KOTHALAHIMBUTU (Salacia reticulata)

KOTHALAHIMBUTU (Salacia reticulata)

Salacia reticulata is a medicinal herb from Ayurveda Salacia is an herb that is native to India and Sri Lanka. The root and stem are used to make medicine.
Salacia is used for diabetes, asthma, joint pain, weight loss,  improving bowel movements and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.  

The Salacia genus (family of Hippocrateaceae, which has since been incorporated into the Celastraceae family) of plants is a climbing woody plant native to the Indian region, where the species of Salacia Reticulata has a role in Ayurveda as an anti-diabetic herb, particularly during the early stages. The species Salacia Oblonga has also been used at times, and the genus in general tends to be used for other purposes such as treatment of rheumatism, gonorrhea, and skin diseases. The species of Salacia Reticulata is sometimes referred to as Kothala himbutu.

In thailand, Salacia Chinensis (also known as Salacia prinoides) has also been used for anti-diabetic purposes as well as a laxative and for relief of Myalgia related symptoms. All three of these plants appear to be medicinally relevant.

Other species of the Salacia genus that tend to not be used for medicinal purposes include Salacia Verrucosa and Salacia Hainanensis.

Traditionally used anti-diabetic herb in the Indian and Thailand regions, all three species appear to have some track record of efficacy

The main bioactives, or at least the most well researched ones that are currently credited for the actions of Salacia Reticulum and other species, appear to be the three sulfonium sulfates and their related structures (although Mangiferin also appears to be potent); beyond that, Salacia appears to have a fairly unique polyphenolic profile

.

Diabetes

When taken by mouth: Salacia is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken for up to 6 weeks. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if salacia is safe when used for longer periods of time.

Salacia can cause uncomfortable side effects such as gas, belching, pain in the abdomen, nausea, and diarrhea in some people. It has been used for improving bowel movements

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.

Diabetes: Salacia can decrease blood sugar levels. Your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.

Surgery: Salacia might lower blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using salacia at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Salacia might decrease blood sugar, even in a normal person. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking salacia along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed

 

MEDICATION Interactions

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others

Herb Interactions

.

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Salacia might lower blood sugar levels. Taking it along with other herbs that lower blood sugar might lower blood sugar too much. Herbs that might lower blood sugar include devil’s claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, and Siberian ginseng.

Food Interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage information Medical disclaimer ( to be determined by your caregiver)

Supplementation of salacia herbs (reticulata or oblonga) seem to be effective in humans when taken at the oral dose of 240-1,000mg, with the higher dose being used more frequently for the purpose of reducing glucose absorption form the intestines.Due to this supplement acting as a carbohydrate absorption inhibitor, it needs to be taken alongside dietary carbohydrates

THIS IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION . DO NOT TAKE IT WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER