BANABA

BANABA

Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia speciosa

Family: Lythraceae

Common name: Agaro, Mitla, Bugarom, Nabulong, Pamalauagon, Duguam, Pamarauagon, Kauilan, Parasabukung, Makablos, Tabangau, Tauagnau(7), Giant Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle, Queen’s Crape Myrtle(11)


Banaba, known scientifically as Lagerstroemia speciosa, is a flowering tree that is native to the Philippines and India, where it has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for digestive problems, kidney inflammation and diabetes. The Medical Health Guide reports that banaba can grow up to 30 feet high, producing pink and lavender flowers and leaves that are 3 inches wide by 7 inches in length. The banaba leaves are often used in herbal preparations, as they offer health benefits. Since banaba does not grow in most other parts of the world, it is taken as a dietary supplement. Never self-treat any medical conditions with banaba leaf, and get approval from your physician before adding it to your routine.(2) Lagerstroemia speciosa is from the Lythraceae family. The tree is also known as Queen’s Crape-myrtle, Giant Crape-myrtle, or Pride of India. It is a large and tall tree (up to 60 feet), which has a fast growing rate. Banaba’s crown is round, spreading to about 40 feet. The tree is also characterized with thin, smooth and easily injured flaky bark. The oblong opposite leaves of Lagerstroemia are about 12 inches long. Being dark-green in summer, they turn into bright red in autumn before falling down. The most attractive thing about Banaba is the large panicles of its lavender or pink flowers, which bloom from June to July. The fruit of the tree is a hard round or oval brown nutlet. It is known for its persistent nature.(1)


Parts used:
Leaves of the Banaba tree are used medicinally most often. At the same time, preparations from the bark, roots, and flowers have always been extensively used in Japan, Taiwan, Phillipines, and other Asian countries.(1)


Banaba Bark



Banaba Fruit




Banaba Flower



Chemical constituents:  
Rich in tannin: fruit, 14 to 17 %; leaves 13 %; bark, 10%. (3) Corrosolic acid is being studied for its glucose lowering effect. It contains corosolic acid, ellagitannins (in the fruit and leaves), triterpenoids, amino acids and flavonoids. Extensive studies of the leaves made in Japan confirmed the use of extracts from the leaves for diabetes. The corosolic acid lowers blood pressure and has insulin-like properties as do some of the amino acids, and this is what makes it so attractive to researchers. The leaves contain the minerals manganese and zinc among others, and it has been discovered that one of the side effects of banaba is very positive as it helps reduce weight and so banaba can be found in many weight control formulae in the US. Extracts obtained from the seeds (said to be narcotic) have powerful antioxidant properties and the ellagic acid compounds in banaba are being researched to discover if they can help in the treatment of HIV. Banaba may have antibiotic properties too. In fact it might provide a few “wonder drugs” after more research has been done into its properties and their effects on people. The whole plant can be used medicinally but not all parts have been researched as yet.(6) Valoneaic acid dilactone have been isolated from the leaves as potent alpha-amylase inhibitors.(5)


Traditional Use
Traditionally, banaba is a popular medicinal plant. Its dried bark and dried leaves are used for the preparation of medicinal tea against kidney trouble. Extracts obtained from boiling its bark is used as a drink to induce alertness, reduce fever and to cure abdominal pains. Bark soak in water can be taken to stop diarrhea. The bark leaves and flowers are used to induce bowel movements or loosen the stool. Old leaves and ripe/dried fruit, taken like tea, reduce blood sugar. Leaves boiled in water are taken to clear obstructions from the natural ducts of the body and induce urination. Extracts from boiling the roots are used against small ulcers of the mouth. A leaf poultice is used to relieve malarial fever and applied on cracked feet.(8)

Folkloric uses of Banaba herbal medicine include the treatment for diarrhea, constipation, inflammation of kidneys, dysuria and other urinary dysfunctions.(4)

Roots have been used for a variety of stomach ailments. Leafdecoctionfor diabetes; also use as a diuretic and purgative.Decoction of old leaves and dried fruit (dried from one to two weeks), 50 gms to a pint of boiling water, 4 to 6 cups daily has been used fordiabetes. Old leaves and ripe fruit are preferred, believed to have greater glucose lowering effect. Young leaves and flowers have a similar effect, though only 70% that of matures leaves and fruits. The wood has no known glucose lowering effect; the bark, a very small amount. A decoction of 20 gms of old leaves or dried fruit in 100 cc of water was found to have the equivalent effect to that of 6 to 7.7 units of insulin.
The bark decoction has been used for the treatment of diarrhea.
The bark, flowers and leaves used to facilitate bowel movements.
Decoction of fruits or roots gargled for aphthous stomatitis.
Decoction of leaves and flowers used for fevers and as diuretic.
Leaf decoction or infusion used for bladder and kidney inflammation, dysuria, and other urinary dysfunctions.(13)


