Noni

NONI
Scientific Name: Morinda citrifolia Linn.
Family: Rubiaceae
Common Names: Indian Mulberry (Engl.), Wild pine (Engl.), Tahitian noni (Engl.), Pain-killer
tree (Engl.), Great morinda (Engl.), Rukurok (Kuy.), Bankuru (Tag.) Apatot (Ilk.), Bangkoro

(Tag.), Hai ba ji (Chin.)

Morinda citrifolia is a tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. Its native range extends through
Southeast Asia and Australasia, and the species is now cultivated throughout the tropics and
widely naturalized. The tree can grow to as tall as 10 feet and bears a fruit about the size of a
potato which starts out green and ripens into yellow or white. The juice, fruit, bark, and leaves
are used in herbal remedies and Polynesian folk medicine. Leaves are broadly elliptic to oblong,
12 to 25 centimeters long, with pointed or blunted tips. Peduncles are leaf-opposed, solitary, 1
to 3 centimeters long. Flowers are not bracteolate, and form dense, ovoid or rounded heads,
and are 1 to 1.5 centimeters. Calyx is truncate. Corolla is white, 1 centimeter long; limb is 5-
lobed, 1 centimeter in diameter. Fruit is fleshy, white or greenish white, ovoid, 3 to 10
centimeters long, with the odor of decaying cheese.

TRADITIONAL USES:

-In the Philippines, fruit is used as emmenagogue.

- In Malaysia, heated leave applied to the chest and abdomen for coughs, nausea, colic,
enlarged spleen, and fever.
- In Indo-China, leaves used as deobstruent and emmenagogue.
- In Bombay leaves applied externally for wound healing, and internally, as tonic and febrifuge.
- In Java, juice of fruit pulp, mashed with sugar, is slightly laxative.
- Syrup of fruit juice used as a gargle for sore throats.
- Fruit used internally in various preparations for swollen spleen, liver diseases, beriberi,
hemorrhage, and coughs.
- Leaves, fruit, flowers or bark used for eye problems, wounds, abscesses, fever, constipation.
- Leaf juice used for arthritis.
- Used for bone and wound healing.
- In India roots used as cathartic.
-The green fruit, leaves, and root/rhizomes were traditionally used in Polynesian cultures to treat
menstrual cramps, bowel irregularities, diabetes, liver diseases, and urinary tract infections.

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY:
 Antimicrobial / insecticidal properties

Analgesic

Herbal Hepatotoxicity
Antiviral / Cytotoxicity
Antipsychotic-like Activity

AKAPULKO

Common Name:
Ringworm bush or Ringworm shrub (English) [1]
Katanda, Andadasi and Palochina in Tagalog, Ilocos and in Visayas regions [2]
Ringworm tree, Christmas candle, candlestick or candle bush [3]

Scientific Name: Cassia alata [4]

Family Name: Fabaceae [4]

Description of the plant and its parts:

The ringworm bush is a tropical shrub and found throughout the Philippines which grows about
1.5-3 meters tall with an open crown branched at base brittle branches of distinctive habit with
large leaves and long terminal upright panicles of yellow flowers [1].

Leaves are pinnate and 40 to 60 centimeters long, with orange rachis on stout branches. Each
leaf has 16 to 28 leaflets, 5 to 15 centimeters in length, broad and rounded at the apex, with a
small point at the tip. Leaflets gradually increase in size from the base towards the tip of the leaf
[4].

Flowers are roundish in compact axillary racemes, golden-yellow and very showy, about 20 to
30 cm long and 34 cm wide. The bracts are 23 by 12 cm. There are 5 unequal, oblong, 10
20 by 67 mm green sepals. The petals are bright yellow, ovate-orbicular to spathulate, short-
clawed, 2 by 11.5 cm. There are 910 stamens; 2 large, 4 small, and 34 reduced. The
anthers open via apical pores. There is only 1 pistil and glabrous ovary. Fruit are 4-winged pods,
1015 cm long, dark brown when ripe [5].
Barks are smooth to rough, greyish more or less lenticellate, with green to yellowish slash.
Stems are more or less ridged at the leaf base, very shortly pubescent, becoming glabrous [1].

