Although it sounds foreign, insulin leaves with long and wide shapes have a myriad of properties that can be utilized. One of the benefits of insulin leaves is to treat diabetes.
Insulin leaf is a herbaceous plant originating from South America. This leaf is often dried for use in the art of Ayurvedic medicine in India, because it is believed to be able to treat diabetes.
Various Benefits of Insulin Leaves
Not only used for the treatment of diabetes, insulin leaves are also used as a natural treatment for kidney disorders in traditional medicine in Mexico. In addition, insulin leaves are also believed to have a number of other benefits, including:
- Prevent cancerAccording to research findings, insulin leaf extract is thought to have anticancer potential, aka able to prevent the development of cancer.
- Fights bacteria and fungiIn addition, insulin plant extracts are thought to have antimicrobial effects to protect the body from bacterial and fungal disorders.
- Fight free radicalsInsulin roots and leaves have a fairly high antioxidant content. The bioactive compounds quercetin and diosgenin in this plant have antioxidant effects and can help treat liver, pancreas and kidney disorders.
- Has a diuretic effectA study found plant insulin to have a diuretic effect similar to furosemide, a drug used to treat high blood pressure and edema. The diuretic effect makes the kidneys excrete unneeded or excessive salt and body fluids through urine.
- Prevent heart problemsThe insulin plant extract is believed to be able to reduce high cholesterol levels, so it is believed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Although there are various possible benefits of insulin leaves for health, further research is still needed to prove its efficacy and safety. Keep in mind, insulin leaves can not replace medical treatment. If you have diabetes, it is recommended to consult a doctor first before taking herbal medicines with the basic ingredients of insulin leaves, as a companion to medical treatment.