Salacia oblonga and Salacia reticulata
Salacia is a woody, climbing plant that is native to India and Sri Lanka. Two species of the plant are used in medicine:Salacia oblonga and Salacia reticulata. The plant’s roots and stems are used in traditional Indian medicine. Salacia has been extensively marketed in Japan as both a food and a nutritional supplement, and it is growing in popularity in the United States. Recently, a few scientific studies have indicated that Salacia may be beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes.
USES
People use Salacia for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It contains chemicals that may decrease post-meal glucose and thus slow the breakdown of carbohydrates. The effect is similar to the prescription medications acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset). Other chemicals in the plant may help with weight loss and affect certain enzymes that may benefit nerve and eye complications of diabetes.
DOSE
One form, Salacia reticulata, is used as a tea. Another form, Salacia oblonga, has been used in doses ranging from 240 to 480 milligrams (mg) with meals. In those without diabetes, 1,000 mg have been used.
STUDIES
• A study using Kothala Himbutu tea (containing Salacia reticulata and other plant products) or a placebo (dummy pill) was done in 51 patients with type 2 diabetes taking oral diabetes medications. After 3 months on Salacia or a placebo, patients were crossed over to the other group for an additional 3 months. A1C levels, a measure of average blood glucose over 3 months, were lower in the Salacia group at the end of the study than in the placebo group (6.29 versus 6.65%), and the difference was statistically significant.
• In another study (randomized, double-blind), scientists studied Salacia in 66 patients with type 2 diabetes taking oral diabetes medications. The patients received one of three treatments: a liquid meal replacement (control group), a meal replacement plus 240 mg of Salacia, or a meal replacement plus 480 mg of Salacia. Three hours later, glucose values were much lower in the Salacia groups. Specifically, the 240-mg group had a 19% reduction in glucose, and the 480-mg group had a 27% reduction. Both doses of Salacia were significantly different from the control group.
SIDE EFFECTS AND DRUG INTERACTIONS
Side effects of Salacia include dose-related upset stomach, such as gas, belching, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach bloating. Drinking Salacia tea may cause loose stools and upset stomach. In theory, Salacia may cause low blood glucose when combined with diabetes medications such as secretagoguges or insulin. However, in the studies described above, patients taking diabetes medications did not experience episodes of low blood glucose.