Facts about Salacia Oblonga

Recently, it has been found that a-Glucosidase inhibitors are potent
therapeutic agents in carbohydrate-metabolic disorders such as Diabetes
Mellitus.

Salacia Oblonga contains two potent a-Glucosidase inhibitors: Salicinol
and Kotalanol 9. Methanol extracts from the roots of Salacia Oblonga
exhibit an inhibitory effect on the increase of serum glucose levels in
sucrose- and maltose-loaded rats. Salacia Oblonga has also been found
to show inhibitory activity on Aldose Reductase which is related to
such chronic diabetic complications as peripheral neuropathy,
retinopathy, and cataracts.

Superior in terms of safety compared to chemically synthesized
products, Salacia Oblonga is an effective anti-diabetic and dieting
agent. Salacia Oblonga is more than 200 times stronger than Acarbose,
an a-Glucosidase inhibitor manufactured by Bayer Corp.

In a study conducted by Kowsalya et at., it was determined that 2.5 to
5.0 grams of Salacia Oblonga daily is effective in lowering the blood
glucose, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and increasing the HDL
cholesterol levels of non-insulin dependent diabetes patients.

It is know that glucose absorbed in the body is converted into
glycogens and neutral lipids by insulin and then accumulates as body
fat and organ fat, thus causing obesity.

Salacia Oblonga inhibits the breakdown of oligosaccharides
(disaccharides and trisaccharides) such as sucrose, maltose, etc. into
monosaccharides and inhibits the absorption of monosaccharides such as
glucose, mannose, etc. in the body, preventing blood sugar levels from
rising.

Another Interesting Fact about Salacia Oblonga

Herbs used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems to
lower blood sugar and insulin levels in a manner similar to
prescription drugs, a new study reports.
Researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia Oblonga to 39 healthy
adults, and the results were promising. The largest dose of the herb
extract - 1,000 milligrams - decreased insulin and blood glucose
levels by 29 and 23 percent, respectively.

"These kinds of reductions are similar to what we might see with
prescription oral medications for people with diabetes," said Steve
Hertzler, a study co-author and an assistant professor of nutrition at
Ohio State University.

Salacia Oblonga, which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka,
binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body.
These enzymes, called alpha-glucosidases, turn carbohydrates into
glucose, the sugar that circulates throughout the body. If the enzyme
binds to the herbal extract rather than to a carbohydrate, then less
glucose gets into the blood stream, resulting in lowered blood glucose
and insulin levels.

"Lowering blood glucose levels lowers the risk of disease-related
complications in people with diabetes," Hertzler said. "Also, poor
compliance with diabetes medications often hinders the effectiveness of
these drugs. It may be easier to get someone to take an herb with food
or in a beverage, as opposed to a pill."

The study appears in a recent issue of the Journal of the American
Dietetic Association.

Thirty-nine healthy adults participated in four separate meal tolerance
tests. These meals, which were given in beverage form, were spaced
three to 14 days apart. Each participant fasted for at least 10 hours
before consuming the test beverage.

Participants were asked to drink about two cups' worth of the chilled
beverage, which contained zero, 500, 700 or 1,000 milligrams of Salacia
oblonga extract. Afterward, the researchers used the finger-prick
method to draw blood samples from each person every 15 to 30 minutes
for three hours. These blood samples were used to determine insulin and
blood glucose concentrations. The biggest changes in blood glucose and
insulin levels usually happen within the first two hours after eating.

The beverage that contained the highest concentration of the herbal
extract - 1,000 milligrams - provided the most dramatic reduction
in insulin and blood glucose levels. Insulin levels were 29 percent
lower, while blood glucose levels were 23 percent lower as compared to
the control drink, which contained no herbal extract.

As Salacia Oblonga can cause intestinal gas, the researchers had the
study participants collect breath hydrogen samples hourly for eight
hours after drinking the test beverage. The participants collected
their breath in small plastic tubes. The researchers then analyzed
these breath samples for hydrogen and methane content - the level of
either substance in the breath corresponds to the level contained in
the colon.

The subjects also rated the frequency and intensity of nausea,
abdominal cramping and distention and gas for two days after consuming
each test meal.

While the test beverages containing Salacia Oblonga caused an increase
in breath hydrogen excretion, reports of gastrointestinal discomfort
were minimal, Hertzler said.

Right now he and his colleagues are trying to figure out what dose of
the herb is most effective, and when it should be taken relative to a
meal.

"We want to know how long it takes for the herb to bind to the enzymes
that break down carbohydrates," Hertzler said. "The participants in
this study took the herb with their meal, but maybe taking it before
eating would be even more effective."

The researchers also want to study the effects of Salacia Oblonga in
people with diabetes.

