CAS 200399-47-9: (1S,2S)-3-[(2R,3S,4S)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrothiophenium-1-yl]-2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)propyl sulfate (non-preferred name)

Salacinol is a naturally occurring alpha-glucosidase inhibitor isolated from an Ayurvedic traditional medicine Salacia reticulata.

Salacinol is a naturally occurring sulfonium ion, which is a bioactive compound found primarily in the roots and stems of the plant Salacia reticulata. This plant is native to regions of South Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka, and is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. Salacinol's mode of action involves the inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose. By inhibiting this enzyme, salacinol reduces the postprandial rise in blood glucose levels, thus demonstrating antidiabetic potential. In scientific research, salacinol is being studied for its efficacy in managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Its ability to modulate glucose absorption without affecting insulin secretion makes it a compound of significant interest. Studies have explored its potential use in developing novel therapeutic agents aimed at controlling hyperglycemia. Furthermore, salacinol's natural origin and targeted mechanism provide insights into alternative approaches for diabetes management, promoting a deeper understanding of plant-derived compounds in medicinal applications.

Applications Salacinol is a α-glucosidase inhibitor discovered from the herb, Salacia reticulata. Salacinol is used as an antidiabetic agent. References Matsuda, H. et al.: Chem. Pharmac. Bull., 47, 1725 (1999); Mohan, S. et al.: Carb. Res., 342, 1551 (2007); Muraoka, O. et al.: J. Nat. Med., 65, 142 (2011);