Salacia is a genus of plants in the family Celastraceae

Celastraceae

The Celastraceae , is a family of about 90-100 genera and 1,300 species of vines, shrubs and small trees, belonging to the order Celastrales...

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Medicinal uses

Several species in this genus of plant have been used in traditional medical systems for thousands of years, particularly in the Ayurveda system from India. Uses have included treatment of diabetes, obesity, gonorrhea, rheumatism, itching, and asthma. Recently, it has gained popularity in the US, Japan, and other countries for the prevention of diabetes and obesity. Studies have shown that extracts from some species (Salacia oblonga and Salacia reticulata) activate multiple cell receptors and metabolic processes that theoretically have beneficial effects in type 2 diabetes. S. reticulata is being investigated as an anti-obesity herb in cellular models. No studies in humans showing a benefit for weight loss are available .

Selected species:

• Salacia fimbrisepala
  Salacia fimbrisepala
  Salacia fimbrisepala is a species of plant in the Celastraceae family. It is found in Cameroon and Ghana. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.-Source:...
  
  
• Salacia mamba
  Salacia mamba
  Salacia mamba is a species of plant in the Celastraceae family. It is found in Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.-Source:...
  
  
• Salacia miegei
  Salacia miegei
  Salacia miegei is a species of plant in the Celastraceae family. It is endemic to Ivory Coast, where it grows in Western Guinean lowland forests including Taï National Park, a protected area of primary rainforest and high endemism. It is threatened by habitat loss.-Source:* Assi, A. 1998. . ...
  
  
• Salacia oblonga
• Salacia petenensis
  Salacia petenensis
  Salacia petenensis is a tropical tree native to Central America. It is found in cloud forests and along the eastern coast of Costa Rica at elevations of 1500 to 1700 m. It flowers from March through May and also in October and November. The flowers are tiny and have an odor like rotten fruit....
  
  
• Salacia reticulata