Akapulko plant & its important parts

TRADITIONAL USE

Akapulko is use against skin diseases [10]. Skin diseases such as Tinea infections, insect bites,
ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness [2]. The seeds are used for intestinal parasitism.
Tincture from leaves reported to be purgative. Decoction of leaves and flowers for cough and as
expectorant in bronchitis and asthma. Also used as astringent. Crushed leaves and juice extract
used for ringworm, scabies, eczema, tinea infections, itches, insect bites, herpes [4].

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Antibacterial

Antioxidant and Stimulating agent

Antifungal

Niyog-niyogan
Common name: Burma crupper, Chinese honeysuckle (English), tagaran, talulo
(tagalog), pimon, balitadham, pinones (visayan)[1]
Scientific name: Quisqualis indica L.[1]
[4]
Description of plant and its parts
A vine known as Chinese honey suckle which bears tiny fruits and grows wild in
backyards. It is effective for the elimination of intestinal worms.[2]
Grows at least 2.5m long and reaches up to 8m long when it matures.[6]
Belongs to the combretaceae family, grows best in tropical areas and demands
constant sunlight.[7][10]
Found in primary and secondary forests of countries like Africa, China, Taiwan,
Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea and other Asian regions[10]
Leaves are oblong to elliptic, opposite, 7 to 15 centimeters long, rounded at the
base and pointed at the tip[4]
Flowers are fragrant, tubular, showy, first white, then becoming red, reddish-purple
or orange, exhibiting the range of colors in clusters, on the same flower stalk[4]
Fruit is narrowly ellipsoid, 2.5 to 3 centimeters long, with five, sharp, longitudinal
angles or wings[4]
Seeds are pentagonal and black[9]
Grows in haste during the rainy season[7]
Active constituents
Trigonelline (alkaloid), L-proline (-amino acid), L-asparagine (-amino acid),
quisqualic acid (agonist for both AMPA receptors), rutin (flavonoid) and two forms of
the cysteine synthase, isoenzyme A and isoenzyme B (enzyme).[5]
Rutin and pelargonidin-3-glucoside have also been isolated from flowers.[5]
Fruits contain a sugary substance similar to levulose and an organic acid similar to
cathartic acid.[5]
Seeds contain a fixed oil, which consists of linoleic, oleic, palmitic, stearic and
arachidic acids, a sterol, an alkaloid with anthelimintic properties and a
neuroexcitatory amino acid, quisqualic acid.[5]

Traditional uses
Decoctions of the root, seed or fruit can be used as antihelmintic[5][8]
Fruit decoction used for gargling. The fruits are also used to combat nephritis.[5]
Leaves can be used to relieve pain caused by fever.[5]
The roots are used to treat rheumatism.[5]
Flowers are used to relieve headache.[5]
Infusion of leaves is used externally to treat boils and ulcers.[5]
Pounded leaves externally for skin diseases.[3]
Decoction of boiled leaves used for dysuria.[3]
Leaves are used to cure body pains by placing them on specific problematic areas of
the body.[6]
Compound decoctions of the leaves of niyog-niyogan are used in India to alleviate
flatulence.[6]

Pharmacological activity

Anti-inflammatory activity

Antipyretic Activity
Immunomodulatory Activity

Antioxidants Activity
Anti-staphylococcal Activity

Anti-Cancer

Hypolipidemic Effect/ Aerial Parts

Intestinal Ascariasis / Comparative Study with Pyrantel Pamoate

Tsaang-Gubat

Common name: Alangit (Bis.), Wild Tea, Scorpionbush, Putputai [4], Alangit (Bisaya);
Kalamoga (Tagalog), [1] [9]
Scientific name: Carmona retusa (Vahl.) Masam.[2]

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT AND ITS PARTS:

A shrub with small, shiny nice- looking leaves that grows in wild uncultivated
areas and forests [3]
Tsaang Gubat is a shrub that grows abundantly in thePhilippines [4]
The plant bears white flowers that developed into a fleshy, yellow-orange
fruits when ripe. [2]
Tsaang gubat is an erect, very branched shrub growing up to 1 to 4 meters
high. [1]
Leaves are in clusters on short branches, obovate to oblong-obovate, 3 to 6
centimeters long, entire or somewhat toothed or lobed near the apex and pointed at
the base, short stalked and rough on the upper surface. [2]
Flowers are white, small, axillary, solitary, 2 or 4 on a common stalk, borne in
inflorescences shorter than the leaves. Calyx -lobes re green, somewhat hairy, and
linear, about 5 to 6 millimeters long. [2]
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS
Phytochemical screening yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins,
terpenoids, and saponins. [2]
Major constituents of leaves yielded an intractable mixture of triterpenes,
namely a-amyrin, b-amyrin, and baurenol. [2]

TRADITIONAL USE

Traditionally, tsaang gubat is used as a disinfectant wash during childbirth.

Newer studies showed that it has an anti-allergy component if used together with
sambong and lagundi [6]
The leaves has been used as cure for diarrhea, ,as tea for general good health
and because Tsaang Gubat has high fluoride content, it is used as a mouth gargle
for preventing tooth decay [4]

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Use of plant with clinical basis:

Laboratory tests and evaluations, using white mice, show that with dosages of
100mg and 250mg/kg of mice, tritepenes exhibited 29% to 55% anti diarrheal
activity or effectiveness. Tests further show that at a dosage of 100mg, there is no
significant difference between the effectiveness of immodium (commercially known
available drug) and triterpenes to diarrhea. [5]
Antidiabetic activity, Antibacteria activity, Antiallergic Activity:
Antimutagen Triterpene Bioactivities/ Analgesic / Anti-inflammatory / Anti-
diarrheal / Antimicrobial: Anti-Tumor: 4 Herbal leaves of the plant cure
diarrhea, gastroenteritis, stomach pains, and antidote for poisonous and bleeding
ROSELLE
COMMON NAMES: RED SORREL,SORREL, FLORIDA CRANBERRY, ROSELLA,INDIAN
SORREL
SCIENTIFIC NAME: HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA

Roselle is an erect herbaceous, nearly smooth annual herb with straight, prickly
purple stems[i] under the family of malvaceae(1) .it grows from 1 to 2 meters high
with deep penetrating root.its flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and
female organs) insect pollinated. the stem is reddish in color. its leaves are
alternate, have long-petiole, palmately divided into 3-7, with serrate margin.
capsules are ovoid, beaked and hairy 5cm long, 5.3 cm wide.(6)
active constituents:
hibiscus contains free acids, which includes citric acid, maleic acid , and tartaric
acid. it also contains polysaccharides and flavonoid glycosides, such as cyanin and
delphinidin that gives it its deep red color characteristic. steroid, hibiscin, tannin
and carbohydrates are also present.(8)
traditional uses
seeds are used as a decoction to cure earache, strangury (slow, painful urination)
mild dyspepsia, weakness and as an appetizer.(1)
infusion of leaves is used for dysentery, purgative,decreases blood viscoscity,
choloretic, febrifugal and hypotensive.
heated leaves fasten the maturation of skin ulcer, boil and applied on sole cracks.
(9)
all plant parts have been used as an astringent, cooling agent, diuretic.(2)
it also has antioxidant .antihyperlipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory
and antiviral activity.(2)(11)
pharmacological uses
internal antimicrobial, anticancer

hepatoprotective:
antioxidant activity

antihyperlipidemic
antimotility

BANABA

BANABA
Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia speciosa
Family: Lythraceae

