Banaba Leaf Extract
Also known as: Lagerstroemia speciosa, corosolic acid, GlucoFit, crepe myrtle leaf, Glucosol
Banaba is a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves have been used in Philippine folk practice for blood sugar. The extract is standardized to corosolic acid, a triterpenoid, along with ellagitannins. Reviews of human and animal work describe lower glucose within an hour of purified corosolic acid and glucose support from standardized extracts, with no adverse effects reported in controlled trials. Small doses of 1% corosolic acid extract, typically 16–48 mg, are used in blood-sugar and metabolic formulas.
Research summary
Corosolic acid is proposed to increase cellular glucose uptake and inhibit alpha-glucosidase and gluconeogenesis.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 16–48 mg | — | — |
16–48 mg of 1% corosolic acid extract daily (0.16–0.48 mg corosolic acid), usually before carbohydrate meals. Higher-percentage grades (e.g., 18% corosolic acid) are dosed on corosolic acid content. Human trials were small and short.
Standardization: 1% corosolic acid (also 18% grades)
Source material: leaf extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Low dose and mild taste; blends into capsules, tablets, and gummies without difficulty.
Formulation notes
Additive glucose lowering with diabetes medications.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
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