Herbal Extract May Help Post-Meal Blood Glucose Levels

Salacia is an herb that is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as Chinese salacia, lolly berry, and saptachakra. Two new studies suggest that supplementation with Salacia chinensis may help improve post-meal blood glucose levels.

The first study was a single-dose crossover study. Participants were given 150, 300, or 600 mg of Salacia extract or a placebo. Each dose day was separated by a 6-day washout period. The researchers found that 600 mg of Salacia extract had the most significant effect on post-meal blood glucose and insulin.

The second study lasted for 12 weeks. Participants were given 600 mg daily of Salacia extract. The researchers found that supplementation significantly improved hemoglobin A1C measures and glucose tolerance after a glucose challenge.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Pharmaceutical Research and Technology Institute.It was published online ahead of print on December 23, 2020 in the The Journal of Medicinal Food.