Banaba Leaf Extract Side Effects

As an herbal supplement, banaba leaf extract has been traditionally prescribed for the treatment of minor health ailments related to poor glucose absorption within the body, according to Drugs.com 1. Furthermore, the supplement derived from a plant of the same name can be very helpful for you if you are also suffering from blood sugar-related ailments, like diabetes. However, there are a few side effects linked to banaba leaf supplements that you should be aware of prior to consumption.

Avoid Using During Pregnancy

While very few adverse reactions to banaba leaf extract have been documented, Drugs.com does suggest that this is the very reason why women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant should stay away from the herb 1. As with many medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, birthing mothers can very easily pass the substance on to the fetus during pregnancy which can prove to be harmful to the unborn child. As a result, Drugs.com suggests that the lack of documented information regarding pregnancy interactions should prompt the supplement user to check with her medical professional before choosing to incorporate the herb into a daily diet 1.

Steroidal Reactions

Another possible side effect after consuming banaba leaf extract relates to the steroid chemical compounds found within the natural ingredients of the herb. According to Drugs.com, banaba leaf extract contains numerous steroidal ingredients, including beta-sitosterols 1. Side effects associated with steroidal chemical consumption differ greatly and can cause skin adverse reactions, including increased acne. If you are an individual who reacts adversely to steroid chemical consumption, then you should stay away from using banaba leaf extract supplements until first receiving clearance from your medical doctor.

Drug Interactions

According to DiabetesHealth.com, banaba leaf extract can also interact with other medications or herbal supplements 1. For example, banaba may cause blood glucose to be excessively lowered when combined with drugs that can cause hypoglycemia, such as sulfonylureas, or with other alternative medicines that have hypoglycemic qualities 1. As a result, DiabetesHealth.com suggests that the dosages associated with banaba leaf extract medications may need to be adjusted in order to limit the risk of possible drug interactions in supplement users who take additional medications or herbs 1.