Thebu (Costus speciosus) Leaves (100g) leaves are consumed as mallum, sambol in Sri Lankan contest. It has similar taste like gotukola. Costus speciosus is an important source of diosgenin. The alkaloids of this plant have anticholinesterase acivity both In vivo and in vitro. It showed significant hypoglycemic effects.
The root crude extract also has a hypoglycemic effect. Other than that, it can reduce the total serum cholesterol level, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol level (J. Eliza et al., 2009). Due to the presence of phenolic acids, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, catechins and xanthones like chemical constituents, these medicinal properties of the plant has occurred. And also, this plant shows, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antistress, estrogenic activity, antipyretic, antidiuretic and larvicidal activity. It has antifertility, anabolic properties.
