Banaba , Lagerstoemia speciosa, is a deciduous, tropical, flowering tree and having large, oblong, dark-pigmented thick leaves. It had been used in the Philippines as an herbal medicine to treat diabetes, to induce urination (diuretic) and vomiting (emetic/purgative). The subject of modern studies on banaba delves on its corosolic acid content. Corosolic acid has been shown to have antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties making it suggestive of being a hypoglycemic agent. Corosolic acid, a plant insulin, is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpine that may be involved in cellular uptake of glucose, thereby decreasing glucose plasma levels. Several studies on animals have shown this effect but further studies on human are yet to be made. Aside from corosolic acid, banaba leaves also contain ellagic acid derivatives like ellagitannins. Along with fiosin B, and reginin A and lagertroemin, ellagitannins were found out to be possible glucose transport enhancers, thereby potentiating the hypoglycemic effects of corosolic acid. Since there is inadequate data on pharmacology and toxicology, pregnant and lactating women are advised to avoid use of this herbal supplement.

Creatine Monohydrate is an organic acid that is naturally found in humans. First discovered in 1832, the primary function of creatine monohydrate is to help in supplying energy to the muscles. About half of the stored creatine monohydrate in the body comes from food sources, mostly meat. Vegetarians tend to show lower levels of creatine monohydrate since vegetables don’t contain this acid. However since meat tends to contain high levels of saturated fat which is not good for the heart, one way in which creatine monohydrate can be made available is through supplements. In fact many body builders take creatine supplements to help in increasing muscle mass. Creatine monohydrate has also been shown to cause slight increase in strength in those with neuromuscular disorders and is now being considered as a therapy for several diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s etc. especially because it is considered safe and so far has exhibited no side effects.

D-Pinitol is found in the leaves of a plant called Bougainvillea spectabilis. It is a form of B vitamin inositol. D-Pinitol is widely used for its property of acting like insulin. It is used by diabetic patients as it does not add calories when consumed and is able to reduce blood glucose levels which are important for a diabetic patient. It is also used in treatment of neurological disorders, syndrome X and certain pre-diabetic conditions. It is used in sports nutrition as it improves glucose metabolism. This improves the storage of glycogen and helps increase energy levels, endurance and muscle mass. Because of their ability to increase muscle mass it’s widely taken by body builders and is also used to treat people suffering from muscle wastage.

Gymnema Sylvestre is an herb stemming from southern and central India where it has been used for nearly 2000 years as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes.

Phosphocreatine (Pcr) or creatine phosphate is made up of phosphorylated creatine molecule. Pcr is considered to be the primary source of energy in the skeletal muscles. Creatine phosphate helps in generating energy for the body. When adenosine triphosphate loses its phosphate molecule, it becomes adenosine diphosphate which needs creatine phosphate to be converted back to ATP. Pcr works by supplying the body with continuous phosphate. It benefits athletes with explosive energy. Another benefit of creatine phosphate is that it prevents the build up of lactic acid that enhances muscle endurance. This allows for longer workout which results in stronger and larger muscles.