Salacia oblonga extract reduces postprandial glycemia following a solid, high‐starch meal.

The extract of Salacia oblonga , a native shrub plant of India and Sri Lanka, reduces postprandial glycemia following a standard liquid meal containing mainly maltodextrin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an ethanol‐water extract of S. oblonga on the postprandial glycemia following a solid, high starch meal. In a randomized, crossover study, 14 healthy subjects were fed a spaghetti meal (106 g carbohydrate, 18 g protein, 4 g fat) with either unsweetened, decaffeinated tea or the same tea containing 480 mg S. oblonga extract. Serum glucose concentrations were measured immediately before the meal and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min postprandial. Satiety ratings were obtained at the intervals above and at hourly intervals for an additional 6 hours. Symptom ratings (headache, nausea, abdominal cramping, bloating/fullness, flatulence) were collected at hourly intervals for 8 h postprandial. S. oblonga extract lowered the mean baseline‐adjusted peak glucose by 27% ( P <0.001) and the positive incremental AUC by 25% ( P =0.033). Flatulence ratings were increased from 2.5 to 9.4 (40=maximum severity) by the extract, but there were no changes in other symptoms or perceived satiety. In conclusion, S. oblonga extract reduces the glycemic response to a high‐starch meal. The development of mild flatulence supports alpha‐glucosidase inhibition as the main mechanism of action.