The insulin plant may help control blood sugar levels because it contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, and saponins, which are thought to improve how pancreatic beta cells regulate glucose.
In addition to its antidiabetic properties, the insulin plant may also offer other health benefits due to its potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antiurolithiatic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and hypolipidemic effects.
This plant can be consumed as a powder, in capsule form, or by chewing its raw leaves. It is important to note, however that Costus igneus is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of diabetes or any other health condition. There are no FDA-approved herbal alternatives for diabetes.
Common uses
The insulin plant may show some benefits for:
1. Managing diabetes
Consuming the leaves of the insulin plant may help reduce fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels and prevent diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, fatty liver, and diabetic retinopathy.
Although the exact mechanism is still unknown, researchers believe the plant supports glucose regulation and insulin secretion by the remaining pancreatic beta cells in people with diabetes. However, more scientific studies are needed to fully understand this process.
2. Preventing cancer
The insulin plant contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Some studies suggest it may also prevent tumor cell replication and promote cancer cell death.
3. Protecting against some bacteria
The root of the insulin plant has antimicrobial properties that may help fight certain bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella species, and Proteus vulgaris.
4. Preventing kidney stones
The insulin plant may help prevent kidney stone formation due to its natural compounds, such as proteins, iron, and antioxidants like ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, glutathione, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, and terpenoids.
5. Improves learning and memory
Thanks to its antioxidant content, the insulin plant may help reduce free radical damage to brain cells, which could improve learning and memory. Lower blood glucose levels may also play a role in these effects.
6. Prevents chronic diseases
The insulin plant contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, including saponins, that may help lower total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. These effects may help prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
How to consume
The insulin plant can be consumed in several ways:
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Chewing the leaves: 2 leaves, twice a day
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Capsules: 3000 mg per day (the number of capsules depends on the dosage per unit)
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Powder: 1 tablespoon (3000 mg) of insulin plant powder mixed with water or another beverage before breakfast
It is important to read the supplement label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Ideally, the insulin plant should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional familiar with herbal medicine. There is no specific recommended duration for use, but it is generally advised to take it for 3 months, followed by a 1-month break.
Side effects
The insulin plant may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, weakness, confusion, pale skin, and blurred vision.
Contraindications for use
There are no studies confirming the safety of the insulin plant during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children, so it should be avoided in these cases.
People taking oral hypoglycemic medications or insulin should consult their doctor before using the insulin plant, as it may be necessary to adjust their diabetes treatment to prevent hypoglycemia.