Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Studies conducted with dehydrated Salacia prinoides and soya flour individually show their beneficial effects on the physiological well being of animals and humans. Thus nutrient analysis of dehydrated Salacia prinoides and a supplementation study was conducted. Supplementation study included both animal and human subjects. It was observed that dehydrated Salacia prinoides is rich in protein and fibre. It is low in fat content. Copper and magnesium were present in negligible amounts. There was significant decrease in body weight, mean blood glucose levels, mean total serum cholesterol levels and an increase in mean serum total protein levels and serum urea level of the experimental albino mice. Histopathological findings revealed that there was a mild impact on liver, kidney and intestine, the representative segments showed mild changes in cell structure. Thus no significant toxicity was found in liver, kidney and intestine when the experimental albino mice were sacrificed. In the human study, purposive sampling technique was used to select NIDDM subjects. Five grams of Salacia prinoides was provided as a supplement for a period of 45 days. A reduction in body weight was observed among the experimental group subjects. There was significant reduction in fasting and post prandial blood sugar levels among the subjects in experimental group. A significant reduction in serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol was also observed. Thus it can be concluded that dehydrated Salacia prinoides can be recommended as a food supplement with additional benefits of its active principle for its anti-diabetic activity
Keywords: Salacia prinoides, blood glucose levels, anti-diabetic activity.