Banaba

Latin name : Lagerstroemia speciosa

Family : Lythraceae

Common Name : Banaba, Queen's flower, Pride of India, Queen's Crape myrtle.

Parts Used : Leaves

Distribution : Banaba is found in abundance in India, Philippines, Malaysia, and other South East Asia.

Introduction :
Banaba leaves have been traditionally used over thousands of years in Philippines and as folklore treatment by the native Indians and more recently used by the Japanese, mostly as tea preparation. Banaba leaves and their ability to reduce blood sugar, and its "insulin-like principle" made it popular herb to be used as herbal decoction and with others in many formulations for controlling blood sugar and weight loss.

Plant Description :
Banaba is a deciduous tree growing to 40 to 60 feet and is bushy; with smooth oblong leathery leaves, up to 12 inches long (30 cm); the leaves turn red before falling in autumn. Flowers are ornamental racemes pink to purple color and wrinkled petals. Fruits are oval and brown in color about 0.5 inches. The seeds are small with winged flaps.

Active Principle :
Banaba leaf extract contains a triterpenoid compound known as Corosolic acid - which has actions in stimulating glucose transport into cells. Banaba has natural mineral such as magnesium and zinc and contains 15 times more fibers than sweet potato.

Benefits of Banaba :
Banaba plays a role in regulating levels of blood sugar and insulin in the blood. For some people, fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin are related to appetite, hunger and various food cravings - particularly craving for carbohydrates such as bread and sweets. By keeping blood sugar and insulin levels in check, banaba may be an effective supplement for promoting weight loss in certain individuals.

• May delay starch digestion.

• Increases glucose uptake

• Acorus calamus provides aid to the digestive system and acts against flatulent colic, Dyspepsia, and vomiting.

• Insulin-like actions.