Early research shows that taking a particular banaba extract for 2 weeks supports healthy blood sugar levels. Other early research shows that taking a combination product containing banaba and cinnamon inner bark for 12 weeks supports better overall wellness.

Recent studies have linked banaba leaves with weight loss activity, as they may inhibit adipogenesis and lipogenesis — the formation of fat cells and fat molecules, respectively. Also, polyphenols in the leaves, such as pentagalloylglucose (PGG), may prevent fat cell precursors from transforming into mature fat cells.