Common name: Agaro, Mitla, Bugarom, Nabulong, Pamalauagon, Duguam,

Pamarauagon, Kauilan, Parasabukung, Makablos, Tabangau, Tauagnau(7), Giant
Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle, Queens Crape Myrtle(11)
Banaba, known scientifically as Lagerstroemia speciosa, is a flowering tree that is
native to the Philippines and India, where it has been used for thousands of years as
a treatment for digestive problems, kidney inflammation and diabetes. The Medical
Health Guide reports that banaba can grow up to 30 feet high, producing pink and
lavender flowers and leaves that are 3 inches wide by 7 inches in length. The
banaba leaves are often used in herbal preparations, as they offer health benefits.
Since banaba does not grow in most other parts of the world, it is taken as a dietary
supplement. Never self-treat any medical conditions with banaba leaf, and get
approval from your physician before adding it to your routine.(2) Lagerstroemia
speciosa is from the Lythraceae family. The tree is also known as Queens Crape-
myrtle, Giant Crape-myrtle, or Pride of India. It is a large and tall tree (up to 60
feet), which has a fast growing rate. Banabas crown is round, spreading to about 40
feet. The tree is also characterized with thin, smooth and easily injured flaky bark.
The oblong opposite leaves of Lagerstroemia are about 12 inches long. Being dark-
green in summer, they turn into bright red in autumn before falling down. The most
attractive thing about Banaba is the large panicles of its lavender or pink flowers,
which bloom from June to July. The fruit of the tree is a hard round or oval brown
nutlet. It is known for its persistent nature.(1)
Parts used:
Leaves of the Banaba tree are used medicinally most often. At the same time,
preparations from the bark, roots, and flowers have always been extensively used in
Japan, Taiwan, Phillipines, and other Asian countries.(1)

Banaba Bark

Banaba Fruit

Banaba Flower

Chemical constituents:
Rich in tannin: fruit, 14 to 17 %; leaves 13 %; bark, 10%. (3) Corrosolic acid is being
studied for its glucose lowering effect. It contains corosolic acid, ellagitannins (in the
fruit and leaves), triterpenoids, amino acids and flavonoids. Extensive studies of the
leaves made in Japan confirmed the use of extracts from the leaves for diabetes.
The corosolic acid lowers blood pressure and has insulin-like properties as do some
of the amino acids, and this is what makes it so attractive to researchers. The
leaves contain the minerals manganese and zinc among others, and it has been
discovered that one of the side effects of banaba is very positive as it helps reduce
weight and so banaba can be found in many weight control formulae in the US.
Extracts obtained from the seeds (said to be narcotic) have powerful antioxidant
properties and the ellagic acid compounds in banaba are being researched to
discover if they can help in the treatment of HIV. Banaba may have antibiotic
properties too. In fact it might provide a few wonder drugs after more research
has been done into its properties and their effects on people. The whole plant can
be used medicinally but not all parts have been researched as yet.(6) Valoneaic acid
dilactone have been isolated from the leaves as potent alpha-amylase inhibitors.(5)

Traditional Use
Traditionally, banaba is a popular medicinal plant. Its dried bark and dried leaves
are used for the preparation of medicinal tea against kidney trouble. Extracts
obtained from boiling its bark is used as a drink to induce alertness, reduce fever
and to cure abdominal pains. Bark soak in water can be taken to stop diarrhea. The
bark leaves and flowers are used to induce bowel movements or loosen the stool.
Old leaves and ripe/dried fruit, taken like tea, reduce blood sugar. Leaves boiled in
water are taken to clear obstructions from the natural ducts of the body and induce
urination. Extracts from boiling the roots are used against small ulcers of the mouth.
A leaf poultice is used to relieve malarial fever and applied on cracked feet.(8)

Folkloric uses of Banaba herbal medicine include the treatment for diarrhea,
constipation, inflammation of kidneys, dysuria and other urinary dysfunctions.(4)

Roots have been used for a variety of stomach ailments. Leafdecoctionfor diabetes;
also use as a diuretic and purgative.Decoction of old leaves and dried fruit (dried
from one to two weeks), 50 gms to a pint of boiling water, 4 to 6 cups daily has
been used fordiabetes. Old leaves and ripe fruit are preferred, believed to have
greater glucose lowering effect. Young leaves and flowers have a similar effect,
though only 70% that of matures leaves and fruits. The wood has no known glucose
lowering effect; the bark, a very small amount. A decoction of 20 gms of old leaves
or dried fruit in 100 cc of water was found to have the equivalent effect to that of 6
to 7.7 units of insulin.
The bark decoction has been used for the treatment of diarrhea.
The bark, flowers and leaves used to facilitate bowel movements.
Decoction of fruits or roots gargled for aphthous stomatitis.
Decoction of leaves and flowers used for fevers and as diuretic.
Leaf decoction or infusion used for bladder and kidney inflammation, dysuria, and
other urinary dysfunctions.(13)

