Banaba belongs to the family Lythraceae and is widely distributed in the Philippines, India and Malaysia. It is a medium-large-sized evergreen tree that grows up to 25 m high. The leaves are opposite, leathery, oblong to ovate in shape. The flowers are in a large terminal panicle, regular in shape, varying from pink to purple in color, measure 5.0-7.5 cm wide. 
Banaba in Ayurveda is traditionally used to lower blood sugar in the body. Its active component, corosolic acid, makes it an effective anti-diabetic drug. Leaf decoction is used for the treatment of bladder and kidney inflammation, dysuria and other urinary dysfunctions, for cholesterol deduction, hypertension and diabetes. Decoction of the bark is used for gastrointestinal tract disturbance, stomachache, haematuria and depression. 
 
Ayurvedic significance:
	
Rasa (taste): Kashay (Astringent)
	
Veerya (nature): Sheeta (Cold)
	
Vipaka (taste developed through digestion): Katu (Pungent)
	
Guna (qualities):Laghu, Ruksha (Light,Dry)
	
Doshas (effect on humors): Balances pitta & kapha