Banaba Leaf (1% Corosolic Acid)

History and Uses:
Banaba is a medicinal plant that grows in India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Banaba Leaf extract contains a triterpenoid compound known as corosolic acid that works to stimulate glucose transport into cells, and studies have demonstrated that corosolic acid can safely lower blood glucose levels. Furthermore, by keeping blood sugar and insulin levels in check, Banaba may help to control food cravings, which makes it useful in weight loss regimens. Traditional uses of Banaba also include brewing tea from the leaves as a treatment for diabetes and elevated blood sugar. In studies involving diabetic mice, rats and rabbits, Banaba reduced elevated blood sugar and insulin levels to normal. In humans with Type-2 diabetes who were given Banaba extract, for four-eight weeks, there was a reduction in blood sugar levels by five to thirty percent and a tighter control of blood sugar fluctuations. In another study, subjects who took the supplement over a twenty-two-week period had a thirty percent drop in blood sugar levels. Moreover, 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 may be very helpful for people who wish to lose weight safely. Blood sugar control is said to be enhanced with small amounts of Banaba taken one to three times daily, and most users report a reduction in food cravings, especially for high-carbohydrate foods like bread, cereal, pizza and cookies. A small loss of weight (three to four pounds per month) is said to be not uncommon, due to the lower blood sugar and insulin levels.