From nutraingredients.com

12/07/2007 - The traditional Indian herbal Salacia oblonga, for diabetics to lower blood sugar and insulin responses after eating, says a new study from the US that helps build the science behind the herb.
Researchers from Abbott Laboratories and Radiant Research evaluated the effect of two doses (240 or 480 mg) of Salacia oblonga on blood glucose and insulin levels of 66 type-2 diabetics after eating a high-carbohydrate meal. Results were compared to an unsupplemented standard liquid control meal.

It is thought that Salacia oblonga acts in a similar way to diabetes medications by binding to intestinal enzymes called alpha-glucosidases, which are responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose. When the enzyme binds to the herbal extract rather than a carbohydrate, less glucose gets into the blood stream, resulting in lowered blood glucose and insulin levels.

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