Pharmacologic activity
The potential of Banaba preparations to have insulin-like action is the most valuable and frequently and extensively researched by the modern science. It is known that the tree has a triterpenoid compound called corosolic acid. The latter stimulates glucose receptors increasing their activity and thus aiding in the absorption of blood sugar into the cells of the body. For its action corosolic acid is called “the natural plant insulin”, which helps lower blood glucose level. By this time it has been found out that the effect of sugar lowering depends on the dose of the plant remedies taken. The larger the dose, the more pronounced results are. Lagerstroemin, flosin B and reginin A – the ellagitannins isolated from the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa – are the other components, which may add to the efficacy of the plant remedies to lower glucose level.(1)

The largest amount of the above mentioned constituents was isolated from the old leaves and ripe fruits of the Banaba tree. The young leaves and the flowers of the plant also contain these chemicals, although in much smaller doses.(1)

Another effect of Lagerstroemia speciosa is promoting weight loss due to suppressing appetite, as well as delaying and reducing the absorption of carbohydrates in the body.(1)

The tree is said to contain high concentrations of dietary fiber and minerals such as zinc and magnesium, 16 amino acids, tannins, and lipids. Due to its chemical composition Banaba may possess antibacterial, diuretic, and purgative properties. It may also be helpful in alleviating fevers.(1)

The preparations of different parts of Lagerstroemia speciosa are widely used for the treatment of a number of health conditions. For example, the problems of the digestive tract, as diarrhea and constipation, and urinary disorders (dysuria, bladder and kidney inflammations) are often treated with Banaba remedies.(1)

These days Banaba’s potential to fight obesity received wide popularity, thus the plant is used in numerous dietary supplements for weight reduction(1).

However, the primary action of the tree preparations has always been and still remains reducing blood glucose level in patients with diabetes type 2. Such condition as insulin resistance syndrome is also managed with the same remedies. It is worthy to mention that a consultation with a professional health-care provider and a skilled naturopath is always necessary prior to starting the treatment with Banaba due to its strong action and possible risks of hypoglycemia in case of overdose.(1)

It also looks like the information on Banaba effects on the human organism is not sufficient these days, and more studies are needed to evaluate the possible risks and long-term influence of this plant’s remedies.(1)

Blood sugar and diabetes research studies
The use of banaba for diabetes in the US is still very new and we don't really know the right dosage or how often to take it and also how it interacts with insulin or hypoglycemic medicines. There is no proof yet that taking a banaba supplement with corosolic acid and other compounds will help those who have diabetes, although rodent studies thus far look promising. We also don't know whether long term use will lead to side effects. I am not aware of any studies combining it with metformin or other medicines used in diabetes.

Effects of dietary mulberry, Korean red ginseng, and banaba on glucose homeostasis in relation to PPAR-alpha, PPAR-gamma, and LPL mRNA expressions.
Life Sci. 2005.
Mulberry leaf water extract, Korean red ginseng, banaba leaf water extract, and the combination of these herbs fed to mice at the level of 0.5% of the diet significantly increased insulin sensitivity and improved hyperglycemia possibly through regulating PPAR-mediated lipid metabolism. (5)

Effects of malted barley extract and banaba extract on blood glucose levels in genetically diabetic mice.
J Med Food. 2004.

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of a malted barley extract (MBE) and of banaba extract on blood glucose, insulin, and other biochemical parameters in genetically diabetic mice. The mice were divided into three groups-control, MBE, and banaba-according to supplementation. Both MBE and banaba extracts were orally administered to the animals for 12 weeks at doses of 62 mg/kg of body weight and 0.8 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Fasting blood glucose was significantly lower in the MBE group compared with the control. Hemoglobin A1c content was significantly lower in the MBE group compared with either the control or banaba group. There was no significant difference in the serum insulin level among groups. The glucose-6-phosphatase activity in kidney was significantly lower in both the MBE and banaba groups compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference between the MBE and banaba groups. Therefore, the results of this study demonstrate that MBE alleviates many of the symptoms of diabetes in genetically obese mice and may offer promise as a therapeutic supplement for the normalization of blood glucose levels in humans with hyperglycemia and have beneficial effects in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.(5)

Antidiabetic activity of a standardized extract (Glucosol) from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in Type II diabetics. A dose-dependence study.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2003. (5)
The antidiabetic activity of an extract from the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa standardized to 1% corosolic acid (Glucosol) has been demonstrated in a randomized clinical trial involving Type II diabetics. Subjects received a daily oral dose of Glucosol and blood glucose levels were measured. Glucosol at daily dosages of 32 and 48mg for 2 weeks showed a significant reduction in the blood glucose levels.(5)

An extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa has insulin-like glucose uptake-stimulatory and adipocyte differentiation-inhibitory activities in 3T3-L1 cells.
J Nutr. 2001.
The effects of extracts isolated from banaba on glucose transport and adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells were studied. Our results suggest that banaba extract may be useful for prevention and treatment of hyperglycemia and obesity in type II diabetics.(5)

Hypoglycemic effect of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in genetically diabetic KK-AY mice.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1996.
The blood sugar lowering effects of Lagerstroemia speciosa, known by the Tagalog name of banaba in the Phillipines, were studied using hereditary diabetic mice. The mice were fed a test diet containing 5% of the hot-water extract from banaba leaves for a feeding period of 5 weeks. It is suggested that extracts obtained from banaba leaves have beneficial effects on control of the level of plasma glucose in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.(5)

Obesity and weight loss
Antiobesity activity of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves on female KK-Ay mice.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 1999..
Lagerstroemia speciosa has been used as a folk medicine for a long time among diabetics in the Philippines. In the present study, female mice of the same strain showing remarkable body weight gain were used to examine the antiobesity effect of dietary banaba extract. Five-week-old female KK-Ay mice were fed a control diet or test diet containing 5% of a hot-water extract from banaba leaves instead of cellulose for 12 weeks. Neither group showed any changes in diet intake during the experimental period. Body weight gain and parametrial adipose tissue weight were lowered significantly in the banaba diet group. Blood glucose levels were not suppressed in the banaba diet group, but hemoglobin A1C was found to be suppressed at the end of the experiment. No effects on the serum lipids were observed, but the mice fed banaba extract showed a significant decrease, to 65% of the control level in total hepatic lipid contents. This decrease was due to a reduction in the accumulation of triglyceride. These results suggest that banaba had a beneficial effect on obese female KK-Ay mice.(5)

Roots have been used for a variety of stomach ailments. Leaf decoction for diabetes; also use as a diuretic and purgative.
- Decoction of old leaves and dried fruit (dried from one to two weeks), 50 gms to a pint of boiling water, 4 to 6 cups daily has been used for diabetes. Old leaves and ripe fruit are preferred, believed to have greater glucose lowering effect. Young leaves and flowers have a similar effect, though only 70% that of matures leaves and fruits. The wood has no known glucose lowering effect; the bark, a very small amount. A decoction of 20 gms of old leaves or dried fruit in 100 cc of water was found to have the equivalent effect to that of 6 to 7.7 units of insulin.
-The bark decoction has been used for the treatment of diarrhea.
-The bark, flowers and leaves used to facilitiate bowel movements.
-Decoction of fruits or roots gargled for aphthous stomatitis.
-Decoction of leaves and flowers used for fevers and as diuretic.
- Leaf decoction or infusion used for bladder and kidney inflammation, dysuria, and other urinary dysfunctions.(3)

Recent studies
Diabetes: Banaba is being studied for its application in the treatment of diabetes. Its ability to lower blood sugar is attributed to its corosolic acid, a triterpenoid glycoside, belived to facilitate glucose-transport into cells.(13)
Weight loss: Studies in mice suggest an antiobesity effect. It is becoming a common ingredient in weight-loss supplements / products as a metabolic enhancer.(13)
Others: It is also being studied for its use in the treatment of blood pressure, renal and immune system benefits. Studies in mice suggest a lipid lowering effect – decreasing triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. To date, no toxicity has been identified.(13)

A tea can easily be made containing Banaba Extract. Simply boil the leaves in water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink this tea twice daily. After one month of drinking this tea, a person’s blood sugar will be regulated. This tea can also be consumed as a weight loss supplement.(12)

Banaba Extract is most commonly used to control blood sugar. There is a property in the extract called corosolic acid, which stimulates glucose uptake. This lowers blood glucose levels. Glucose is transported into cells and helps them carry out their functions.(12)

Other vital properties in this extract include the natural phytochemicals lager-stroemin, flosin B and reginin A, which could also play a role in the blood glucose level reduction.  Banaba Extract has been shown in various studies to lower glucose levels in people with type-2 diabetes.(12)

This extract also works to keep people slim by reducing the appetite. Changes in blood glucose levels are often related to hunger and food cravings. When a person consumes Banaba Extract, he or she is likely to eat less food. A recent study with mice showed that those that consumed Banaba Extract lost weight and reduced fat. Blood lipids were also decreased in these mice.(12)