Pharmacologic activity
The potential of Banaba preparations to have insulin-like action is the most valuable
and frequently and extensively researched by the modern science. It is known that
the tree has a triterpenoid compound called corosolic acid. The latter stimulates
glucose receptors increasing their activity and thus aiding in the absorption of blood
sugar into the cells of the body. For its action corosolic acid is called the natural
plant insulin, which helps lower blood glucose level. By this time it has been found
out that the effect of sugar lowering depends on the dose of the plant remedies
taken. The larger the dose, the more pronounced results are. Lagerstroemin, flosin B
and reginin A the ellagitannins isolated from the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa
are the other components, which may add to the efficacy of the plant remedies to
lower glucose level.(1)

The largest amount of the above mentioned constituents was isolated from the old
leaves and ripe fruits of the Banaba tree. The young leaves and the flowers of the
plant also contain these chemicals, although in much smaller doses.(1)

Another effect of Lagerstroemia speciosa is promoting weight loss due to

suppressing appetite, as well as delaying and reducing the absorption of
carbohydrates in the body.(1)

The tree is said to contain high concentrations of dietary fiber and minerals such as
zinc and magnesium, 16 amino acids, tannins, and lipids. Due to its chemical
composition Banaba may possess antibacterial, diuretic, and purgative properties. It
may also be helpful in alleviating fevers.(1)

The preparations of different parts of Lagerstroemia speciosa are widely used for
the treatment of a number of health conditions. For example, the problems of the
digestive tract, as diarrhea and constipation, and urinary disorders (dysuria, bladder
and kidney inflammations) are often treated with Banaba remedies.(1)

These days Banabas potential to fight obesity received wide popularity, thus the
plant is used in numerous dietary supplements for weight reduction(1).

However, the primary action of the tree preparations has always been and still
remains reducing blood glucose level in patients with diabetes type 2. Such
condition as insulin resistance syndrome is also managed with the same remedies.
It is worthy to mention that a consultation with a professional health-care provider
and a skilled naturopath is always necessary prior to starting the treatment with
Banaba due to its strong action and possible risks of hypoglycemia in case of
overdose.(1)
It also looks like the information on Banaba effects on the human organism is not
sufficient these days, and more studies are needed to evaluate the possible risks
and long-term influence of this plants remedies.(1)

Blood sugar and diabetes research studies

The use of banaba for diabetes in the US is still very new and we don't really know
the right dosage or how often to take it and also how it interacts with insulin or
hypoglycemic medicines. There is no proof yet that taking a banaba supplement
with corosolic acid and other compounds will help those who have diabetes,
although rodent studies thus far look promising. We also don't know whether long
term use will lead to side effects. I am not aware of any studies combining it with
metformin or other medicines used in diabetes.

Effects of dietary mulberry, Korean red ginseng, and banaba on glucose

homeostasis in relation to PPAR-alpha, PPAR-gamma, and LPL mRNA expressions.
Life Sci. 2005.
Mulberry leaf water extract, Korean red ginseng, banaba leaf water extract, and the
combination of these herbs fed to mice at the level of 0.5% of the diet significantly
increased insulin sensitivity and improved hyperglycemia possibly through
regulating PPAR-mediated lipid metabolism. (5)

Effects of malted barley extract and banaba extract on blood glucose levels in
genetically diabetic mice.
J Med Food. 2004.

