(Celastraceae) Salacia chinensis L.

Local name(s): (Ta kay)

Medicinal use(s): treat gastritis; also as a menses regulator

Part(s) used: stem

Field Characters: Shrub growing to 3-5 m tall; leaves opposite, dark green, shiny; fruits green, turning red-orange.

Locality: Vientiane Municipality, Saythany District, Hua Sieng Village.

Habitat: 

Altitude:   m asl. 

Collector(s): M. Xayvue

Collection number(s): Xayvue 0160

Collection Date: May 17, 1999

Additional information:  

Synonyms, images, taxonomic description: 

Medicinal properties:

Li Y, Tom Hsun-Wei Huang TH-W, Yamahara J. Salacia root, a unique Ayurvedic medicine, meets multiple targets in diabetes and obesity. Life Sciences 2008, volume 82, issues 21–22, pages 1045-1049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2008.03.005 .

Nikule HA, Nikam TD, Borde MY, et al. Phytochemical and pharmacological insights into Salacia chinensis L. (Saptarangi): an underexplored important medicinal plant. Discov Plants 1, 67 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44372-024-00067-2