Overview

Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) is a type of crepe myrtle that grows in India, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. The leaves are used as medicine.

Banaba might reduce blood sugar and help the body use insulin more efficiently.

People use banaba for prediabetes, diabetes, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for BANABA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Banaba is possibly safe when used short-term. It's been used safely for up to 2 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if banaba is safe to use long-term. Side effects might include dizziness, headache, and upset stomach.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Banaba is possibly safe when used short-term. It's been used safely for up to 2 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if banaba is safe to use long-term. Side effects might include dizziness, headache, and upset stomach.


Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if banaba is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Banaba might affect blood sugar levels and could make blood sugar control more difficult during and after surgery. Stop using banaba at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BANABA

    Banaba might might lower blood sugar levels. Taking banaba along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with BANABA

    Banaba might lower blood pressure. Taking banaba along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates) interacts with BANABA

    Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Banaba might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of banaba might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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