Herb & supplement monograph

Banaba Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Banaba interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Banaba is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Banaba is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Banaba Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, most Banaba drug interactions are moderate rather than serious, and the ones most likely to matter involve medicines that lower blood sugar or blood pressure. None of the listed interactions are rated major, but none are minor either, so a degree of awareness makes sense.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The best-documented concerns involve diabetes medications and blood pressure medications. Human and animal research suggests banaba itself can lower blood glucose and blood pressure, so combining it with drugs that do the same could add up and push levels lower than intended. Because these medicines are often adjusted carefully to keep readings in a target range, this additive effect is the part of the profile we weigh most heavily.

What the rest of the list means

Much of the long list of interacting medications comes from lab research showing banaba may block a transporter the body uses to absorb certain drugs, which could in theory reduce how much of those drugs gets into the bloodstream. This has only been seen in lab studies, not in people, so a listing there does not mean the combination has been shown to cause harm.

Check your medications against Banaba

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Banaba interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Banaba

299 medications have a known interaction with Banaba, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Banaba using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Banaba interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Banaba combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Banaba affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Banaba is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Banaba interacts with

Antidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsOrganic Anion-transporting Polypeptide Substrates (oatp)

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba and hypoglycemic drugs might have additive effects.
Human and animal research suggests that banaba can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba and antihypertensive drugs might cause additive effects.
Human and animal research suggests that banaba can lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, concomitant use of banaba with substrates of OATP might reduce the bioavailability of the OATP substrate.
In vitro research shows that banaba inhibits OATP, particularly OATP2B1. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the absorption of drugs and other compounds.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Banaba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Banaba is a leaf extract most often used to help support healthy blood sugar, and small early studies suggest its active compound corosolic acid may modestly lower glucose. The overall evidence is limited and short-term, so it should not replace prescribed diabetes care. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before trying it, especially if you take blood sugar medicine.

Scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciosa
Family: Lythraceae
Part used: Leaves
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, standardized extracts (e.g., corosolic acid extracts), tea

People commonly use it for

Blood sugar support
Type 2 diabetes
Weight management
High blood pressure
Cholesterol support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated in short studies, but long-term safety is not well established.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Banaba is a flowering tree native to tropical parts of Asia, including the Philippines, India, and Malaysia. It is also called crape myrtle or pride-of-India. In traditional medicine, the leaves have long been used as a tea to help with blood sugar and other health concerns.

Most supplements are made from the leaf of the plant. The leaf contains compounds such as corosolic acid, ellagitannins, and lagerstroemin, which are thought to be the active ingredients. Some products use patented, standardized extracts that are measured for a set amount of corosolic acid.

Today, people most often take banaba in capsules or tablets to support healthy blood sugar levels, and sometimes for weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol.

How it works

The main compound studied in banaba is corosolic acid. Laboratory and animal research suggests it may help cells take in glucose (sugar) more easily, which could lower blood sugar. Because of this, some people call it a "plant insulin-like" effect, though this is a simplified description.

Other compounds, such as ellagitannins and lagerstroemin, may also play a role in how the leaf affects blood sugar and metabolism. Some research suggests these compounds may have antioxidant effects too.

It is important to know that much of this information comes from test-tube and animal studies. How well these effects apply to people is still not fully understood.

Effectiveness

Does Banaba work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 3 uses evaluated

3 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Banaba, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 3 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral banaba is beneficial in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral banaba has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Metabolic syndrome

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral banaba is beneficial in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Banaba appears to be generally well tolerated when used short-term in studies, but its long-term safety has not been well studied. Because it may lower blood sugar, people with diabetes should be careful, as it could cause blood sugar to drop too low, especially if combined with other blood-sugar-lowering treatments.

Watch for signs of low blood sugar such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, or feeling faint. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely and let your healthcare provider know if you start banaba.

People with kidney problems, those scheduled for surgery, and anyone with a chronic health condition should talk to a pharmacist or doctor first. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid banaba because there is not enough safety information.

Side effects

Banaba is usually well tolerated in short-term use. Reported side effects are generally mild and may include stomach upset or other digestive complaints.

The main concern is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in people who also take diabetes medicines. Symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, headache, and feeling dizzy or weak.

Because high-quality, long-term studies are lacking, the full range of possible side effects is not known. Stop use and seek medical advice if you have an unusual or severe reaction.

Banaba: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Banaba from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, banaba extract appears to be well tolerated.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Diaphoresis, dizziness, headache, palpitations, stomach upset, tremor, and weakness have been reported with a specific product containing extracts of banaba leaf and Padang cassia (Inlacin, Dexa Medica); however, it is unclear if these adverse effects were caused by banaba extract, Padang cassia, or the combination.

