LAUSR

Abstract Costus speciosus (Koen ex. Retz.) Sm. (Costaceae) is a perennial herb commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and Americas. The plant is popular in the name of ‘insulin plant’ because of its antidiabetic property. It is a valuable source of various industrially important bioactive chemical constituents such as diosgenin, dioscin, costusosides, eremanthin. C. speciosus has been recognized for its ethnomedicinal uses in Africa, America, West Indies, China, Sri Lanka and India. The various pharmacological properties and biological potential of this plant have been reported from researchers all over the globe. However, the mechanism of action and in vivo toxicity of the bioactive phytochemicals present in C. speciosus are poorly understood to discover novel lead compounds and formulate therapeutic strategies against various health challenges. This review is the amalgamation of various aspects of C. speciosus which include its distribution, taxonomic description, medicinal chemistry, biological potential, health applications as well as molecular, genetic and biotechnological progresses till date. Unfortunately, due to overexploitation and other anthropogenic pressure, the plant has been listed in the near threatened category. Therefore, the objective of this review is also to aware the researchers and other stakeholders for using advanced biotechnological approaches such as genetic diversity assessment, implementation of conservation strategies, ecosystem monitoring and species restoration programs for C. speciosus. Study of molecular diversity, in vitro propagation methods and other biotechnological aspects including metabolic pathway engineering to produce optimum level of bioactive metabolites are also essential to ensure its conservation and sustainable utilization. Finally, discovery of elite genotype(s)/chemotype(s) and production of therapeutically important lead molecules from C. speciosus would be the future thrust area of research for industrial viability.