Skip to content
Check Your Symptoms Find A Doctor Find Lowest Drug Prices

    Subscribe

    Find a Vitamin or Supplement

    BANANA

    Other Names:

    Anamalu, Banana Leaves, Banana Stem, Cavendish Banana, Chinese Banana, Dessert Banana, Dwarf Banana, Dwarf Cavendish, Edible Banana, Embul, Gros Michel AAA, Kolikuttu, Musa Acuminata, Musa Aluminata, Musa Angustigemma, Musa Balbisiana, Musa Basj...
    See All Names

    BANANA Overview
    BANANA Uses
    BANANA Side Effects
    BANANA Interactions
    BANANA Dosing
    BANANA Overview Information

    Bananas are fruiting plants that grow near tropical rainforests. There are many banana species, but Musa acuminata varieties are most common in the US.

    Bananas contain fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, and carbohydrates. Ripe bananas contain more soluble fiber, while unripe bananas contain more insoluble fiber. All parts of the banana plant, including the fruit, leaves, stem, flowers, and roots, have been used as medicine.

    People use bananas for diarrhea. They are also used for athletic performance, constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

    BANANA Uses & Effectiveness What is this?

    Possibly Effective for:

    • Diarrhea. Eating cooked green bananas might help reduce diarrhea symptoms in young children.
    There is interest in using banana for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.


    BANANA Side Effects & Safety

    When taken by mouth: Bananas are commonly eaten as food. They're generally well-tolerated, but some people might experience bloating, gas, or cramping. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other parts of the banana plant are safe or what the side effects might be.

    When applied to the skin: Banana leaves are possibly safe when used short-term. Some people are allergic to banana and might develop a rash or hives. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other parts of the banana plant are safe or what the side effects might be.

    Special Precautions & Warnings:

    Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bananas are commonly eaten as food. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if banana is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

    Allergies: People who are sensitive to latex, avocado, kiwi, cassava, and chestnut are more likely to have an allergic reaction to banana.

    BANANA Interactions What is this?

    Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination

    • Levodopa interacts with BANANA

      Banana might decrease the effects of levodopa.


    BANANA Dosing

    Bananas are commonly eaten as food. In North America, sweet bananas are hybrids of Musa acuminata, and plantains are hybrids of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of banana might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

    View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement Sources

    See 3 Reviews for this Treatment - OR -

    Review this Treatment

    Learn about User Reviews and read IMPORTANT information about user generated content

    Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

    This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009.

    Search for a Vitamin or Supplement

    Ex. Ginseng, Vitamin C, Depression

    Today on WebMD

    vitamin rich groceries
    Vitamins Quiz
    Do you know your vitamin ABCs?
    St Johns wart
    11 Supplements for Menopause
    Ease hot flashes and other symptoms.
     
    clams
    Vitamin B12
    Are you getting enough?
    Take your medication
    Vitamin D
    Wonder pill or overkill?
     
    fruits and vegetables
    Video
    Powerhouse Fruits and Veggies
    !!69X75_Vitamins_Supplements.jpg
    Article
    Vitamin Overload: Can It Hurt You?
     
    Woman sleeping
    Article
    About Sleep Herbs and Supplements
    Woman staring into space with coffee
    Article
    St. John's Wort for Depression
     
    IMPORTANT: About This Section and Other User-Generated Content on WebMD

    The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatment or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

    Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.