Therapeutic Potential and Pharmacological Applications of Costus pictus D. Don in Cancer: Integrating Traditional Medicine with Contemporary Science

Abstract

Medicinal plants have played an important part in medicinal care throughout history, including modern times. Costus pictus, also referred to as the "insulin plant," has a wide range of noteworthy bioactivities, including hepato protective, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. Due to its abundance of phytochemicals, particularly flavonoids and phenolic compounds, it possesses diverse qualities. As a result, the focus of this review is on exploring C. pictus therapeutic potential as well as the mechanism of action underlying these encouraging results. A rich profile of bioactive substances, including as glycosides, phenolic acids, steroids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, is shown by phytochemical investigations and supports the plant's wide range of pharmacological effects. C.pictus has long been known to have anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects. Research has shown that it can improve glycemic control by increasing muscle cell absorption of glucose and stimulating pancreatic beta cell release of insulin. The plant also demonstrates strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, scavenging free radicals to shield cells from oxidative stress and lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. When relevant, the review provides discrete relevance to the in vivo findings by addressing the phytochemicals that correspond to these effects, leading to a mechanistic explanation from Ayurvedic to modern techniques. Over time, there has been increased interest in the design of functional foods that include medicinal plant supplements. Further research is required to confirm the effects of C. pictus incorporation on foods and to conceptualise dietary intake for the prevention of various illnesses.