Other uses of Banaba extract include the following:
· Controls blood sugar
· Reduces Appetite
· Prevents obesity
· Helps with diabetes
· Helps the body use insulin
· Kidney problems
· Bladder ailments
Roots are used for stomach problems. The leaves are used to heal diabetes and for weight loss. The red-orange leaves have high levels of corosolic acid (interpenoid glycoside) that can lower blood sugar. Corosolic acid may have an influence on diabetes. Banaba also contains concentrations of dietary fiber and minerals such as magnesium and zinc. It helps the body to handle glucose and as such, it's also effective in weight loss. The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect is similar to that of insulin (which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells). Its tea is therapeutic against ailments such as diabetes and kidney and urinary problems. The taste is pleasant and smooth. Japanese pharmaceutical companies import tons of its leaves to us to make a SLIMMING TEA. It is not only used for slimming but also for cholesterol deduction, hypertension and diabetes. Research conducted by scientists at ITDI of Department of Science and Technology or DOST discovered that the banaba leaves contain active ingredients similar to INSULIN, the popular anti-diabetic drug. Drinking the decoction of the leaves will normalize blood sugar. Its fresh leaves are also an essential component for emergency tincture of wounds and for sanitizing the surface of the skin.

Lagerstroemia speciosa or Banaba is a Philippine medicinal tree traditionally used to lower high blood sugar in the body. BANABA PLUS, is taken from wild Banaba leaves around unpolluted mountains and forests. It is also reported that it contains Magnesium, an energy booster and excellent for slimming. Its high content of corosolic acid makes it an effective anti-diabetic drug. Banaba is also recommended for kidney and bladder troubles and hypertension.

Furthermore, to make this tea more effective, we added HERBAL GLUTAMIONE, a powerful antioxidant and immune system booster and helps make the skin finer, softer and whiter. Drinking this tea everyday will promote general health and longevity. You can achieve its effectiveness in a short period time, usually within 30 days.(10)

Toxicity:
Oral administration of a decoction of banaba leaves to rabbits in amounts equival ent to 1 to 2 g. dried leaves per kg. body weight lowered the blood sugar for 4 to 6 hours. Larger doses had more marked and prolonged effects but no toxic symptoms were recorded. The effect of the banaba leaf extract was relatively greater when the initial blood sugar of the animal was high. It is suggested that the active principle of the leaves is a plant hormone similar to insulin, but differing from insulin in being thermostable and in being effective when given by mouth.(9)




References:

1. 2014 Chinese Herbs & Co; Banaba: the Tree of Beauty and Health; http://www.chinese-herbs.org/banaba/

2. Traci Joy 2014-01-30; Health Bnefits of Banaba Leaves; http://www.livestrong.com/article/121383-banaba-leaves-benefits/

3. Filipino Herbs Healing Wonders - 2004- 2014; Banaba – Scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciosa Linn.; http://.filipinoherbshealingwonders.filipinovegetarianrecipe.com/banaba.htm

4. Banaba; http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/banaba.htm

5. Ray Sahelian,M.D. 2014-04-07; Banaba leaf extract supplement health benefit and side effects, herb information - Herbal medicine from the Philippines; http://www.raysahelian.com/banaba.html 

6. March 18,2011; BANABA TREE - INFORMATION: MEDICINAL BENEFITS AND USES OF BANABA TREE: HOW TO MAKE BANABA LEAF TISANE; http://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.com/2011/03/banaba-tree-information-medicinal.html

7. Data sources include Micromedex® (updated May 6th, 2014), Cerner Multum™ (updated June 16th, 2014), Wolters Kluwer™ (updated June 12th, 2014) and others; Banaba; http://www.drugs.com/npp/banaba.html

8. 2011 Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc; Banaba; http://rafi.org.ph/greenin-philippines/green-almanac/banaba/

9. Garcia, F. 2014; On the hypoglycemic effect of decoction of Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves (banaba) administered orally.; http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/19401402700.html;jsessionid=FA1D2144F39927D22D0920E59D72BCA2

10. Junji Takano; 2004-2013; Lagerstroemia Speciosa L. (Banaba or Queen's Flower) – Wonders of Botanical Herbs; http://www.pyroenergen.com/other-products/banaba-plant.htm

11. 2005-2012; BANABA; http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/banaba.html

12. 2006 - 2014 Banaba Extract; http://www.homeremedycentral.com/en/herbal-remedies/extracts/banaba-extract.html

13. November 2007; What is Banaba? ; http://philippinenaturals.blogspot.com/2007/11/banaba-lagerstroemia-speciosa-herbal.html

Compiled by: Nelzeth P. Bedaure