Botanical name : Costus pictus D. Don syn. Costus mexicanus (DC.)
Family : Zingiberaceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Mehantaki
Rasa    : Tikta, Madhura
Guna   : Rooksha, Lakhu
Virya   : Seeta
Vipaka : Katu
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English     : Spiral ginger, Mexican costus.
Hindi        : Insulin plant
Malayalam    : Insulin plant, Insulin chedi
Distribution – Introduced species from Mexico to India, very recently.   
PLANT DESCRIPTION
A perennial herbaceous plant grows up to 1.2 meter in height. Leaves simple, spirally arranged, oblong-lanceolate; flowers small, yellowish with brownish streeks, found in terminal spikes; fruits globose capsule containing obovoid seeds. Reproduction mainly by rhizomes, and through stem cuttings.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
It is claimed that this plant cures diabetes, but more researches should be needed to confirm its efficacy.  
Useful part    :    Leaves.
CHEMICAL CONTENTS
α and β amyrins are the main active principles of this plant. Besides, many glycosides, and alkaloids, tannin and flavonoides are present in the plant sample.

Photo : Dr. Eby Abraham MD