Salacia chinensis

Salacia chinensis

Salacia chinensis, a plant traditionally not extensively used in medicine, has shown some promise in scientific research. Studies have indicated that certain derivatives of maytenoic acid from this plant demonstrated moderate cytotoxic effects against skin melanoma cells compared to normal cells, though the evidence is still limited and further investigation is needed. Additionally, Salacia chinensis reduced postprandial bone resorption and increased GLP-1 levels in overweight/obese individuals, while also showing dose-dependent suppression of postprandial hyperglycemia and improved blood glucose parameters in diabetic patients. Silver nanoparticles synthesized from a crude ethanolic extract of the plant showed no significant cytotoxicity or genotoxicity at measured doses, both in vitro and in vivo. No major safety issues have been recorded for Salacia chinensis, nor are there any known drug interactions reported.

At a glance
Best evidence
B
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Some derivatives of maytenoic acid showed moderate cytotoxic effects against skin melanoma cells compared to normal cells. D PMID
  • Salacia chinensis reduced postprandial bone resorption and increased GLP-1 levels compared to placebo in overweight/obese individuals. B PMID
  • Salacia chinensis extract showed dose-dependent suppression of postprandial hyperglycemia and improved blood glucose parameters in diabetic patients. B PMID
  • The study found that silver nanoparticles synthesized from a crude ethanolic extract of Salacia chinensis showed no cytotoxicity or genotoxicity at measured doses in vitro and in vivo. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Salacia chinensis?

Salacia chinensis (Salacia chinensis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Salacia chinensis?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Salacia chinensis; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Some derivatives of maytenoic acid showed moderate cytotoxic effects against skin melanoma cells compared to normal cells.

How strong is the evidence for Salacia chinensis?

The strongest finding for Salacia chinensis carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Salacia chinensis safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Salacia chinensis in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Salacia chinensis interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Salacia chinensis in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Salacia chinensis?

Salacia chinensis is also known as: Салация китайская.

Is Salacia chinensis a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Dose-Dependent Suppression of Postprandial Hyperglycemia and Improvement of Blood Glucose Parameters by Salacia chinensis Extract: Two Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Studies. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Reduced postprandial bone resorption and greater rise in GLP-1 in overweight and obese individuals after an α-glucosidase inhibitor: a double-blinded randomized crossover trial. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by ethanolic extract of Salacia chinensis. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 C-29 functionalization of maytenoic acid from Salacia chinensis for anticancer activity against skin melanoma. literature abstract metadata