Banaba 20% Powder (25 grams)

Ultra Potent Banaba (20% Corosolic Acid) Powder

A medicinal plant native to India, the Philippines, and some other parts of Southeast Asia, the leaves of the Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa) plant have been traditionally used in the treatment of hyperglycemia (excessive blood sugar levels) and the endocrine condition, diabetes mellitus (Type II diabetes, also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, NIDDM). The main active agent in the Banaba plant is Corosolic Acid, a triterpenoid known to possess anti-diabetic properties expressed in a dose-dependent reduction in blood sugar levels after oral adminsitration.(1) Beyond Corosolic Acid, the Banaba plant also contains tannins that contribute to Banaba's blood-glucose lowering effect.(2) Certain Banaba Extract supplements contain specific extracts of these tannins. Banaba's mechanism of action is the activation of specialized glucose transport proteins known as Glucose Transporter 4 (GLUT 4). GLUT 4, a specific isoform of the GLUT transport proteins, is found in skeletal muscle cells, in adipose cells, and in cardiac-muscle cells. Banaba Extract stimulates the translocation of GLUT 4 proteins from the inner cell to the outer or surface cell membrane, inducing the uptake of glucose into skeletal and adipose cells, ultimately leading to the lowering of blood glucose levels. Insulin and exercise also stimulate GLUT 4 activity. Banaba Extract's stimulation of glucose uptake is similar to the action of insulin, yet is independent of insulin levels. Furthermore, Banaba Extract, also appears to inhibit adipocyte differentiation.(3) By acting independently of insulin, Banaba Extract reduces the need for the secretion of insulin, leading to enhanced insulin sensitivity.

For bodybuilders and sports enthusiasts, Banaba Extract is a potent glucose-disposal agent, capable of supporting the feeding of skeletal muscle cells with the glycogen necessary for energy production and for inducing a favourable environment for anabolic activity. Some other health benefits include: antioxidant (4,5) , anti-inflammatory (7), lowers blood pressure (6), promotes weight loss (8-10), control appetite and cravings (8-10), supports kidney function and cardiovascular health (4,5)

How should I take it?

Banaba Extract should be taken 15-30 minutes prior to meals, to allow time for GLUT4 translocation which will greatly enhance glucose uptake by cells. While this powder may not be as unpleasant as other herbals like Yellow Gold, you may wish to cap it using the [Complete Capping Kit] and a [digital scale] for accurate dosing. Capsules delay the onset of Banaba’s effects, and should be dosed further in advance of the meal. Density is approx 400mg per 1/4 tsp, so an effective dose will fit inside a “00” cap.

Dosing Guidelines:

Although Banaba Extract can be used for meals with modest amounts of carbohydrates (30g), it is particularly useful in situations when large amounts of carbohydrates (60g+) are consumed, such as on reefed days, and before and after workouts. A typical dose would be 300-400mg of the 20% extract for 60-80g of carbohydrates. For carb intakes greater than 60-80g, add approx. an extra 100mg of powder for every 20g carbohydrates. It is effective for both simple and complex carbohydrates.

Sample Dosing Schedule:

i) Solid Meal

6:40 am: 500mg 20% Banaba
7:00 am: Cooked Oats, Berries, Milk & Protein Powder (Yielding 100g Carbs)
8:00 Workout

ii) Shake

6:40 am: 500mg 20% Banaba
7:00 am: 50g Dextrose, 50g Maltodextrin, Whey Protein Isolate
7:30 am: Workout

Caution: Banaba Extract may lower your blood sugar levels farther than desired if too much is taken, similar to a condition known as hypoglycemia. Symptoms include light-headedness, fatigue/dizziness, and hunger. While low blood sugar can have certain benefits and desired by some users, if you are uncomfortable with it you can take some simple sugars immediately to help restore your blood glucose levels to normal. It is recommended that you start your dosage at the lower range of recommended doses to assess your tolerance before increasing your dosage to suit your individual needs.

This product can be used in combination with Yellow Gold and Na-RALA Nutracaps to provide improved glucose control throughout the day.

References

1. Antidiabetic activity of a standardized extract (Glucosol™) from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in Type II diabetics: A dose-dependence study. WV Judy et al, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 87;1 p.115-117, 2003.

2. Ellagitannins from Lagerstroemia speciosa as activators of glucose transport in fat cells. T Hayashi et at, Planta Med 68;2 p.173-175, 2002.

3. An Extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa L. Has Insulin-Like Glucose Uptake–Stimulatory and Adipocyte Differentiation–Inhibitory Activities in 3T3-L1 Cells. F. Liu et al, Journal of Nutrition 131 p.2242-2247, 2001.

4. Corosolic acid prevents oxidative stress, inflammation and hypertension in SHR/NDmcr-cp rats, a model of metabolic syndrome. Y. Yamaguchi et al, Life Sci 79(26):2474-2479, 2006.

5. Corosolic acid isolated from the fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida var. psilosa is a protein kinase C inhibitor as well as a cytotoxic agent, KS Ahn et al, Planta Med; 64(5) 468-470, 1998.

6. Oxidative stress and atherosclerosis [in Japanese]. Kunitomo M , Yakugaku Zasshi ; 127(12):1997-2014, 2007.

7. Anti-complementary activity of ursane-type triterpenoids from Weigela subsessilis. Thuong PT, Min BS, Jin W, et al. Biol Pharm Bull, 29(4):830-833, 2006.

8. Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B by ursane-type triterpenes isolated from Symplocos paniculata . Na M, Yang S, He L, et al., Planta Med ;72(3):261-263, 2006.

9. A new pancreatic lipase inhibitor isolated from the roots of Actinidia arguta. Jang DS, Lee GY, Kim J, et al, Arch Pharm Res ;31(5):666-670, 2008.

10. Dietary corosolic acid ameliorates obesity and hepatic steatosis in KK-Ay mice. K. Yamada et al, Biol Pharm Bull; 31(4):651-655, 2008.