Banaba - Lagerstroemia speciosa

Within the classical Indian health system of Ayurveda, Banaba constitutes one of the most important plants in the treatment of blood sugar problems, including type 2 diabetes. Other traditional applications for Banaba are as a liver-strengthening remedy and as an aid in diet programmes as it is said to reduce the craving for fast carbohydrates.
The effect of banaba resembles that of insulin as it transports sugar into the cells, but the method is not identical and, contrary to insulin, banaba does not stimulate the body's cells into storing fat. It rather seems to be able to counteract the storing of fat.
Banaba can be taken as a tea or as an extract.
Dosage
Extract 1%: 50 mg. a day.
Side effects
Banaba has no side effects at normal dosage. Overdosing could cause the various forms of unpleasantness that accompany symptoms of too low blood sugar: Tiredness, difficulties concentrating, and inner unease, etc.