Salacia root

Salacia plant species are found in India, Sri Lanka, China, and other Southeast Asian countries. It is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine that comes from India. For thousands of years, it has been used in the treatment of diabetes, obesity, gonorrhea, rheumatism, itching, and asthma. As far as its effects in diabetes, several studies have shown that the extract targets multiple processes within cells that help with not only blood sugar management, but also has other beneficial effects. It has recently been consumed in Japan, the US, and other countries as a supplement for diabetes and obesity prevention.

As far as its use in diabetes, several animal and some human studies have shown that this plant species causes lowering of blood sugar. Additionally, it has many other positive health effects on the body:

• Improves cholesterol by activation of PPAR-a (PPAR-alpha) receptors: These receptors on cell surfaces regulate fat metabolism. Salacia oblonga extracts have been shown to produce some of the chemical and metabolic processes that are activated when PPAR-a receptors are triggered. A chemical called mangiferin is present in most of these plant species and plays a role in the PPAR-a mediated effects.

• Prevents heart enlargement (hypertrophy): Researchers have found that Salacia oblonga decreased hypertrophy and fibrosis (scaring) of the heart. It may do this by blocking the signal angiotensin II and the production of certain proteins. The receptor in the heart for angiotensin is the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (or AT₁). S. oblonga decreases the amount of AT₁ on cell surfaces.

• Lowers blood sugar after meals: Enzymes in the digestive tract break down foods into small sugars that can be absorbed by the body. If these enzymes are blocked, it takes longer to absorb the sugars. Both Salacia reticulata and oblonga extracts as well as mangiferin inhibit one of these enzymes called a-glucosidase. Salacia reticulata also inhibited the enzyme a-amylase.

• Possibly decreases the risk of complications from diabetes (neuropathy, retinopathy, cataracts, cardiovascular and other neurological issues): Increased activity of an enzyme called aldose reductase is associated with these issues. Salacia reticulata extract inhibits the activity of this enzyme.

• Decreases fats in the blood after eating: An enzyme called pancreatic lipase breaks down fats in the intestines so that they can be absorbed. Blocking this enzyme decreases fat absorption. Salacia oblonga has been shown to suppress the activity of pancreatic lipase. Alli (orlistat), a weight loss drug, acts in a similar manner.

As far as Salacia root's use in weight loss, there is less information. However, the above listed effects would be beneficial in overweight individuals, especially those with diabetes. Theoretically, the blocking or slowing of the absorption of sugars and fats would help you to lose weight. It may be shown that this herbal supplement can aid in weight loss as more research is done on this plant and its chemicals.

This table lists some of the individual species and their properties.

Side Effects

A few studies in rodents suggest that this herbal supplement has minimal side effects. However, we cannot know what side effects it may really have until it has been tested in humans on a large scale.

It is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.

This article was written by John Vickery, MD.

References
Life Sci. 2008 May 23;82(21-22):1045-9. Epub 2008 Mar 28.