Abstract

Dr. Monika Katiyar* and Nirank Kumar

ABSTRACT

The genus, Salacia belongs to the family, Celastraceae and is distributed across the world. Specially in In India and Srilanka this plant is widely used. Extracts of Salacia roots, stems, and leaves have been used in Asia for hundreds of years for this folkloric treatment of diabetes and other health problems. Mugs made from Salacia wood are used by people with diabetes to drink water. 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, anti-lipidaemic, anti-peroxidative, anti-microbial, anti-leukemic, astringent and anti-malarial activities. Salacia is being used in several herbal formulations for treating diabetes and obesity. Mugs made from Salacia wood are used by people with diabetes to drink water. Literature review was done through published works to gather information on nutritional and ethnic values, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Salacia. Information about the plant and phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities were collected from the published reports. The plant was found to be significant antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, and hypoglycemic activity. The phytoconstituents which are present in the plant are mainly coumarins and flavonoids which are responsible for the actions. 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 Reticulata.