'Insulin plant' turning a daily munching diet for diabetics - Newindpress.com

"Insulin plant' turning a daily munching diet for diabetics

KOCHI: The leaves of a Mexican plant with erect spiraling stems and light, airy and tissue-paper-like flowers are turning the daily munching diet for thousands of diabetes mellitus patients in the State. Nurseries across the State are now promoting this exotic species as the 'insulin plant', a wonder drug that would dynamically bring down blood sugar levels.
With reports of reduced blood sugar levels coming in from different parts of the State, researchers believe the plant may have hypoglycaemic properties, but say consuming it could result in more side effects than effects.
The scientists have also not been able to zero in on the correct botanical name of the species. While some nurseries are promoting it as Costus Igneus, researchers at the Kerala Agricultural University and the Kerala Forest Research Institute consider it Costus Pictus."