A REVIEW ON ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF COSTUS SPECIES

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glucose metabolism, which leads to hyperglycemia and associated complications. The increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide has intensified the search for safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. Medicinal plants have long served as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antidiabetic potential. Among them, species of the genus Costus—notably Costus pictus, Costus specious, and Costus spicatus have shown promising hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds responsible for their pharmacological activities. Experimental studies demonstrate that extracts from the leaves and rhizomes of Costus species can enhance insulin secretion, improve glucose tolerance, and mitigate oxidative stress. Biotechnological methods like tissue culture also help these important plants grow and stay alive on a large scale. This review highlights the pharmacological significance, bioactive constituents, and potential therapeutic applications of Costus species as natural antidiabetic agents, emphasizing the need for further clinical and toxicological validation.