Salacia reticulata (Celastraceae) is commonly known as Salacia, has been used in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda to treat diabetes (madhumeha) and obesity (medoroga). The antidiabetic property of Salacia is basically attributed to the inhibitory activity of intestinal enzyme - alpha-glucosidase. Inhibition of intestinal enzymes delays glucose absorption into the blood and suppresses postprandial hyperglycemia, resulting in improved glycemic control. Alpha- glucosidase inhibition activity of salacia has been validated in several pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Polyphenols and mangiferin are the active ingredients of Salacia reticulata which reduce the sugar level. Both inhibits the formation of low density lipoprotein and thus maintains the blood lipid profiles. Salacia reticulata is also very effective in case of rheumatism, menstrual disorders, skin diseases, inflammations and spermatorrhoea. It is also used as a liver tonic.