Reports by condition

Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, dizziness, headache, tremor, and weakness have been reported with a specific product containing extracts of banaba leaf and Padang cassia (Inlacin, Dexa Medica); however, it is unclear if these adverse effects were caused by banaba extract, Padang cassia, or the combination.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official or well-established standard dose for banaba. Products vary widely, and many are standardized to a certain percentage of corosolic acid.

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Because supplement quality and strength can differ from brand to brand, choose products from reputable companies, ideally ones tested by a third party.

Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting banaba, especially if you have diabetes or take other medications, so they can help you use it safely and monitor your blood sugar.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Banaba & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Banaba & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 7 references that drive our Banaba monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Judy WV, Hari SP, Stogsdill WW, et al. Antidiabetic activity of a standardized extract (Glucosol) from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in Type II diabetics. A dose-dependence study. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;87:115-7. PubMed
Kakuda T, Sakane I, Takihara T, et al. Hypoglycemic effect of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. leaves in genetically diabetic KK-AY mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1996;60:204-8.
Fukushima, M., Matsuyama, F., Ueda, N., Egawa, K., Takemoto, J., Kajimoto, Y., Yonaha, N., Miura, T., Kaneko, T., Nishi, Y., Mitsui, R., Fujita, Y., Yamada, Y., and Seino, Y. Effect of corosolic acid on postchallenge plasma glucose levels. Diabetes Res C PubMed
Yamaguchi, Y., Yamada, K., Yoshikawa, N., Nakamura, K., Haginaka, J., and Kunitomo, M. Corosolic acid prevents oxidative stress, inflammation and hypertension in SHR/NDmcr-cp rats, a model of metabolic syndrome. Life Sci 11-25-2006;79(26):2474-2479. PubMed
Fuchikami H, Satoh H, Tsujimoto M, Ohdo S, Ohtani H, Sawada Y. Effects of herbal extracts on the function of human organic anion-transporting polypeptide OATP-B. Drug Metab Dispos 2006;34:577-82. PubMed
Manaf A, Tjandrawinata RR, Malinda D. Insulin sensitizer in prediabetes: a clinical study with DLBS3233, a combined bioactive fraction of Cinnamomum burmanii and Lagerstroemia speciosa. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2016;10:1279-89. PubMed
Tjokroprawiro A, Murtiwi S, Tjandrawinata RR. DLBS3233, a combined bioactive fraction of Cinnamomum burmanii and Lagerstroemia speciosa, in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients inadequately controlled by metformin and other oral antidiabetic agents. J Comple

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Banaba

246 brands in our database make a supplement containing Banaba.

1-800-WellMed 20 products 1st Phorm 75 products 4 Organics 16 products 5% Core 9 products AA Anabolic Agents 16 products Accomplix 6 products Advance Physician Formulas 29 products Advocare 165 products AfterDark 3 products Ageless Foundation Laboratories 8 products Aggressive Labz 19 products Allergy Research Group 1,595 products ALLMAX 210 products Amazing Herbs 80 products Ambrosia Collective 11 products American BioSciences 26 products AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas 393 products Anabolic Warfare 65 products Animal 139 products Anovite 17 products ANTIAGING Institute of California 25 products APOPTOSIS Nutraceuticals 18 products Applied Nutriceuticals 30 products Approved Science 116 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Banaba

581 products in our database contain Banaba. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Banaba: Common Questions

What is Banaba used for, and does it work?

People use Banaba for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Banaba interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 299 medications with a known interaction with Banaba. Use the checker above to see how Banaba interacts with a specific drug.

How are Banaba interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Banaba with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Banaba interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Banaba used for?

Banaba leaf is most commonly used to help support healthy blood sugar levels. People also take it for weight management, blood pressure, and cholesterol, though the evidence for these uses is weak.

Does Banaba really lower blood sugar?

Some small, short-term studies suggest Banaba or its compound corosolic acid may modestly lower blood sugar, but the evidence is limited and not conclusive. It should not replace prescribed diabetes treatment.

Is Banaba safe to take?

It appears generally well tolerated in short-term studies, but long-term safety is not well known. The main concern is blood sugar dropping too low, so check with your pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you have diabetes.

Can I take Banaba while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. There is not enough reliable safety information, so Banaba should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Banaba

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Banaba — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 581 products with Banaba →

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Banaba Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Banaba Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Banaba

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Banaba affects

Banaba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Banaba work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Banaba: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Banaba & Pregnancy

Banaba & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Banaba

Supplement products with Banaba

Banaba: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Banaba

Have a question about Banaba?