Salacia is a genus of plants commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, primarily for diabetes and metabolic disorders. The use of Salacia species (such as Salacia reticulata and Salacia oblonga) for fatty liver disease is primarily based on traditional practices that emphasize its role in managing blood sugar and lipid levels. While these properties are relevant to the metabolic syndrome spectrum, which overlaps with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), direct evidence specific to Salacia’s efficacy in treating or reversing fatty liver disease is limited.

Most of the scientific studies on Salacia focus on its ability to inhibit intestinal alpha-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase, leading to improved glycemic control and reduced lipid absorption. Some small animal studies and limited clinical trials suggest that Salacia extracts can help lower blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, potentially addressing risk factors associated with NAFLD. However, robust clinical trials directly evaluating Salacia in patients with diagnosed fatty liver disease are lacking.

In summary, the use of Salacia for fatty liver disease is rooted in traditional medicine and theoretical benefits based on its metabolic effects. The scientific evidence supporting its direct role in treating fatty liver disease is weak (rating 2/5), and its use for this purpose is not yet validated by high-quality clinical research.