Herb & supplement monograph

Salacia Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Salacia interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Salacia is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Salacia is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Salacia Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Salacia drug interaction appears low for most people, with the real concern limited to medicines that lower blood sugar. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every single one comes down to the same issue: Salacia's own blood-sugar-lowering effect.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interaction that matters is with diabetes medications, including insulin and blood-sugar-lowering pills. Human research suggests Salacia can lower blood glucose on its own, so adding it to these drugs could push blood sugar too low and cause hypoglycemia. Because blood sugar is a closely watched, narrow-margin target, this pairing deserves careful attention even though it is rated moderate rather than major. This is the best-documented concern in Salacia's profile, supported by human data rather than lab theory alone.

What the rest of the list means

The list of interacting medications looks long, but it does not represent dozens of separate problems. It reflects one effect, lower blood sugar, counted across the many individual diabetes drugs on the market. For people who do not take blood-sugar-lowering medicines, no other documented interactions stand out in the data we have.

Check your medications against Salacia

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Salacia interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Salacia

86 medications have a known interaction with Salacia, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcetohexamideDymelor› AlbiglutideTanzeum› AlogliptinNesina› Alogliptin, MetforminKazano› Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni› Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi› CanagliflozinInvokana› Canagliflozin, MetforminInvokamet› Canagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideInvokamet XR› ChlorpropamideChlorpropam, Diabinese› DapagliflozinFarxiga› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR› Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern› Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR› Dasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue› DulaglutideTrulicity› EmpagliflozinJardiance› Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR› Empagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy› Empagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR› ErtugliflozinSteglatro› Ertugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet› ExenatideBydureon, Byetta› Exenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE› GliclazideDiamicron› GlimepirideAmaryl› GlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL› Glipizide, MetforminMetaglip› GlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Salacia combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Salacia affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Salacia is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Salacia interacts with
Antidiabetes Drugs
Antidiabetes Drugs

Salacia might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research suggests that salacia might lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Salacia: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Salacia is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine, mostly studied for lowering blood sugar after meals. Some small human studies suggest it may modestly blunt blood sugar spikes, but the evidence is limited and far from conclusive. If you have diabetes or take other medicines, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Salacia
Scientific name
Salacia oblonga
Family
Celastraceae
Part used
Root and stem (root bark and wood)
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, powders, standardized extracts, teas
People commonly use it for
  • Blood sugar control
  • Type 2 diabetes support
  • Weight management
  • Obesity
  • Traditional Ayurvedic remedy

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally seems well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety is not well studied.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Salacia is a woody climbing plant used for a long time in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Several related species are used, including Salacia oblonga, Salacia reticulata, and Salacia chinensis. These plants grow in tropical parts of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

The root and stem are the parts most often used. They are dried and made into powders, capsules, tablets, or teas. Some products use standardized extracts that aim to contain set amounts of natural compounds found in the plant.

Most people take Salacia hoping to help control blood sugar or support weight loss. It is also used in traditional medicine for inflammation and digestive complaints.

How it works

Salacia contains natural compounds such as salacinol, kotalanol, and mangiferin. Salacinol and similar compounds are thought to block a gut enzyme called alpha-glucosidase. This enzyme helps break down complex carbohydrates into sugar.

By slowing this breakdown, less sugar may be absorbed quickly after a meal, which could blunt the spike in blood sugar. This is a similar idea to how some prescription diabetes drugs work.

Mangiferin and other plant compounds have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies. It is important to know that much of this mechanism research comes from test-tube and animal studies, which do not always predict what happens in people.

Effectiveness

Does Salacia work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 2 uses evaluated
2 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Salacia, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 2 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that oral salacia might improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral salacia for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of salacia for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

In short-term studies, Salacia appears to be reasonably well tolerated by most healthy adults. However, its long-term safety has not been well studied, and quality can vary a lot between supplement brands.

People with diabetes should be careful, since Salacia may lower blood sugar and could add to the effect of other blood-sugar-lowering treatments. Always monitor your blood sugar and work with your healthcare team.

Because there is not enough reliable safety information, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid Salacia. Children and people with serious health conditions should also avoid it unless a doctor advises otherwise. As with any supplement, talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

Side effects

The most commonly reported side effects are digestive, such as gas, bloating, stomach discomfort, nausea, or loose stools. This may be linked to how it slows carbohydrate breakdown in the gut.

