Observational study on standardized Salacia root extract in patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Salacia is used by the folklore practitioners of Southern Asia and in classical Ayurvedic text for the management of diabetes. The present observational study was conducted on standardized root extract of Salacia oblonga with a primary objective to obtain data on glycemic response and associated symptoms in 100 diabetic patients who were taking S. oblonga extract (240 mg/tab) tablet twice daily before meals along with their routine anti-diabetic therapy. The patients were followed up at every month when participants carried on doing their regular activities and other dietary measures. Though the period of follow-up in the current study was very short for just 3 months, the levels of blood glucose post treatment have not reached the normal values; however, a reducing trend was noted in the fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in the subsequent follow-up visits with a statistically significant reduction at the end of 3 months compared with baseline. Periodical follow-up suggested that there is an improving trend of the quality of life (QOL) in respect of bothering symptoms of diabetes such as fatigability, weakness, increased appetite, increased thirst, tingling sensation, and increased urinary frequency when compared with baseline value measure in visual analog scale. To conclude, standardized S. oblonga extract can be a potential promising therapeutic agent useful for prevention and management of diabetes by controlling the blood sugar level and improving symptoms for maintaining the QOL in diabetics. It can be safe and effective option for co-administration with other drugs.