Banaba leaf is a concentrated extract from the *Lagerstroemia speciosa* plant, standardized to corosolic acid. This compound supports glucose metabolism. Users take it to help maintain healthy blood sugar, especially after eating. Many take the extract just before or with meals to moderate post-meal glucose levels. The standardized extract offers more consistent potency and better absorption than whole leaf.
Keep a close eye on your blood sugar if you take diabetes medication. Banaba can lower glucose. Start with a low dose to see how your body responds. Do not use banaba during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Its safety in those situations has not been established.