IJCRBP is now DOI (CrossRef) registered Research Journal. The DOIs are assigned to all published IJCRBP Articles. Online ISSN : 2349-8080 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : [email protected] Int.J.Curr.Res.Biosci.Plantbiol. 2016.3(7): 151-161 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20546/ijcrbp.2016.307.021 Insulin Plant, Costus speciosus: Ethnobotany and Pharmacological Updates
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: This review paper highlights current proven pharmacological research updates of Costus speciosus, a traditional medicinal herb known for many phytochemicals and ethnobotanical uses. The rhizome of these plants are used as an alternative source for diosgenin and generally used to control diabetes. Therefore, Costus speciosus is commonly called as Insulin plant (antidiabetic plant). Costus speciosus showing antidiabetic activity is of significant interest for ethnobotanical community presenting varying degree of hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity. Furthermore, Costus speciosus also plays an important role as a herbal medicine for the treatment of various health ailments. In general, plant based medicines are safe and there are no side effects compared to other drugs and more effective treatment of health disorders. Because of the popularity of herbal medicines, there is a growing demand for natural plant based medicines in both developing countries and international market. In India, the herbal preparations of Costus speciosus are presently used by local people in tea bags (herbal-chai), supplements, beverages, and in food items (not under any brand names) which regulates body sugar and cholesterol levels. However, due to urbanization, industrialization and increase in commercial demand of Costus speciosus, this medicinal plant has been over exploited for its innumerable medicinal properties from natural habitat. Therefore, Costus speciosus has become endangered and now-a-days Costus species are available only in the wild habitat. Hence conservation of Costus speciosus using in vitro micropropagation protocols plays a significant role in preserving this endangered plant species in the natural habitat and alternative for the production of valuable secondary metabolite.
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4234635375