Costus Pictus Extract

Other Name: Costus Pictus Extract; Insulin Plant Powder
Botanical Name: Costus pictus D. Don‌
Part Used: Leaf
Appearance: Brown Yellow Fine Powder
Specification: 10:1; 20:1

Function
1. Stimulates insulin secretion:
It can directly promote insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.
2. Improves insulin sensitivity:
It reduces hyperinsulinemia and enhances peripheral insulin sensitivity.
3. Enhances GLP-1 secretion:
It stimulates glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) release from intestinal L-cells, which helps regulate glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion.
4. Inhibits carbohydrate-digesting enzymes:
It shows inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which can slow carbohydrate breakdown and blunt post-meal blood sugar spikes.
5. Promotes glucose uptake:
Some studies suggest effects on glucose uptake in muscle cells.
6. Antioxidant activity:
It boosts antioxidant enzymes and scavenges free radicals, helping protect against oxidative damage in diabetes.
7. Anti-inflammatoryeffects:
Downregulate pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) to alleviate chronic low-grade inflammation.
8. Anticancer potential:
Show cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cell lines via apoptotic pathways, with lower toxicity to normal cells.
9. Lipid-regulating effects:
Lowers triglycerides and cholesterol.

Description About Costus Pictus Extract
Costus Pictus Extract is a botanical derivative from the Costus pictus plant, commonly known as the "insulin plant." Scientific studies have identified it as a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals, making it a subject of interest for managing diabetes, inflammation, and other metabolic conditions.
Costus Pictus Extract is widely studied for its ability to lower blood sugar. It works by inhibiting key enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion, specifically α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which helps reduce glucose absorption after meals . Animal studies have shown it can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce complications related to diabetes, such as kidney damage.
Costus Pictus Extract has shown a dose-dependent ability to reduce inflammation in cell studies . It also exhibits activity against several types of bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus.
It is a potent source of natural antioxidants. Specific processing methods, like ultrasound-assisted extraction, have been shown to maximize the yield of these antioxidant compounds from the leaves .
Costus Pictus Extract has demonstrated cytotoxic effects against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The extract appears to work by triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis) and disrupting the growth cycle of cancer cells.