Insulin Plant: Nature’s Own Diabetes Medicine?

By:
Have you heard about insulin plant?
As I walk in Science Medicinal Garden in our school. I have noticed a rare plant new at my sight.
I have decided to ask our teacher about this plant pointing at that plan in our school garden. Ah! that is the
Insulin Plant, that is good for diabetes.
To answer all my question, I have consulted my google friend to take a brief research about this plant
because my grandfather is suffering from a diabetes

Chamaecostus cuspidatus, its scientific name, common name fiery costus or spiral flag, is a species
of herbaceous plant in the Costaceae family native to eastern Brazil (States of Bahia and Espirito Santo).
In India , the Philippines, it is known as insulin plant for its purported anti-diabetic properties. In our
country it usually grows in the wild.
An expert-reviewed by Ashwini S.Kanade, Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator
with 17 years of experience.Fact-checked by Aditya Nar, B.Pharm, MSc. Public Health and Health
Economics.
The successful discovery, manufacturing and marketing of new medicines is a time-consuming
process that can take anywhere from 10 to 15 years. No wonder then, in recent times, a lot of research
focuses on studying local natural medicines that have already been in use by the natives of a particular
place.
In the year 2012, two researchers in Tamil Nadu carried out a study of the plants traditionally used
by tribals in the Kolli hills (located in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district) to treat diabetes. An interesting find
was the use of leaves ofKeukand (in Hindi) or Kostam (in Tamil). (1)
This plant is native to Central and South America and only came to India much later. But once it
did, it grew increasingly popular as the “Insulin plant,” supposedly due to word-of-mouth publicity as an
effective natural diabetes medicine.
LOS BANOS, Laguna, Feb. 12-- Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—ensure
healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages—the research project “Effect of Costus igneus on
Obesity and other Metabolic Disorders in Diet-Induced Obese Male ICR Mice” led by Asst. Prof. Myra
Oruga, Program Chair for the Diploma in/Master of International Health (D/MIH), was formally launched
in an agreement signing ceremony between UPOU and its partners held on 25 January 2018 at the UP Open
University’s Community Hub, Los Banos, Laguna.
Most studies on Costus igneus that were done in India, reported its therapeutic potentials
particularly its anti-diabetic properties. This research will explore the health benefits of Costus igneus,
locally known as “insulin plant”, in combating obesity, a major global concern that accounts as one of the
causes of several metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the Philippines. It
specifically aims to profile the plant and determine its effect on metabolic disorders such as hypertension,
diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, among others.
Ok, but what does the science say?
Lots of research has been conducted to check the diabetes-controlling effect of this insulin plant:
17 different studies have been carried out on animals and animal tissue. These studies have shown that
extracts from the leaves of the insulin plant successfully reduced blood glucose levels. (2)
As for regular insulin therapy, here’s everything you need to know about it.
Alright…and human studies?
 Now, this is where the research is yet to catch up. Only one study has been conducted on persons
with diabetes so far, at the Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India. The study found that chewing on
one fresh leaf of the insulin plant or consuming 1 teaspoon of the dried leaf powder daily helps in regulating
blood glucose levels in persons with diabetes. The authors of this study suggested that since they observed
the effects to kick in from the 15th day of consumption, it is important for the leaf to be taken regularly to
see a beneficial effect. (3)
And yet…
Before you start hunting for the insulin plant at your local nursery, here’s another research finding
that you must consider. A study of the leaves of the insulin plant showed that they contain high quantities
of palmitic acid. This substance is known to have harmful effects, such as damaging of heart muscle cells
in rats and increasing the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol in humans. So, the researchers of this study advise against
the long and continuous use of the insulin plant. (4)
Therefore, more research is needed that confirms the insulin plant’s positive effects on blood glucose, apart
from ensuring that it is safe for humans. Until then, it is best to wait before reaching out for this natural
cure.(https://ww.wealthy.care>magazine>diabetes)

LIS explore I-Experience

By:
Science is fun!
One hundred pupils and four teachers participants from Laoag Integrated School (LIS) enjoy an
exciting activities at I-Experience held at Linasin Elementary School on August 26.
I-Experience Philippines in cooperation with Dr. Virgnia Paula V. Fulgueras, District Science
Coordinator invited them to showcase a Science Exhibits and the First 3D Movie Experience in our country,
a learning by doing activities in Science that are surely enjoyed by the participants
First station is an hour of 3D Movie Marathon with the Dinosaurs. The room is filled with
excitement as the participants screams as they feel that they are mingling with the Dinos. Through movie
the pupils are introduce with the kinds of Dinosaurs that they love most because of first hand experience
with the thrilling life of dinosaurs a long before.
Next Station, is on the manipulative Science Exhibits. Some of the manipulative that they explore
are the Magnetic Levitation or meglev, 3D Mirascope, Shadow catcher, Plasma ball, Solar power, Body
Conductor, Ganny’s Electric Maze and Wind power. The amazed participants cannot believed on the much
fun fall experiences learning in Science.