Anti‐diabetic and Anti‐hyperlipidemic Effects and Safety ofSalacia reticulataand Related Species

Abstract

Extracts of Salacia reticulata Wight (Hypocrataceae) roots, stems, and leaves have been used in Asia for hundreds of years for the folkloric treatment of diabetes and other health problems. Constituents that have been identified as exhibiting anti‐diabetic effects include salacinol, kotalanol, ponkorinol, salaprinol, and their corresponding de‐0‐sulfonated compounds. Mangiferin, kotalagenin 16‐acetate and various proanthocyanidin oligomers have also been isolated. Studies indicate that Salacia extracts modulate multiple targets that influence carbohydrate and lipid metabolism including α‐glucosidase, aldose reductase, pancreatic lipase, peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptor‐α, glucose transporter‐4 mediated glucose uptake, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Furthermore, Salacia extracts exhibit free radical scavenging, antioxidant and hepatoprotectant activities. In human studies, Salacia extracts have been shown to decrease plasma glucose and insulin levels, decrease HbA1c, and modulate serum lipid levels with no adverse effects being reported. Similar results have been demonstrated in rat and mouse models as well as in vitro systems. Safety of S. reticulata and other Salacia species as S. oblonga and S. chinensis in rats and mice indicate that extracts are exceedingly safe. No clinical studies have examined the effects of Salacia extracts on human weight loss, although weight loss and decreases in weight gain have been demonstrated in animal models. Because of the large number of pharmacologically active compounds, it is difficult to establish standards for extracts. © 2015 The Authors. Phytotheraphy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

SalaciaExtract Improves Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Response: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Crossover Study in Healthy Volunteers

“…Historical and present uses of Salacia in India and Japan show that this herbal extract is used as a nutritional adjunct, either as a tea or supplement, taken with meals for its antidiabetic properties. Salacia reticulata [ 23 , 26 – 32 ] and Salacia oblongata [ 33 , 34 ] do lower postprandial glycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic risk factors [ 35 – 37 ]. Salacia chinensis with a meal suppressed the increases of postprandial blood glucose at 30 minutes after meal.…”

In silico Antidiabetic Screening of Borapetoside C, Cordifolioside A and Magnoflorine

“…Similarly, cordifolioside A is reported to improve insulin signaling and hepatic metabolism during insulin resistance. Further, it is reported to lower the blood glucose and cholesterol level [19] . Magnofl orine is reported to have a direct effect on carbohydrate metabolism, increase the insulin sensitivity and reverse diabetes-associated alterations in lipid profi le and oxidative stress [20] .…”

A Review of Natural Stimulant and Non‐stimulant Thermogenic Agents

“…Various other plant extracts may enhance thermogenesis when combined with well-known thermogenic agents. Studies have shown that aqueous extracts of S. reticulata modulate glucose and lipid metabolism through multiple mechanisms (Stohs and Ray, 2015). Extracts of the seeds of S. indicum have also been shown to modulate lipid metabolism (Biswas et al, 2010;Asgary et al, 2013).…”