"A lot of studies show that lowering blood sugar levels reduces the
risk for all kinds of diabetes-related complications, such as kidney
disease and nerve and eye damage," Hertzler said. "We want to see if
this herb has this kind of effect."

Salacia Oblonga is still relatively difficult to find in the United
States, Hertzler said, although there are manufacturers that sell the
herb through the Internet.

This study was supported by the Ross Products Division of Abbott
Laboratories in Columbus.

Hertzler is continuing to conduct Salacia Oblonga studies with the Ross
Products Division of Abbott Laboratories. He has no links to the
company beyond this affiliation.

Hertzler conducted the work with former Ohio State colleague Patricia
Heacock, who is now at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey;
Jennifer Williams, a clinical scientist with Ross Products Division,
Abbott Laboratories; and Bryan Wolf, a former research scientists with
Ross Products Division

Facts on type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body has trouble
using its own insulin to control the blood sugar. At the time of
diagnosis, beta cells often are producing as much or more insulin as
would be needed by someone else of equal weight. But changes in liver,
fat and muscle cells cause have created resistance to insulin. Fat
cells are not responsive to insulin, so they begin releasing free fatty
acids into the bloodstream and these worsen the response to insulin.
The liver does not respond to insulin so it is less able to turn off
its production and release of glucose, and the blood sugar rises
further. Cells in the muscles would normally pick up glucose from the
blood, but insulin resistance weakens this effort. All these cellular
changes cause damaging fat and sugar levels to rise in the blood.

Those with Type 2 diabetes are actually a small part of a larger group
that has metabolic syndome or Syndrome X, which was first recognized in
the early 1990's. This syndome includes everyone who has insulin
resistance. About 30% of those with insulin resistance eventually
develop Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can no
longer produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance and keep up
with the body's increased need for insulin.

The insulin-resistance syndrome is associated with high triglycerides
(over 200), low HDL (under 40 mg/dl), high blood pressure, and gout.
Syndrome X is found in one out of every four Americans with signs that
include insulin resistance, cholesterol problems (especially a low HDL
and high triglycerides), and high blood pressure. Those with an apple
figure who carry excess weight predominantly in their abdomen are at
the highest risk to develop Syndrome X. The cholesterol and blood
pressure problems associated with Syndrome X hasten cardiovascular
disease, which is responsible for 70% of the deaths in this group.

By the time Type 2 diabetes is discovered, 10 to 15 years of high blood
sugars often have passed. Symptoms in Type 2 diabetes often start
gradually and can easily be confused with normal aging. There can be no
symptoms or only mild ones. Symptoms may include tiredness,
irritability, blurred vision or changes in vision, numbness and
tingling in the feet and legs, and frequent infections that don't heal
quickly.

Many people find out they have diabetes after a high blood sugar is
found during a routine health exam. Early diagnosis and treatment are
facilitated by having an annual physical exam that includes a blood
sugar test. Because diagnosis is commonly delayed, serious
complications may already be in progress at the time the disease is
discovered. Therefore, a complete checkup for complications and
associated diseases should be done as soon as diabetes is discovered.

For anyone with an apple figure, helpful tests include blood pressure
measurement, a complete lipid panel for triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and
total cholesterol; a microalbumin test of the urine to detect early
kidney changes; examination of the eyes by an ophthalmologist for
retinopathy; examination of the feet for nerve and vascular problems;
and a careful evalution of the heart. For those with diabetes, an
additional test called the hemoglobin A1C should be done. This test
shows the average blood sugar for the last three months. include Ask
your health care provider for these tests if they aren't automatically
provided.

What Causes Type 2
People over 40 who are sedentary and overweight, especially with excess
weight around the middle, are the most likely to develop Type 2
diabetes. People who have a family history of Type 2 diabetes and those
with a Hispanic, Black, Native American, or Asian background are more
likely to develop Type 2 when excess weight is gained.

People with Type 2 diabetes produce insulin but because of insulin
resistance the insulin does not work well. Over several years of having
the disease, they gradually stop producing insulin. Some 85 to 90
percent of all diabetes is Type 2. Treatments for insulin resistance
Type 2 diabetes revolves around varied combinations of diet, exercise,
medications, or insulin. Insulin resistance is best treated with weight
loss, a healthy diet, and exercise.

Therapy for Type 2 diabetes individuals a wide range of medications
that can enhance insulin production, reduce the liver's production of
glucose, sensitize the cells to insulin, and slow the digestion of
carbohydrates to minimize the rise of blood sugars after meals. Because
insulin production gradually fails in Type 2 diabetes, insulin can
become necessary as part of the treatment plan.

