What Is Banaba?
Banaba was popularized as a supplement for some time and it is mainly extracted from the tree leaves native to Southeast Asia. From ancient times, dating back many centuries, the extracts from the banaba tree; be it the leaves or fruits, have been utilized for various medicinal purposes. Globally, it has been a part of traditional medicine in a few countries and it is used in a few alternative systems of medicine today as well. The banaba tree named botanically as Lagerstroemia speciosa has long been used for a range of health issues. Banaba tree leaf extracts are believed to aid in resolving issues related to endocrine health, weight management or aiding in weight loss, and even reducing blood pressure. Banaba contains compounds called ellagitannins with potential antioxidant effects. It also comprises corosolic acid, which is known to regularise blood sugar levels by stimulating glucose uptake into the body cells.
What Are the Health Benefits of Banaba?
Limited research exists about the various positive or synergistic impacts of banaba tree leaves that are manufactured in supplement forms, and the long-term usage and efficacy of this supplement are still in doubt according to most nutrition experts. From the limited research and some randomized control trials, the following positive health effects have been studied.
Anti Diabetic: According to a study done on banaba consumption as a natural supplement, researchers found that they have the potential to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes in risky population groups like prediabetics. Banaba supplements reportedly lower blood sugar levels within 60 minutes of consumption and aid in easy stimulation of glucose transport into the cells. Banaba supplements could help with glycemic control according to some dieticians and nutritionists. They are often recommended as a complementary adjunct to insulin therapy. This may potentially reduce the need for long-term insulin therapy. For patients on insulin therapies, they have been used as complementary aids for the treatment of diabetes.
Weight Loss Supplement: Banaba was popularized to be a natural supplement for weight loss, but even though it has been marketed that way, nutritional experts do not believe it to be the best supplement for natural weight loss. Study results showed that with banaba supplement intake after a 12-week treatment period, participants taking an herbal blend with this extract or supplement lost only significantly more weight and body fat mass compared to the ones taking a placebo. The participants consuming banaba supplements for a limited period in several randomized trials tend to experience a greater reduction in waist and hip circumference. Even though banaba is considered a potential weight loss supplement, the long-term intake of banaba or its efficacy in weight loss is not fully understood, so more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of using banaba as a weight-loss tool. It would be wise to consult with a dietician or nutritionist before taking a banaba supplement.
Anti-Hypertensive Effect: Banaba leaf extracts or supplements could potentially help lower blood pressure, according to limited research on the supplement. However, nutrition experts warn that long-term consumption has not been studied because of safety concerns and should not be prescribed except for a limited time duration as it has a scope for reducing blood pressure below the normal threshold (120/80mmhg).
Prevents Cellular Damage: In a few randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, the blood pressure, body weight, and waist circumference have been evaluated in those participants who consumed approximately 500 milligrams of banaba twice a day. This 12-week trial period showed that banaba flowers do have the potential not only to neutralize free radicals, but also prevent age-related changes because of their high antioxidant content. The antioxidants like phenols, flavonoids, and corosolic acid present in the plant would protect against cellular damage and enhance immunity.
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral Activity: The banaba extract with its antioxidant potential will help protect against certain viruses and bacteria. They are seen to be potentially efficacious against the bacterial and viral causes of the common cold, especially Staphylococcus Aureus bacterium and Bacillus megaterium.
What Are the Side Effects of Banaba?
Consuming banaba on a long-term basis can create certain side effects according to nutrition research. Side effects include disturbances in sleep patterns and increased frequency of headaches. If a person is taking banaba as recommended by a medical provider, they should try to ask and take only a small dose when supplemented with food. It should also be discontinued after the specified period recommended for the person.
Does Banaba Consumption Cause Any Risks?
The important research fact to note is that the long-term effects of consuming banaba supplements are not recommended in certain risk groups due to safety concerns. The risk groups include
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Pregnant and nursing women.
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Children and young adults.
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Immunocompromised individuals.
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Individuals on systemic medications.
These risk groups should avoid banaba supplements.
Why Is Self-Treatment Considered a Danger?
Healthcare providers and physicians discourage self-treatment. This is because when some individuals with underlying medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure start self-treating without consulting a diabetic specialist or a physician and not knowing the dose or medical recommendation of the health supplement; this would put the person at an increased risk for worsening that systemic condition and the person may also face serious consequences.
What to Look Out for While Consuming Banaba?
When a person is recommended to consume banaba supplements, always look for those products which contain the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) seal. This seal ensures that the product quality is high. The label should also not list any specific treatment or cure for relieving the symptoms of a particular disease, as this is deemed illegal according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Conclusion
To conclude, despite the numerous benefits the banaba supplement offers, it is unwise to consume them on a long-term basis, and it is best to avoid them unless recommended by a nutritionist or health care provider. The lack of supporting evidence regarding the long-term usage of the supplements means that it is best to avoid this supplement altogether for weight loss and instead focus on ways that will help a person lose weight in a healthy way like dietary regimens, exercise, workouts, and increased physical activities.
