What is Banaba
Banaba Herbal Medicine for Diabetes
Banaba Herbal Tea for Weight-Loss
Other uses of Banaba Herbal Medicine
Banaba Herbal Medicine Preparation and Availability

Scientific Names:
Lagerstroemia speciosa L
Munchausia speciosa Linn.
Lagestroemia reginae Roxb

Also knows as:
Agaro, Mitla, Bugarom, Nabulong, Pamalauagon, Duguam, Pamarauagon, Kauilan, Parasabukung, Makablos, Tabangau, Tauagnau

Banaba is used as herbal medicine and is a flowering plant that grows in warm climate like the Philippines, India and others. Banaba is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine for diabetes, Banaba is also used in India in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for the treatment of diabetes as well. The Banaba leaves and flowers contain corrosolic acid, a substance being studied for its insulin like effect of lowering the glucose in the body. Banaba is also being studied as a weight-loss supplement for its ability to delay or reduce the absorption of carbohydraes. Banaba is also rich in vitamins and minerals including zinc and magnesium. Banaba is also rich in dietary fibers.

Folkloric uses of Banaba herbal medicine includes the treatment for diarrhea, constipation, inflammation of kidneys, dysuria and other urinary dysfunctions

Banaba is a tropical flowering tree that grow up to 10 meters high. Banaba has large green oblong leaves that is about 3 inches in width and 7 inches in length. The flowers are racemes and colored pink to lavender. Banaba bears nut-like fruits that are arranged in large clumps.

Banaba is used as herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes not only in India but also in the Philippines.

Studies have shown that Banaba contains corosolic acid that acts like insulin by lowering the blood sugar in the body. Corosolic acid is a triterpenoid glycoside that improves the cellular uptake of glucose(Murakami C, et al 1993, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin),

Preparation and application of Banaba herbal medicine for diabetes

Dry Banaba leaves and fruits for about two weeks then cut into peices Boil the dried leaves and fruits in water, one cup of dried banaba leaves and fruits to one cup water. Let it seep for 30 minutes, Strain the leaves and fruits. Take the Banaba herbal tea for 4 to 6 times daily.

Although studies have shown that Banaba does not contain any toxic ingredients. It is recommended that before taking any herbal medicine for your diabetes, consult with your doctor.

Banaba herbal tea is also used for sustained weight-loss management. The corosolic acid in Banaba leaves and flowers acts by delaying and reducing the absorption of carbohydrates by the body. This reduction causes weight loss without any side effects.

In a group study that has been conducted for Glucosol™-a US patent drug containing corosolic acid. There was a reduction of weight for diabetic subjects. Similar study was done for non-diabetics and it was found that corosolic acid does not alter either the absorption or clearance of blood sugar in non-diabetic subjects, while retaining its weight-loss effect (Corosolic acid formulation and its application for weight-loss management and blood sugar balance. US Patent Issued on August 31, 2004 ).

Preparation and application of Banaba herbal tea for weight loss management

Dry Banaba leaves and fruits for about two weeks then cut into peices Boil the dried leaves and fruits in water, one cup of dried banaba leaves and fruits to 2 cups of water. Let it seep for 30 minutes, Strain the leaves and fruits. Take the Banaba herbal tea for 4 to 6 times daily.

Although according to studies, there were no known toxic or adverse effect from Banaba. However if discomfort occurs, stop using Banaba herbal tea.

Banaba is also used for other folkloric herbal medicine for the treatment of the following

• blood pressure control ,
• kidney disorders,
• urinary dysfunctions (helps ease urination) ,
• controls the cholesterol levels,
• treatment of diarrhea,
• facilitates bowel movement
• treatment of fevers and others.

Preparation and application of Banaba herbal medicine for lung and mouth problems

Banaba herbal medicine is usually taken as tea. The dried leaves and fruits are believed to be more effective. But the roots and the bark are also used. Dried leaves, fruits and bark are cut into pieces and boiled in water for about 30 minutes. Drink Banaba herbal tea 4 to 6 time daily.

If symptoms persist and irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.

Banaba are grown for its flowers and are also found in the wild in tropical countries. There are dried banaba leaves and fruits sold in some local markets in the Philippines but there are now commercially prepared formulations in the form of tablets, capsules, extracts, powder and tea. These are available in most health stores and drug stores.

source: Department of Health, Republic of the Philippines

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