Brief Introduction

Synonyms--- Banabá(for Philippines), Giant Crape-myrtle, Queen’s Crape-myrtle, Pride of India

Corosolic acid

Chemical Name: 2-alpha-Hydroxyursolic acid; (2a, 3b)-2, 3-Dihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid

Molecular Formula: C₃₀H₄₈O₄

Mol. Wt.: 472.70

Molecular Structure:

Banaba, Lagerstroemia speciosa (Giant Crape-myrtle, Queen's Crape-myrtle, Banabá Plant for Philippines, or Pride of India) is a species of Lagerstroemia native to tropical southern Asia. It is grown in South East Asia, China, India and the Philippines. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas. It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 20 m tall, with smooth, flaky bark. The leaves are deciduous, oval to elliptic, 8-15 cm long and 3-7 cm broad, with an acute apex. The flowers are produced in erect panicles 20-40 cm long, each flower with six white to purple petals 2-3.5 cm long.

The leaves of the Banaba and other parts are used widely by the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan as a Tea preparation. This tea is consumed as a natural means for a variety of reasons involving the kidneys, such as dissolving kidney stones, kidney cleanses, and kidney health in general. Research being conducted in Japan shows much promise for this plant and its potential uses in the medical community.

Banaba extract is used as a natural health supplement and is made from the leaves of the banaba tree. Some research suggests that banaba extract may support blood sugar balance and weight loss. The primary active ingredient is corosolic acid, and there are also numerous possible synergists including lager-stroemin, flosin B and reginin A.

Corosolic Acid is an extract from the leaves of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), and can also be extracted from other plants such as Campsis Grandiflora, Weiglea Subsessilis, Perilla Fructescens and Almomd Hull. Corosolic Acid is believed to be beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes because it may possess the ability to reduce glucose levels. Corosolic Acid may also be beneficial in lowering the blood pressure as well as burning fat. It is also believed to have powerful antioxidant properties. It may help to neutralize free radical, promote healthy kidney function and prevent cell membrane lipid oxidation.

Benefits

Anti-diabetic Property (Treating type 2 diabetes by reducing glucose levels)

Weight Loss

Anti-oxidant

Beneficial Kidney effects

Mechanisms of action

Unknown.

Safety, Adverse effects and unknowns

There has been no toxicity reported with Corosolic Acid, but there are still tests being done to confirm this.

Those who are pregnant or nursing should avoid products with Corosolic Acid.

Those who have the medical condition hypoglycemia should not take products containing this ingredient.

Those who are taking any diabetes medication should avoid any products containing this ingredient.

Dosage

•  The typical dose is 500-1200mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
•  Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Banaba Leaf Extract Features and Benefits:

 Banaba Leaf Extract is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves.

•  Produced with pure water only

•  High concentration: over 10%

•  NO solvent - residual free

•  Pesticide-free

•  Brown-Yellow to Yellow in appearance

•  High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life

Product Specifications:

1%, 2%, 3% 10% Corosolic Acid HPLC