Basic information of Banaba Leaf extract Corosolic Acid

Product Specification :   1%~10% Corosolic Acid
Latin Name:   Musa paradisiaca
Product Type:  Fine green powdered extract
Part of the Plant Used:  leaf
Extract Method:  Water/ Grain Alcohol

What is Banaba Leaf extract?

Banaba leaf extract contains a triterpenoid compound known as corosolic acid  which has actions in stimulating glucose transport into cells. As such, 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

Banaba is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Traditional uses include brewing tea from the leaves as a treatment for diabetes and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of banaba leaf extract is similar to that of insulin  which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells.

 The blood sugar regulating properties of banaba have been demonstrated in cell culture, animal and human studies. In isolated cells, the active ingredient in banaba extract, corosolic acid, is known to stimulate glucose uptake. In diabetic mice, rats and rabbits, banaba feeding reduces elevated blood sugar and insulin levels to normal. In humans with type II diabetes, banaba extract, at a dose of 16-48mg per day for 4-8 weeks, has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels (5%-30% reduction) and maintaining tighter control of blood sugar fluctuations. An interesting (side-effect) of tighter control of blood sugar and insulin levels is a significant tendency of banaba to promote weight loss (an average of 2-4 lbs. per month)  without significant dietary alterations. It is likely that modulation of glucose and insulin levels reduces total caloric intake somewhat and encourages moderate weight loss.

Application:

Diabetes:

Its ability to lower blood sugar is attributed to its corosolic acid, a triterpenoid glycoside, belived to facilitate glucose-transport into cells.

Weight loss:

A common ingredient in weight-loss supplements / products as a metabolic enhancer.

Others:

Used in the treatment of blood pressure, renal and immune system benefits. No toxicity has been identified.

Traditional uses include brewing tea from the leaves as a treatment for diabetes and hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar). The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of banaba leaf extract is similar to that of insulin which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells.

How does it work?

Traditional uses include brewing tea from the leaves as a treatment for diabetes and elevated blood sugar. Banaba leaf extract contains a triterpenoid compound known as corosolic acid, which has actions in stimulating glucose transport into cells. Studies show that corosolic acid can safely lower blood glucose levels.

In diabetic mice, rats and rabbits, banaba feeding reduces elevated blood sugar and insulin levels to normal. In humans with type II diabetes, banaba extract, for 4-8 weeks, has been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels (5%-30% reduction) and maintaining tighter control of blood sugar fluctuations.

In one study, subjects who took the supplement over a 22-week period had a 30% drop in blood sugar levels . They also averaged a weight loss of 3.2 pounds per month without changing their diet.

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 helps people to lose weight safely and quickly.

At suggested doses, no adverse side effects are expected from banaba. Higher doses should be avoided, however, to prevent dizziness or fatigue, which can happen with extremely low blood sugar levels. 
 

Related Article/Document/Products