Tag: Banaba leaf

Native to tropical Southeast Asia, the banaba tree's leaves have been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine, particularly in the Philippines, for managing blood sugar. So, what does banaba do for your body and what's the science behind its traditional uses?

According to product information and ingredient lists, Dr. Stephanie's Blood Sugar 24 Hour supplement contains a specific blend of natural ingredients formulated to support healthy glucose levels. Understanding what are the ingredients in Stephanie's blood sugar is key to evaluating its potential benefits.

Banaba leaf is traditionally used as an herbal remedy in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, for its health benefits, and a key advantage for many is that banaba does not have caffeine. This means that individuals can enjoy its properties without the stimulant effects found in coffee and other teas. The leaves come from the crepe myrtle tree (*Lagerstroemia speciosa*) and are commonly consumed as a tea or in supplement form.

In Southeast Asian traditional medicine, banaba leaf has been used for centuries to manage blood sugar. Today, modern research confirms that the active compound, corosolic acid, mimics insulin's function by enhancing glucose uptake into cells. Understanding the optimal method of consumption—whether as a standardized extract, a traditional tea, or a liquid—is essential for maximizing its potential health benefits and achieving wellness goals.

An aqueous extract of banaba leaves has been shown to have the strongest potential among several teas for inhibiting xanthine oxidase, a key enzyme in uric acid production. So, does banaba increase uric acid? Contrary to this concern, scientific evidence suggests banaba does not raise uric acid levels but instead works to support their healthy regulation.