Local Name - Banaba Extract
Botanical Name - Lagerstroemia Speciosa
Plant Part used - Leaf
Specification (Marker compound) - Corosolic acid (1-2% w/w) by HPLC
Description - Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa) Extracts has a long history of folkloric medical applications that include blood pressure control, urinary dysfunctions (helps ease urination), cholesterol level control, treatment of diarrhea, facilitates bowel movement, diabetes and as an analgesic. The primary active chemical ingredient of the extract is corosolic acid. The leaves of the Banabá and other parts are used widely by the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan as a tea preparation. Corosolic acid is a known potent glucophage, helpful in decreasing blood sugar levels. The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of Banaba Extract is similar to that of insulin -which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells. By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels in check, Banaba is an effective supplement for promoting weight loss in certain individuals.
Banaba Extract contains corosolic acid, a triterpinoid compound known to stimulate glucose transport across cell membranes. Due to this, Banaba Extract helps to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels in the blood. Several studies have shown that oral administration of corosolic acid significantly reduces blood glucose levels in Type II Diabetes, Similar to that of Insulin. Corosolic acid has strong antioxidant properties that help to prevent damage by free radicals The active compound is purified from the extract.
Therapeutic Applications:

• Balances blood sugar.
• Promotes healthy insulin levels.
• Controls appetite and food craving (especially carbohydrate cravings).
• May promote weight loss.