Health Guide

Corsolic acid

Meet Corosolic Acid, nature's secret weapon for balancing your blood sugar. Extracted primarily from the leaves of the *Lagerstroemia speciosa* tree (known as Banaba), this powerful plant-based compound is making waves in the world of metabolic health. Often called 'natural insulin,' corosolic acid helps your body manage glucose levels efficiently. If you are looking for a natural way to support your metabolism and maintain steady energy levels throughout the day, understanding this nutrient is your first step toward better health.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Effect on Post-Meal Glucose Levels

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Glucose Reduction (%)

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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Blood Sugar Control: It helps lower blood glucose levels by encouraging cells to absorb sugar.
Weight Management: It may support healthy weight loss by improving metabolic function.
Antioxidant Power: It fights oxidative stress, protecting your cells from damage.
Heart Health: It contributes to maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Deep Dive

Corosolic acid acts similarly to insulin in the body. When you consume carbohydrates, your blood sugar rises. Corosolic acid activates a pathway (known as the insulin receptor substrate-1) that essentially unlocks your cells, allowing them to absorb that sugar from your bloodstream to use for energy. This prevents dangerous spikes in blood sugar and reduces the need for your pancreas to overproduce insulin. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties help reduce inflammation, which is often a root cause of metabolic syndrome.

Natural Food Sources

While most potent research focuses on Banaba leaf extracts, corosolic acid is found in various edible plants. Interestingly, it is also a natural metabolite found in the human body after consuming certain polyphenols.

Food Source	Amount	% DV
Banaba Leaves	High	N/A
Guava Fruit	Low	Trace
Apples (Skin)	Low	Trace
Persimmon	Low	Trace
Bitter Melon	Low	Trace

Supplementation

Dosage: Most clinical studies utilize 10mg to 50mg of corosolic acid daily.
Timing: Take 15–30 minutes before meals to maximize its effect on post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Who Should Take It: Individuals with prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes (alongside medication), or those struggling with metabolic syndrome may benefit most. Always consult a doctor first.

Top Food Sources

Banaba Leaf Tea

Steep dried leaves for a potent brew.

Guava

Eat the fruit and skin for polyphenols.

Bitter Melon

Stir-fry or juice for metabolic support.

Apples

Eat with skin on for ursolic acid (related compound).

Persimmon

A seasonal fruit with antioxidant benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not exactly. Banaba is the plant; Corosolic Acid is the active compound inside Banaba leaves responsible for its blood sugar-lowering effects.

It will help, but for best results, combine it with a balanced diet and regular exercise. It is a helper, not a magic wand.

It begins working immediately upon digestion to help manage the sugar spike from your current meal.

No. Type 1 diabetes involves a lack of insulin production. Corosolic acid relies on the body having some insulin to work effectively.

Safety & Side Effects

Corosolic acid is generally considered safe when used at standard dosages. However, because it lowers blood sugar, there is a risk of hypoglycemia (blood sugar dropping too low) if taken alongside prescription diabetes medications like metformin or insulin. Mild digestive upset has been reported in rare cases. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid concentrated extracts due to a lack of safety data.

Scientific References

[1]Kakuda, T., et al. (1996). Hypoglycemic effect of extract from Lagerstroemia speciosa in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice.
[2]Liu, F., et al. (2001). Hypoglycemic effect of corosolic acid in humans.
[3]Stohs, S. J., et al. (2012). A review of the human clinical studies involving Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa)