BANABA Overview Information
Banaba is a species of crepe myrtle tree that is native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. People use the leaves to make medicine.
Banaba is used for diabetes and weight loss.
How does it work?
Banaba seems to lower blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes, according to very preliminary research. It might help the body use insulin more efficiently.
BANABA Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Diabetes. Early research suggests that a particular banaba extract might lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Weight loss.
- Other conditions.
BANABA Side Effects & Safety
Banaba is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth on a short-term basis. The long-term safety is unknown.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of banaba during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Diabetes: Banaba can affect blood sugar control, so people with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels closely. If you have diabetes, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider before starting banaba.
Surgery: Banaba might affect blood sugar levels and could make blood sugar control more difficult during and after surgery. Stop using banaba at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
BANABA Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BANABA
Banaba might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking banaba along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
BANABA Dosing
The appropriate dose of banaba depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for banaba. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