Because Salacia may lower blood sugar, there is a possible risk of blood sugar dropping too low (hypoglycemia), especially if combined with other treatments that lower blood sugar. Watch for symptoms like shakiness, sweating, or confusion.

Serious side effects have not been clearly documented, but this may be because long-term and large studies are lacking. Stop using it and seek medical advice if you have an unusual or severe reaction.

Salacia: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Salacia from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, salacia seems to be well tolerated.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea.

Reports by condition
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, salacia can cause flatulence, distention, belching, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects seem to be dose-dependent. Drinking salacia tea can cause dyspepsia and loose stools. These gastrointestinal side effects are due to the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the bowel.

  1. Heacock PM, Hertzler SR, Williams JA, Wolf BW. Effects of a medical food containing an herbal alpha-glucosidase inhibitor on postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in healthy adults. J Am Diet Assoc 2005;105:65-71.
  2. Collene AL, Hertzler SR, Williams JA, Wolf BW. Effects of a nutritional supplement containing Salacia oblonga extract and insulinogenic amino acids on postprandial glycemia, insulinemia, and breath hydrogen responses in healthy adults. Nutrition 2005;21:8
  3. Williams JA, Choe YS, Noss MJ, et al. Extract of Salacia oblonga lowers acute glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:124-30.
  4. Jayawardena MH, de Alwis NM, Hettigoda V, Fernando DJ. A double blind randomised placebo controlled cross over study of a herbal preparation containing Salacia reticulata in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;97:215-8.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official, well-established standard dose for Salacia. Studies have used different plant species, different extracts, and different amounts, which makes it hard to give one reliable recommendation.

If you choose to use a Salacia product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the suggested amount. Products meant to support blood sugar are often taken with or just before meals.

Because strength and quality differ between brands, it is a good idea to choose products that are independently tested and to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you have diabetes.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Salacia & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Salacia & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 5 references that drive our Salacia monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Heacock PM, Hertzler SR, Williams JA, Wolf BW. Effects of a medical food containing an herbal alpha-glucosidase inhibitor on postprandial glycemia and insulinemia in healthy adults. J Am Diet Assoc 2005;105:65-71.
  2. Collene AL, Hertzler SR, Williams JA, Wolf BW. Effects of a nutritional supplement containing Salacia oblonga extract and insulinogenic amino acids on postprandial glycemia, insulinemia, and breath hydrogen responses in healthy adults. Nutrition 2005;21:8 PubMed
  3. Jayawardena MH, de Alwis NM, Hettigoda V, Fernando DJ. A double blind randomised placebo controlled cross over study of a herbal preparation containing Salacia reticulata in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;97:215-8. PubMed
  4. Williams JA, Choe YS, Noss MJ, et al. Extract of Salacia oblonga lowers acute glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:124-30. PubMed
  5. Kajimoto O, Kawamori S, Shimoda H, et al. Effects of a Diet Containing Salacia reticulata on Mild Type 2 Diabetes in Humans. A Placebo-controlled, Cross-over Trial. Nippon Eiyo Shokuryo Gakkaishi 2000;53(5):199-205. DOI
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Salacia

20 brands in our database make a supplement containing Salacia.

Product directory

Supplement products with Salacia

34 products in our database contain Salacia. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Salacia: Common Questions

What is Salacia used for, and does it work?
People use Salacia for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Salacia interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 86 medications with a known interaction with Salacia. Use the checker above to see how Salacia interacts with a specific drug.
How are Salacia interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Salacia with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Salacia interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Salacia used for?
It is most commonly used to help control blood sugar after meals and to support weight management. It is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for inflammation and digestive complaints.
Does Salacia really lower blood sugar?
Some small human studies suggest it may modestly reduce blood sugar spikes after eating carbohydrates, but the evidence is limited. It should not replace prescribed diabetes treatment.
Is Salacia safe to take?
It seems fairly well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, mostly causing mild digestive side effects. Long-term safety is not well studied, so check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Can I take Salacia if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid Salacia during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Salacia

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Salacia — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 34 products with Salacia →
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