Banana Drops for weight loss: do they work?

If you’re looking for weight loss supplements, you may have heard of Banana Drops. This is a natural supplement made from various herbs. But do Banana Drops for weight loss actually work?

Read on to learn about what is inside Banana Drops, whether this weight loss supplement is legit, and other (far more proven!) options for weight loss to consider instead. 

Banana Drops are a liquid supplement containing various herbs that allegedly burn fat, boost metabolism, suppress appetite, and increase energy levels, according to the manufacturer. Key word: allegedly. Despite the product’s name, it does not contain any ingredients related to bananas. Rather, Banana Drops are made of a proprietary blend of the following herbs:

• Horse chestnut 

• Hawthorn root

• Grape seed extract 

• Stone root 

• Motherwort 

• Gotu kola

While there is some scientific research on these ingredients individually, no studies have evaluated the efficacy or safety of the specific blends of herbs. 

See if you qualify

There is no scientific evidence that Banana Drops work for weight loss. So, odds are they won’t actually help you slim down.  

We lack real-world evidence and scientific studies showing that Banana Drops work, and anyone expecting to actually lose weight from them should be cautious, says Allison Childress, PhD, RDN, CSSD, LD, an associate professor in the Nutritional Sciences Department at Texas Tech University. 

The herbs have individually been investigated in small, mostly animal studies. But none have robust clinical data supporting substantial weight loss, Dr. Childress adds. 

Not to mention, there are no studies examining the effectiveness of the specific blend of six herbs in Banana Drops.

However, here’s what some of the research says about the individual ingredients in Banana Drops. 

• Horse chestnut: A 2011 animal study found that horse chestnut had “anti-obesity” effects in mice that were fed a high-fat diet.  

• Hawthorn root: A 2024 study of a mixture containing hawthorn root suggested that it could reduce body fat in overweight people or people with mild to moderate obesity. 

• Grape seed extract: A 2020 systematic review on the effects of grape seed extract in mice reported mixed results, with some of the animal studies showing reduced body weight and others not.

• Stone root: There are no legitimate studies linking stone root to weight loss in animals or humans.

• Motherwort: A 2016 animal study suggested that motherwort could promote weight loss in mice that have had their ovaries removed.

• Gotu kola: A 2023 animal study suggested that gotu kola could have anti-obesity properties in mice that were fed a high-sugar and high-fat diet.

Results are slim, largely focused on rodents, and, to be frank, not very promising. Plus, results from animal studies do not necessarily translate to humans. 

According to the manufacturer, you should take one or two full droppers of Banana Drops daily. The brand recommends you shake the bottle before use, then take it directly from the dropper or mix it into any beverage.

The manufacturer also notes that you must take Banana Drops consistently for three to six months to experience the “best” results. 

We do not have clear evidence on whether Banana Drops are safe.

“The concern here is that there’s no research on how, or even if, these ingredients work together,” Dr. Childress says. “When you mix multiple plant compounds, you can get unpredictable effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, liver function, or heart rhythm. Even if an ingredient seems harmless on its own, we simply don’t know how it behaves in combination.”

As a dietary supplement, Banana Drops are not approved or regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Meaning, they are not tested for safety or effectiveness before hitting shelves. 

So, what’s listed on the bottle of a supplement isn’t always what’s inside, Dr. Childress says. 

And since Banana Blends feature a “proprietary” blend of herbs, there’s no way to know exactly how much of each ingredient (i.e. dosage) is in the product. 

This can be particularly dangerous for people with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications that could interact with the supplement.  

“Several ingredients in this supplement can affect blood pressure, liver enzymes, or how medications are metabolized,” Dr. Childress says. “If someone is already taking prescriptions for blood sugar, cholesterol, or blood pressure, they should absolutely talk with their healthcare provider before layering on a product like this.” 

And remember, just because a product is “natural,” doesn’t mean it’s safe — something that Dr. Childress stresses. 

Ultimately, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider to see if Banana Drops may be safe for you. 

The FDA does not approve supplements, so it’s important to do your due diligence to evaluate whether a weight loss supplement (or any supplement, for that matter) is legit or not. 

• Check for third-party testing: Third-party testing ensures that the product has been independently verified for purity, potency, and that it contains what the label claims. Dr. Childress suggests looking for USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab testing to confirm purity and potency.

• Look for transparent labels: Labels should list ingredient amounts clearly instead of just listing “proprietary blends,” Dr. Childress says. If ingredient amounts aren’t listed, this is a red flag.

• Stay realistic: Be cautious of any product that claims rapid or effortless results. “If a supplement’s marketing sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Dr. Childress says 

• Search online for reviews: Customer reviews shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, but they may help. Don’t just trust the reviews on the business’s site itself. You can also check for commentary on Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Trustpilot. For example, there are glowing Banana Drops reviews on the business’s website, but many complaints on BBB and Trustpilot.

• Ask your healthcare provider: To be on the safe side, it’s always best to ask your healthcare provider what they think of a supplement before you take it. They can help determine whether the product in question is a safe formula. Plus, they can assess if it’s safe for you to take alongside any other medications or health conditions.

Check for free

If you’re serious about weight loss, it’s better to try well-researched, proven, safe, and effective techniques rather than supplements such as Banana Drops. 

“At the end of the day, real, lasting weight loss doesn’t ever come from a supplement. It comes from the everyday habits that support your metabolism and overall health,” Dr. Childress says.

Here are some clinically-backed weight loss strategies to consider instead:

• Maintain a calorie deficit: A calorie deficit is when you burn more calories than you consume.  This can be achieved by reducing portion sizes, eating whole foods, and increasing physical activity. Be sure to eat enough to support your body’s basic needs, energy levels, and overall health.

• Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet: Dr. Childress recommends prioritizing lean protein at every meal to stay full and maintain muscle mass. Plus, protein can also help with weight loss due to its  metabolism-boosting effect. She also recommends filling your plate with colorful produce for fiber and nutrients. Fiber promotes feelings of fullness and helps you eat more slowly.  Don’t forget to stay hydrated, too. 

• Get enough sleep and manage stress: “Beyond food, focus on getting enough sleep and managing stress, since both directly influence hunger hormones and energy balance,” Dr. Childress says. 

• Exercise: Regular physical activity is key to losing weight. Opt for a combination of cardio and strength training for the best results. 

• Consider weight loss medications: If you’re struggling to lose weight despite diet and exercise, you may be a candidate for prescription weight loss medications, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (aka GLP-1s). 

Examples of these medications are Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP). GLP-1s help to regulate your appetite and create a caloric deficit. However, they aren’t magic bullets; a treatment plan should always include lifestyle changes, too. Consult a healthcare provider – such as one through Ro — to better understand your options and start treatment, if eligible. 

Put simply: If you want to lose weight, Banana Drops are not the best option. “It’s consistent, sustainable habits that truly move the needle on long-term health, not the ‘quick fixes.’” Dr. Childress says. Here’s what to keep in mind: 

• Banana Drops are supplements consisting of a proprietary blend of six herbs that have not been researched together and, thus, are not known to actually cause weight loss. 

• There are no legitimate studies proving Banana Drops weight loss efficacy. Plus, as a dietary supplement, the liquid is not regulated by the FDA. 

• Although Banana Drops reviews on the manufacturer’s site seem promising, there are multiple complaints on the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.

• It’s best to try proven safe weight loss methods — such as dietary changes, exercise, and, if appropriate, weight loss medications — for a more effective (and safe) weight management plan.