Key Takeaways
- What it is: an extract of the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa, the banaba tree of the Philippines and South-East Asia.
- What is studied: corosolic acid, the most-studied compound in banaba leaves, along with the leaf's other plant compounds.
- HealthyHey serving: 1 vegetarian capsule with a meal, giving 550 mg of banaba leaf extract; 60 capsules per pack.
- Precautions: speak to your doctor first if you take medicine for diabetes, have an existing health condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Banaba is one of the botanicals people ask us about most. This guide explains what banaba leaf extract is, what researchers study in it, how to take HealthyHey's capsules, and who should check with a doctor first.
What is banaba?
Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) is a striking tree with large purple flowers, native to the Philippines and other parts of South-East Asia, where its leaves have been brewed as a tea for generations. A leaf extract concentrates the leaf's compounds so that a single capsule carries a consistent amount.
What is corosolic acid?
Corosolic acid is a plant compound found in banaba leaves, and it is the one researchers have studied most. Banaba leaves also contain ellagitannins and other antioxidant compounds. HealthyHey's extract is made from the whole leaf, so it carries this mix of compounds rather than a single isolated one.
How to take HealthyHey Banaba Leaf Extract
- Take 1 vegetarian capsule a day with a meal.
- Each capsule gives 550 mg of banaba leaf extract.
- The pack holds 60 capsules, a two-month supply at one a day.
- Follow the dose on the label or the advice of your doctor.
Who should speak to a doctor first
- If you take medicine for diabetes: banaba may add to its effect, so your doctor may want to check your glucose more often.
- If you have an existing health condition or take any medicine: check with your doctor before adding banaba to your routine.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: do not take banaba leaf extract without medical advice.
Quality
HealthyHey Banaba Leaf Extract is made in an FSSAI-licensed, GMP-certified facility, and every batch is third-party tested at an NABL-accredited lab for contaminants such as heavy metals and microbes. You can read the reports on our lab reports page, and find the product here: Banaba Leaf Extract, 550 mg, 60 Veg Capsules.
FAQ
What is banaba leaf extract?
Banaba leaf extract is made from the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa, a flowering tree from the Philippines and South-East Asia. The leaves have a long history of use in the region, and modern research looks at their corosolic acid content and other plant compounds.
What is corosolic acid?
Corosolic acid is the most-studied compound in banaba leaves. HealthyHey's capsules are made from banaba leaf extract, so they carry the leaf's own compounds, including corosolic acid.
How do I take HealthyHey Banaba Leaf Extract?
Take 1 vegetarian capsule, which gives 550 mg of banaba leaf extract, with a meal. The 60-capsule pack lasts 60 days. Follow the dose on the label or your doctor's advice.
Can I take banaba if I take medicine for diabetes?
Speak to your doctor before starting. Banaba may add to the effect of diabetes medicines, so your doctor may want to check your glucose more often. Banaba leaf extract is a food supplement, not a medicine, and should not replace any medicine your doctor has prescribed.
Who should avoid it?
Do not take banaba leaf extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice, and check with your doctor first if you have an existing health condition or take any medicine.