if banaba is taken in excess, it could lower blood sugar levels leading to hypoglycemic symptoms including dizziness, shakiness, headache, and fatigue. As with all supplements and medications, exercise caution. If you are currently taking medications or insulin for your diabetes, all supplements should be discussed with your physician, as the combination may induce unwanted side effects.

Banaba Supplementation

Banaba is currently available as a supplement. It should be noted that banaba should only be used as a supplement, in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. While it is possible that banaba does have overall hypoglycemic effects, it is up to you first and foremost to control your dietary intake and physical activity levels. Supplements are meant to aid your body in a natural manner, not to replace improper dietary and lifestyle habits. It should also be noted that the effects of banaba are preliminary findings. More research and study about the exact mechanisms of how banaba works in the body is necessary to support the correlated hypoglycemic effects.

Source:

http://diabetes.webmd.com/default.htm