Salaretin is also known as salacia reticulata and originated from India and Sri Lanka. It primarily functions as a supplement against diabetes, but also helps in obesity avoidance and weight loss if coupled with enough exercise.
Reported Effects
1) Weight loss.
2) Helps with joint problems
3) Treats diabetes
Other effects include:
Weight loss – obesity may be one of the results of diabetes complications, and the appearance of diabetes mellitus. Anti-diabetic drugs also have an obesity preventing effect. There are also inhibitors present that help in delaying the absorption and digestion of starch and carbohydrates, that helps lower the chances of having an increase in weight.
Diabetes - lowers hemoglobin levels in people and slows the progression to higher levels of diabetes. This extract has been commonly used in several supplements that aim to treat or cure diabetes.
Reduces insulin levels and blood sugar.
It has also been known to help with itchy skin, although more studies are needed to make this conclusive.
It has been reported to help with joint problems.
It has also been associated with the treatment of asthma, but there have been insufficient research to make a valid claim.
Possible Dangers
It is generally safe if ingested in regular doses. Excessive use may lead to side effects such as belching, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea in certain individuals. Salaretin reduces blood sugar levels and should not be used a couple of weeks prior to surgery. Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to risk the adverse side effects, although there are no studies supporting this.
FDA Approved?
Salaretin is not FDA approved.
Studies
There have been studies that claim that Salaretin causes the inhibition of alphy-amylase, which is an inhibitor that is needed to lower down blood sugar levels. It also potentially inhibits the digestion of starch. This also results in weight management, as obesity is a common effect of diabetes.
In a study conducted by Yohikawa et al, it was shown that salacia reticulata inhibits the glucose levels as well as intestinal maltase and sucrase in rats. There was also a finding regarding the slower absorption of carbohydrates, which has a direct impact in blood glucose levels and increased weight.
In a study using plant extracts such as salacia reticulata on animals, it was revealed that there was an effective lowering of blood glucose levels compared to the placebo or control group. The effect of salacia reticulata lasted for about five hours after administration. Blood samples were collected from the rats prior to the administration, and every hour afterwards. Suffice to say, it was proven that the reduction of the blood glucose levels are consistent.
Yet another study was performed in Japan which confirmed that blood sugar levels are lowered at a significant level in humans after being administered with salacia reticulata. This involves placing the compound as part of the daily food intake and is especially effective for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Supplements using this Ingredient:
1. STS Zma Boost
2. Supplement Training Systems Triple Force Test Charger
3. Super Advanced Whey Protein
4. Benefiber Powder Fiber Supplement Sugar Free
5. Black Ant Natural Herbal Male Sexual Enhancement supplement
6. Solo Slim Extra Strength Dietary Supplement
7. One A Day Women’s Multivitamins
8. Doctor’s A-Z
9. Lecithin, Kelp, B-6 & Cider Vinegar, Extra Strength
10.Bausch and Lomb Ocuvite Eye Vitamin & Mineral Supplement
Conclusion
Salaretin, or salacia reticulata, is more widely used as a treatment for diabetes and related illnesses. Most of the researches has also focused on this area. However, it is to be noted that there have been observations leading to conclude that it may also help in terms of weight management. As such, it has also been used as an ingredient in some weight loss supplements, similar to r-alpha lipoic acid.