Banaba is a plant widely used in alternative medicine. Let's find out all the uses and benefits of the plant native to Southeast Asia.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousLa Banaba is a plant native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Also known as Lagerstroemia speciosa, this tree grows wild in the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and India. The plant is used in the traditional medicine, especially its leaves are used for its property hypoglycemic agents as a remedy to counteract theobesity. But that's not all, since Banaba is also used as a treatment against some important diseases, from diabetes to cholesterol, thanks to its active ingredient, thecorosolic acid.
Index
Banaba and diabetes
The Banaba looks like lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and it could help the body use insulin more efficiently. Early research shows that taking a particular Banaba extract for 2 weeks lowers blood sugar by 10% in people with type 2 diabetes. Other research shows that taking a combination product containing Banaba and cinnamon inner bark can reduce hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by approximately 0,65% in people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
In an other study of 10 weeks, unfortunately still carried out on animals, it was noted that those treated with corosolic acid showed a staggering 32% reduction in blood cholesterol and a 46% reduction in liver cholesterol levels. The findings are consistent with those of another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, which observed potent antidiabetic effects in subjects who received a daily dose of the extract.
The aim of the research was to observe theantidiabetic activity of a standardized Banaba extract in type 2 diabetics. Although the results are promising, further analyzes are needed to demonstrate long-term safety and efficacy, as the small sample size and short duration of the study limit the applicability of these results. Additionally, the researchers caution that although Banaba has been shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar, it should be used with caution in those already using other hypoglycemic medications.
Other benefits of Banaba
Banaba has others as well benefits, thanks to its therapeutic properties; for this reason it is used as a remedy for:
- pre-diabetes: Banaba is also used in the treatment of pre-diabetes; In fact, early research shows that taking a product containing banaba and cinnamon inner bark could improve the body's insulin production in a person with prediabetes. It could also improve the body's sensitivity to the effects of insulin.
- weight loss: According to a research, Banaba extracts are effective as a treatment against obesity so as to promote weight loss. According to the research team after the 12-week treatment period, patients taking Banaba extracts significantly lost weight and fat mass compared to those taking a placebo. Obviously, more evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Banaba in promoting weight loss.
- cholesterolHigh blood cholesterol is a key risk factor for heart disease, and some studies suggest that the corosolic acid and PGG in Banaba leaves may help reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. According to a 10-week study of 40 adults with impaired fasting blood glucose it was found that a combination of Banaba leaves and turmeric extracts reduced triglyceride levels by 35% and increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels by 14. %. While these results are promising, more research is still needed on the direct effects of Banaba leaves on cholesterol levels.
Among others potential benefits, we point out:
- anticancer effects: Test-tube studies suggest that Banaba leaf extract may promote cell death of lung and liver cancer cells.
- antibacterial and antiviral potential: The extract can protect against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus megaterium, as well as viruses such as the anti-human rhinovirus (HRV).
- antithrombotic effectBlood clots often lead to high blood pressure and stroke, and Banaba leaf extract can help dissolve them.
- protection against kidney damage: The antioxidants in the extract can protect the kidneys from damage caused by chemotherapy drugs.
Effetti collaterali
As a supplement, Banaba is generally ben tollerata is used orally and for a short period. When taken at higher doses, however, the reported side effects are:
- dizziness
- headache
- tremors
- weakness
- diaforesi
- nauseous.
It is also not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as not enough is known about the use of Banaba during these delicate periods for women.
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