Salacia: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Salacia (Salacia oblonga, Salacia reticulata) is a group of plants found in Southeast Asia. It's used in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda.

Chemicals in the salacia root and stem have effects that might reduce blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels.

People use salacia for diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Diabetes. Early research shows that drinking salacia tea with each meal might lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Other early research shows that taking salacia with food for 6 weeks might reduce blood sugar and HbA1C levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Salacia is possibly safe when used for up to 6 weeks. Side effects might include stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and nausea.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Salacia is possibly safe when used for up to 6 weeks. Side effects might include stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and nausea.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if salacia is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Salacia might lower blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using salacia at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Salacia
Salacia might lower blood sugar levels. Taking salacia along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of salacia 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 References

REFERENCES:

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Li Y, Peng G, Li Q, et al. Salacia oblonga improves cardiac fibrosis and inhibits postprandial hyperglycemia in obese Zucker rats. Life Sci 2004;75:1735-46.

Matsuda H, Murakami T, Yashiro K, et al. Antidiabetic principles of natural medicines. IV. Aldose reductase and qlpha-glucosidase inhibitors from the roots of Salacia oblonga Wall. (Celastraceae): structure of a new friedelane-type triterpene, kotalagenin 16-acetate. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1999;47:1725-9.

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Collene AL, Hertzler SR, Williams JA, Wolf BW. Effects of a nutritional supplement containing Salacia oblonga extract and insulinogenic amino acids on postprandial glycemia, insulinemia, and breath hydrogen responses in healthy adults. Nutrition 2005;21:848-54.

Jayawardena MH, de Alwis NM, Hettigoda V, Fernando DJ. A double blind randomised placebo controlled cross over study of a herbal preparation containing Salacia reticulata in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;97:215-8.

Huang TH, Yang Q, Harada M, et al. Salacia oblonga root improves cardiac lipid metabolism in Zucker diabetic fatty rats: Modulation of cardiac PPAR-alpha-mediated transcription of fatty acid metabolic genes. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2006;210:78-85.

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Williams JA, Choe YS, Noss MJ, et al. Extract of Salacia oblonga lowers acute glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:124-30.

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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.

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