Why Apple Figures Are Unhealthy
Apples may be good for you, but an apple figure filled out with excess
weight in the middle isn't. The apple figure is almost universal in
Type 2 diabetes and is occassionally encountered in adults with Type 1
diabetes. This cardiovascular risk for heart disease goes up two and a
half times for men with diabetes and an apple figure. The risk rises
eightfold for women with diabetes and this shape. Men and women with
the apple figure share the same high risk for heart disease.

Before you blame your parents, realize that very controllable lifestyle
factors are the cause for excess fat deposits in the middle. These
factors include use of alcohol (especially beer), smoking, stress, lack
of exercise, gaining more than normal weight, eating fewer than three
meals a day, and a diet high in fat or simple sugars.

Fat located within the abdomen can be thought of as "fast" fat. Fat
cells in this location are able to release fat into the bloodstream
much faster than fat cells located elsewhere. For instance, fat begins
to be released from the abdomen three to four hours after the last meal
compared to many more hours for fat cells in other areas of the body.
This easy release was designed to provide rapid access to fuel for
exertion needed for hunting and fleeing from danger. But with today's
sedentary lifestyle, the abdominal buildup of fat shows up as higher
triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid levels. The excess fat in the
abdomen turns out to be a major cause of insulin resistance.

Excess heart risks accompany an apple figure in the form of higher
triglyceride levels, lower HDL (protective cholesterol), higher blood
pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease. Often there is a family
history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cholesterol
problems.

Do You Have An Apple Figure?
To find out if you have an apple figure, use a tape measure to measure
around your waist an inch above your navel. Next measure your hips at
their widest point. Then divide your waist measurement by your hip
measurement.

Ratios above 0.8 for women or above 1.0 for men suggest an unhealthy
accumulation of fat in the middle. If you've got an apple figure, you
can do the following to improve insulin sensitivity and to prevent
health problems:

**Eat fewer calories and less fat
**Eat less at each meal and leave food on your plate
**Eat small amounts of food more often
**Keep blood sugars normal before breakfast and 2 hours after meals
**Drink little or no alcohol
**Exercise regularly
**Don't smoke
**Reduce stress through lifestyle changes and stress management

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body has trouble
using its own insulin to control the blood sugar. At the time of
diagnosis, beta cells often are producing as much or more insulin as
would be needed by someone else of equal weight. But changes in liver,
fat and muscle cells cause have created resistance to insulin. Fat
cells are not responsive to insulin, so they begin releasing free fatty
acids into the bloodstream and these worsen the response to insulin.
The liver  does not respond to insulin so it is less able to turn off
its production and release of glucose, and the blood sugar rises
further. Cells in the muscles would normally pick up glucose from the
blood, but insulin resistance weakens this effort. All
these cellular changes cause damaging fat and sugar levels to rise in
the blood.

Those with Type 2 diabetes are actually a small part of a larger group
that has metabolic syndome or Syndrome X, which was first recognized in
the early 1990's. This syndome includes everyone who has insulin
resistance. About 30% of those with insulin resistance eventually
develop Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can no
longer produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance and keep up
with the body's increased need for insulin.

The insulin-resistance syndrome is associated with high triglycerides
(over 200), low HDL (under 40 mg/dl), high blood pressure, and gout.
Syndrome X is found in one out of every four Americans with signs that
include insulin resistance, cholesterol problems (especially a low HDL
and high triglycerides), and high blood pressure. Those with an apple
figure who carry excess weight predominantly in their abdomen are at
the highest risk to develop Syndrome X. The cholesterol and blood
pressure problems associated with Syndrome X hasten cardiovascular
disease, which is responsible for 70% of the deaths in this group.

By the time Type 2 diabetes is discovered, 10 to 15 years of high blood
sugars often have passed. Symptoms in Type 2 diabetes often start
gradually and can easily be confused with normal aging. There can be no
symptoms or only mild ones. Symptoms may include tiredness,
irritability, blurred vision or changes in vision, numbness and
tingling in the feet and legs, and frequent infections that don't heal
quickly.

Many people find out they have diabetes after a high blood sugar is
found during a routine health exam. Early diagnosis and treatment are
facilitated by having an annual physical exam that includes a blood
sugar test. Because diagnosis is commonly delayed, serious
complications may already be in progress at the time the disease is
discovered. Therefore, a complete checkup for complications and
associated diseases should be done as soon as diabetes is discovered.

For anyone with an apple figure, helpful tests include blood pressure
measurement, a complete lipid panel for triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and
total cholesterol; a microalbumin test of the urine to detect early
kidney changes; examination of the eyes by an ophthalmologist for
retinopathy; examination of the feet for nerve and vascular problems;
and a careful evalution of the heart. For those with diabetes, an
additional test called the hemoglobin A1C should be done. This test
shows the average blood sugar for the last three months. include Ask
your health care provider for these tests if they aren't automatically
provided.
Available at
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