Banaba is a deciduous tree growing to 40 to 60 feet and is bushy; with smooth oblong leathery leaves, up to 12 inches long (30 cm); the leaves turn red before falling in autumn. Flowers are ornamental racemes pink to purple color and wrinkled petals. Fruits are oval and brown in color about 0.5 inches. The seeds are small with winged flaps. Banaba leaf extract contains a triterpenoid compound known as Corosolic acid - which has actions in stimulating glucose transport into cells. Banaba has natural mineral such as magnesium and zinc and contains 15 times more fibers than sweet potato.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