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of a malted barley extract (MBE) and
of banaba extract on blood glucose, insulin, and other biochemical parameters in
genetically diabetic mice. The mice were divided into three groups-control, MBE,
and banaba-according to supplementation. Both MBE and banaba extracts were
orally administered to the animals for 12 weeks at doses of 62 mg/kg of body
weight and 0.8 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Fasting blood glucose was
significantly lower in the MBE group compared with the control. Hemoglobin A1c
content was significantly lower in the MBE group compared with either the control
or banaba group. There was no significant difference in the serum insulin level
among groups. The glucose-6-phosphatase activity in kidney was significantly lower
in both the MBE and banaba groups compared with the control group, but there was
no significant difference between the MBE and banaba groups. Therefore, the
results of this study demonstrate that MBE alleviates many of the symptoms of
diabetes in genetically obese mice and may offer promise as a therapeutic
supplement for the normalization of blood glucose levels in humans with
hyperglycemia and have beneficial effects in patients with non-insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus.(5)

Antidiabetic activity of a standardized extract (Glucosol) from Lagerstroemia

speciosa leaves in Type II diabetics. A dose-dependence study.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2003. (5)
The antidiabetic activity of an extract from the leaves of Lagerstroemia speciosa
standardized to 1% corosolic acid (Glucosol) has been demonstrated in a
randomized clinical trial involving Type II diabetics. Subjects received a daily oral
dose of Glucosol and blood glucose levels were measured. Glucosol at daily dosages
of 32 and 48mg for 2 weeks showed a significant reduction in the blood glucose
levels.(5)

An extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa has insulin-like glucose uptake-stimulatory

and adipocyte differentiation-inhibitory activities in 3T3-L1 cells.
J Nutr. 2001.
The effects of extracts isolated from banaba on glucose transport and adipocyte
differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells were studied. Our results suggest that banaba extract
may be useful for prevention and treatment of hyperglycemia and obesity in type II
diabetics.(5)

Hypoglycemic effect of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in genetically

diabetic KK-AY mice.
Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1996.
The blood sugar lowering effects of Lagerstroemia speciosa, known by the Tagalog
name of banaba in the Phillipines, were studied using hereditary diabetic mice. The
mice were fed a test diet containing 5% of the hot-water extract from banaba leaves
for a feeding period of 5 weeks. It is suggested that extracts obtained from banaba
leaves have beneficial effects on control of the level of plasma glucose in non-
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.(5)

Obesity and weight loss

Antiobesity activity of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves on female KK-Ay
mice.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 1999..
Lagerstroemia speciosa has been used as a folk medicine for a long time among
diabetics in the Philippines. In the present study, female mice of the same strain
showing remarkable body weight gain were used to examine the antiobesity effect
of dietary banaba extract. Five-week-old female KK-Ay mice were fed a control diet
or test diet containing 5% of a hot-water extract from banaba leaves instead of
cellulose for 12 weeks. Neither group showed any changes in diet intake during the
experimental period. Body weight gain and parametrial adipose tissue weight were
lowered significantly in the banaba diet group. Blood glucose levels were not
suppressed in the banaba diet group, but hemoglobin A1C was found to be
suppressed at the end of the experiment. No effects on the serum lipids were
observed, but the mice fed banaba extract showed a significant decrease, to 65% of
the control level in total hepatic lipid contents. This decrease was due to a reduction
in the accumulation of triglyceride. These results suggest that banaba had a
beneficial effect on obese female KK-Ay mice.(5)

Roots have been used for a variety of stomach ailments. Leaf decoction for
diabetes; also use as a diuretic and purgative.
- Decoction of old leaves and dried fruit (dried from one to two weeks), 50 gms to a
pint of boiling water, 4 to 6 cups daily has been used for diabetes. Old leaves and
ripe fruit are preferred, believed to have greater glucose lowering effect. Young
leaves and flowers have a similar effect, though only 70% that of matures leaves
and fruits. The wood has no known glucose lowering effect; the bark, a very small
amount. A decoction of 20 gms of old leaves or dried fruit in 100 cc of water was
found to have the equivalent effect to that of 6 to 7.7 units of insulin.
-The bark decoction has been used for the treatment of diarrhea.
-The bark, flowers and leaves used to facilitiate bowel movements.
-Decoction of fruits or roots gargled for aphthous stomatitis.
-Decoction of leaves and flowers used for fevers and as diuretic.
- Leaf decoction or infusion used for bladder and kidney inflammation, dysuria, and
other urinary dysfunctions.(3)

