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Information obtained from Godofredo U. Stuart Jr. M.D. (StuartXchange
Botanical Description
Botanical Description
It is characterized by robust, leafy stems reachingheights of up to 2 meters or more and a diameter of
approximately 1.6 centimeters. The foliage is spirally arranged, with oblong leaves ranging from 15 to 30 centimeters in length. The leaves terminate in a pointed apex, are borne on short petioles, and exhibit a covering of fine hairs on the abaxial surface. The inflorescence consists of densely packed, solitary spikes, which are terminal, ovoid, and measure 5 to 10 centimeters in length. The spikes are subtended by ovate, purple bracts measuring 2.5 to 4.5 centimeters. The calyx, flattened and purple, extends 3 to 5 centimeters,
with short, ovate lobes. The corolla is composed of white, oblong segments 4 to 6 centimeters in length, while the labellum is suborbicular, white, measuring 6 to 8 centimeters, exhibiting a wrinkled texture with finely toothed margins that are incurved and conjoined. The stamen is flattened, with a broad, petaloid connective measuring approximately 5 centimeters in length and 12 to 15 centimeters in width. The fruit is a red capsule,ovoid to rounded, measuring 1.5 to 2 centimeters,and is surmounted by the persistent calyx.
Taxonomical Classification
Taxonomical Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Sub kingdom: Tracheobionta
Superdivision: Spermatophyta
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Subclass: Zingiberidae
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Costaceae
Genus: Costus
Species: Costus spiralis
Properties
Properties
- Acidic-refrigerant, slightly toxic (especially
the fresh material).
- Diuretic, antiphlogistic, antidote, antipyretic,
anti dermatosis., cooling, sudorific.
- Roots are bitter, astringent, stimulant,
digestive, anthelmintic, depurative and
aphrodisiac.
- Studies have shown antioxidant,
hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, antispasmodic,
hepatoprotective, anticholinesterase properties.
Habitat/Distribution
Habitat/Distribution
Widely cultivated for its ornamental value, Costus spiralis is occasionally found growing outside of intended cultivation areas.
Phytochemical Classification
Phytochemical Classification
8-hydroxytriaconta-25-one
- Hexane
- Carbohydrates
- Alkaloids
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Flavonoids
Phenols
- Glycosides
- Saponins
- Minerals (Zn, Mn, Se, Fe, Cu)
- Saponin
- Tannin
- Steroid
Uses
Uses
Industrial Uses:
Used as a spice, like ginger in the culinary industry.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
Anti-diabetes
- Antihyperglycemic/
Hypolipidemic/Antioxidant
- Diosgenin
- Spasmodic activity
- Hepatoprotective
- Anti-stress
- Anticholinesterase
Pharmacological Uses:
Mexican traditional medicine that is used to treat diabetes, urinary problems, and venereal disease such as gonorrhea, also a diuretic, and to treat kidney cancer. In Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, the leaves are decocted in water to make a tea to treat flatulence and rheumatism. A tea made from the rhizomes and roots is taken to treat urinary problems, kidney stones, nephritis (kidney inflammation), inflammation of the urethra, as a diaphoretic (to promote sweating), as a diuretic, and as an emmenagogue (to promote menstruation). The acidic juice from the young rhizomes (stems) is taken to treat diabetes, bronchitis, headaches, colds, and fever. The roots are decocted in water to make a tea to treat gastritis, liver problems, and snakebite. The juice from the flowers is taken against internal parasites and for the treatment of vaginal infections.
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