A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of Salacia Chinensis, with alpha-glucosidase inhibitor properties, on post-prandial glycemia.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are used as antidiabetic agents to slow carbohydrate absorption. We examined a medicinal plant, Salacia, with known α-glucosidase inhibitor properties. In this clinical trial, we measured glycemic indices after a mixed meal tolerance test in healthy overweight/obese individuals. We randomized 51 subjects (BMI: 28.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2; 58% female) to Salacia Chinensis (SC) extract (300 mg and 500 mg dose) and placebo in random order using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-way cross-over design. After an overnight fast, participants consumed a dose of SC or placebo along with a fixed breakfast meal (275 kcal; 50% carbohydrate; 30% fat; 20% protein). Serum was collected, and satiety and taste perception were measured using a visual analog scale before and after the meal (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes). Forty-eight individuals with (age 33±12 y) completed the trial. After the meal, the peak serum glucose levels were lower, at either dose, compared to placebo (p < 0.05). In addition...