Banaba leaves

Banaba, or Lagerstroemia speciosa, is a tree native to tropical Southeast Asia. It belongs to the genus Lagerstroemia, also known as Crape Myrtle.

The tree is widely distributed in India, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where it’s known as Jarul, Pride of India, or Giant Crape Myrtle.

Almost every part of the tree offers medicinal properties. For example, the bark is often used to treat diarrhea, while its root and fruit extracts are believed to have an analgesic, or pain-relieving, effect.

Banaba leaves come from the tree of the same name. They contain over 40 bioactive compounds and offer multiple health benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar levels.

The leaves contain over 40 beneficial compounds, of which corosolic acid and ellagic acid stand out. Though the leaves offer a variety of benefits, their ability to lower blood sugar levels appears the most potent and sought after.

• While there is no direct evidence about the benefits of Banaba leaves applied to a UTI, the application is not unreasonable. The plant has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, and nephroprotective effects.

• Banaba leaf also has traditional use for urinary tract infections and kidney problems. The anti-inflammatory properties of the components are supposed to have a soothing effect on urinary tract tissues, while anti-bacterial effects remove the infectious agents. Banaba leaf was traditionally soaked into a tea to relieve symptoms of UTI.