Hormonal/Weight

Banaba

Leaf extract containing corosolic acid that may help regulate blood glucose and modestly support weight management in adults with insulin resistance.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

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Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Overview

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Safety

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Quick Take

Worth considering if you have prediabetes or insulin resistance; glucose-lowering evidence is modest and not definitive.

Banaba is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain corosolic acid and ellagitannins and have been used traditionally for blood sugar control. Modern studies suggest they can increase cellular glucose uptake and improve insulin sensitivity. Clinical trials show modest reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c, with some evidence for lowering post-meal glucose and body weight. It is most likely to help adults with prediabetes, insulin resistance, or elevated postprandial glucose.

Potential benefits

Lowers fasting glucose

Lowers postprandial glucose

May lower HbA1c

May reduce body weight

Protocol

Amount

150-300 mg

Frequency

Once daily

When

With meals, especially carbohydrate-containing meals, to blunt postprandial glucose spikes.

Onset Time

2-4 weeks for glucose effects; 8-12 weeks for weight changes

Who Should Consider

Adults with prediabetes or insulin resistance

People with elevated fasting glucose

People with elevated post-meal glucose

Overweight adults with metabolic syndrome

How It Works

Corosolic acid and related tannins appear to stimulate GLUT4 translocation and AMPK signaling, helping muscle and fat cells take up glucose more efficiently. They may also inhibit intestinal alpha-glucosidase, slowing carbohydrate breakdown and absorption.

Updated 5/19/2026