Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) is a type of crepe myrtle that grows in India, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. The leaves are used as medicine. Banaba might reduce blood sugar and help the body use insulin more efficiently.

Banaba is a medium-sized tree. Its leaves have been used to treat diabetes in folk medicine for centuries. In addition to their anti-diabetic properties, banaba leaves offer health benefits, such as antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-obesity effects.