Costus speciosus (Koen ex. Retz.) Sm.: Current status and future industrial prospects

•Costus speciosus is a perennial herb commonly popular as ‘insulin plant’.•It is source of industrially important phytomolecules like diosgenin and dioscin.•The plant has wide range of pharmacological and biological potential.•We suggest biotechnological approaches, conservation and restoration programs.•This plant would have industrial viability by production of therapeutic molecules.