Synergistic herbal formulation of Costus igneus and complementary medicinal plants for enhanced anti-diabetic enzyme inhibition

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder requiring multi-targeted therapeutic approaches. Costus igneus, known as the “Insulin plant,” exhibits promising anti-diabetic effects. This study explores the development and evaluation of synergistic herbal formulations combining Costus igneus with selected complementary anti-diabetic plants including Momordica charantia. The combined extracts were analyzed for enzyme inhibition of key carbohydrate digestive enzymes, α-Amylase and α-glucosidase. The results demonstrated significant synergistic enzyme inhibition compared to individual extracts, suggesting enhanced potential for natural anti-diabetic therapy.