Salacia as an ayurvedic medicine with multiple targets in diabetes and obesity

The genus, Salacia belongs to the family, Celastraceae and is distributed across the world. Roots and stems of Salacia are used mainly as antidiabetic agents in traditional system of medicine such as Ayurveda and Unani. The roots are either chewed directly or taken in dried powdered form or as decoction. Apart from antidiabetic activity, several species of the genus Salacia are known to possess anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, antiperoxidative, antimicrobial, antileukemic, astringent and antimalarial activities. Salacia is being used in several herbal formulations for treating diabetes and obesity. It is also used to treat skin diseases such as leprosy, ulcers, hyperhydrosis, hepatopathy and dyspepsia. The present study is focussed on reviewing the progress made on the active principles of Salacia species, mainly S. oblonga Wall., S. reticulata Wight., S. chinensis Linn. and S. macrosperma Wight. and previewing their potential as an effective antidiabetic medicine.