Salacia reticulata/oblonga extract is derived from the roots and stems of plants native to Southeast Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka. Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, it is primarily known for its anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties, which are being studied in modern research.
Benefits and mechanism
- Diabetes and pre-diabetes: Extracts from Salacia species have been shown to lower blood glucose and HbA1C levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Mechanism: The active compounds, such as salacinol and kotalanol, act as alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. This means they block the enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the intestine, which in turn delays the absorption of glucose and blunts post-meal blood sugar spikes.
- Obesity and weight management: Preclinical studies have found that Salacia extract can help prevent weight gain and fat accumulation.
- Mechanism: It is thought to reduce fat accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism, assisting in fat breakdown (lipolysis), and improving insulin resistance.
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol): Some research indicates that the extract can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, particularly LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
- Antioxidant effects: The extract is rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
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