Overview

Bananas are fruiting plants that grow near tropical rainforests. There are many banana species, but Musa acuminata varieties are most common in the US.

Bananas contain fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, and carbohydrates. Ripe bananas contain more soluble fiber, while unripe bananas contain more insoluble fiber. All parts of the banana plant, including the fruit, leaves, stem, flowers, and roots, have been used as medicine.

People use bananas for diarrhea. They are also used for athletic performance, constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Diarrhea. Eating cooked green bananas might help reduce diarrhea symptoms in young children.
There is interest in using banana for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Bananas are commonly eaten as food. They're generally well-tolerated, but some people might experience bloating, gas, or cramping. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other parts of the banana plant are safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Banana leaves are possibly safe when used short-term. Some people are allergic to banana and might develop a rash or hives. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other parts of the banana plant are safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Bananas are commonly eaten as food. They're generally well-tolerated, but some people might experience bloating, gas, or cramping. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other parts of the banana plant are safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Banana leaves are possibly safe when used short-term. Some people are allergic to banana and might develop a rash or hives. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other parts of the banana plant are safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bananas are commonly eaten as food. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if banana is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergies: People who are sensitive to latex, avocado, kiwi, cassava, and chestnut are more likely to have an allergic reaction to banana.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Levodopa interacts with BANANA

    Banana might decrease the effects of levodopa.

Dosing

Bananas are commonly eaten as food. In North America, sweet bananas are hybrids of Musa acuminata, and plantains are hybrids of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of banana might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.