Recent studies
Diabetes: Banaba is being studied for its application in the treatment of diabetes. Its
ability to lower blood sugar is attributed to its corosolic acid, a triterpenoid
glycoside, belived to facilitate glucose-transport into cells.(13)
Weight loss: Studies in mice suggest an antiobesity effect. It is becoming a common
ingredient in weight-loss supplements / products as a metabolic enhancer.(13)
Others: It is also being studied for its use in the treatment of blood pressure, renal
and immune system benefits. Studies in mice suggest a lipid lowering effect
decreasing triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. To date, no toxicity has been
identified.(13)

A tea can easily be made containing Banaba Extract. Simply boil the leaves in water
for 30 minutes. Strain and drink this tea twice daily. After one month of drinking this
tea, a persons blood sugar will be regulated. This tea can also be consumed as a
weight loss supplement.(12)

Banaba Extract is most commonly used to control blood sugar. There is a property in
the extract called corosolic acid, which stimulates glucose uptake. This lowers blood
glucose levels. Glucose is transported into cells and helps them carry out their
functions.(12)

Other vital properties in this extract include the natural phytochemicals lager-
stroemin, flosin B and reginin A, which could also play a role in the blood glucose
level reduction. Banaba Extract has been shown in various studies to lower glucose
levels in people with type-2 diabetes.(12)

This extract also works to keep people slim by reducing the appetite. Changes in
blood glucose levels are often related to hunger and food cravings. When a person
consumes Banaba Extract, he or she is likely to eat less food. A recent study with
mice showed that those that consumed Banaba Extract lost weight and reduced fat.
Blood lipids were also decreased in these mice.(12)

Other uses of Banaba extract include the following:

Controls blood sugar
Reduces Appetite
Prevents obesity
Helps with diabetes
Helps the body use insulin
Kidney problems
Bladder ailments
Roots are used for stomach problems. The leaves are used to heal diabetes and for
weight loss. The red-orange leaves have high levels of corosolic acid (interpenoid
glycoside) that can lower blood sugar. Corosolic acid may have an influence on
diabetes. Banaba also contains concentrations of dietary fiber and minerals such as
magnesium and zinc. It helps the body to handle glucose and as such, it's also
effective in weight loss. The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect is similar to
that of insulin (which induces glucose transport from the blood into body cells). Its
tea is therapeutic against ailments such as diabetes and kidney and urinary
problems. The taste is pleasant and smooth. Japanese pharmaceutical companies
import tons of its leaves to us to make a SLIMMING TEA. It is not only used for
slimming but also for cholesterol deduction, hypertension and diabetes. Research
conducted by scientists at ITDI of Department of Science and Technology or DOST
discovered that the banaba leaves contain active ingredients similar to INSULIN, the
popular anti-diabetic drug. Drinking the decoction of the leaves will normalize blood
sugar. Its fresh leaves are also an essential component for emergency tincture of
wounds and for sanitizing the surface of the skin.

Lagerstroemia speciosa or Banaba is a Philippine medicinal tree traditionally used to

lower high blood sugar in the body. BANABA PLUS, is taken from wild Banaba leaves
around unpolluted mountains and forests. It is also reported that it contains
Magnesium, an energy booster and excellent for slimming. Its high content of
corosolic acid makes it an effective anti-diabetic drug. Banaba is also recommended
for kidney and bladder troubles and hypertension.

Furthermore, to make this tea more effective, we added HERBAL GLUTAMIONE, a

powerful antioxidant and immune system booster and helps make the skin finer,
softer and whiter. Drinking this tea everyday will promote general health and
longevity. You can achieve its effectiveness in a short period time, usually within 30
days.(10)

Toxicity:
Oral administration of a decoction of banaba leaves to rabbits in amounts equival
ent to 1 to 2 g. dried leaves per kg. body weight lowered the blood sugar for 4 to 6
hours. Larger doses had more marked and prolonged effects but no toxic symptoms
were recorded. The effect of the banaba leaf extract was relatively greater when the
initial blood sugar of the animal was high. It is suggested that the active principle of
the leaves is a plant hormone similar to insulin, but differing from insulin in being
thermostable and in being effective when given by mouth.(9)