Salacia
Scientific names: Salacia oblonga, Salacia reticulata
Family: Celastraceae/Hippocrateaceae
Alternate names: Chundan, Kothala Himbutu, Ponkoranti, SO, S. oblonga
Actions: Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimalarial, Antineoplastic, Antioxidant, Antiparasitic, Cardiovascular, Hepatic, Lipid, Metabolic, Weight loss
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
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.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using salacia for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
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.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Salacia might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 03/10/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 07/11/2014 16:57:32. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
