Insulin Chedi

  • Botanical Name : Chamaecostus cuspidatus
  • English Name : Insulin Plant
  • Sanskrit Name : Bandhukapushpa
  • Malayalam Name : Insulin Chedi (ഇൻസുലിൻ ചെടി)
  • Part Used : Leaf, Flower
About Image

Overview

  • Chamaecostus cuspidatus, commonly known as fiery costus or spiral flag, is a herbaceous plant in the Costaceae family, native to Eastern Brazil. In India, it is recognized as an insulin plant for its purported anti-diabetic properties.

Habitat

  • Chamaecostus cuspidatus features large, fleshy leaves with light purple undersides, spirally arranged around the stem, forming attractive clumps.
  • The plant reaches a maximum height of about two feet.
  • It produces orange flowers with a diameter of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).
  • Flowering occurs during warm months.
  • The plant is native to Eastern Brazil, cultivated and consumed globally.

Phytochemistry

  • leaves are rich in protein, iron, and antioxidants, including ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, terpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids.
Nutritional Prowess Image

Nutritional Prowess

  • Insulin may lower blood sugar levels due to compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids.
  • It can stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, regulating blood sugar levels.
  • The plant may also aid in glucose uptake into cells, further lowering blood sugar levels.
  • Insulin plant leaves can be consumed as tea or added to food.
  • Bioactive compounds diosgenin and quercetin act as antioxidants, beneficial for treating oxidative stress in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys.
  • Insulin flower petals are sweet and possess nutritive values.
  • In Ayurveda, insulin plant leaves are considered effective for fever relief, with one leaf chewed in the morning providing instant relief.
  • Regular consumption of hot insulin leaves can gradually heal a sore throat.
  • Insulin leaves potion is a therapeutic remedy for high blood pressure.
  • People experiencing asthma attacks may benefit from consuming insulin plant leaves.
  • The antioxidant properties of insulin plant leaves strengthen the immune system by eliminating free radicals.

Dermatological Perks

  • The insulin plant offers excellent skin protection and can be used to treat skin problems.
  • Insulin plant leaves paste enhances skin elasticity.
  • It can tighten skin pores, promoting glowing skin.
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