Abstract

A REVIEW ON INSULIN PLANT (COSTUS IGNEUS NAK)

*Diksha G. Raut and Mayuri Y. Tak

ABSTRACT

Costus igneus Nak and costs D.Don, a commonly known insulin plant. It is Spiral flag, a member of Constance and a newly introduced plant in India from South and Central America. There is a perennial, upright, spreading plant reaching about two feet tall, with spirally arranged leaves and attractive flowers. In southern India, it is usually grown as an ornamental plant and its leaves are used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Recently, a number of researchers have been evaluating the anti-diabetic potential of this plant. Besides, it has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like hypolipidemic, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-cancerous, hypertension. Further, various phytochemical investigations reveal the presence of carbohydrates, triterpenoids, proteins, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and appreciable amounts of trace elements. Thiswork is an attempt to compile and explore the different pharmacological and phytochemical studies reported till date of insulin plant (costs engines Nak).

Keywords: Anti-diabetic activity, Costus igneus, insulin, Pharmacological activities.