Cosmos Caudatus (Cosmos caudatus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Cosmos caudatus support bone health?

Cosmos caudatus contains flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, and myricetin that exhibit antioxidant activity, which may help protect bone cells from oxidative stress. These compounds have demonstrated potential in supporting bone metabolism through effects on osteoblast and osteoclast activity in preliminary research. The herb's significant ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content also contributes to collagen synthesis, which is essential for bone matrix formation. Evidence level: C (preliminary studies and traditional use).

Does Cosmos caudatus interact with blood pressure medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for Cosmos caudatus in clinical literature. However, due to its traditional use for blood pressure support and the presence of bioactive flavonoids, theoretical interactions with antihypertensive medications cannot be ruled out. Patients taking blood pressure medications should monitor their readings if consuming this herb regularly and consult a healthcare provider before adding it to their regimen. Evidence level: D (theoretical based on constituent profile).

How much Cosmos caudatus should I consume daily?

Cosmos caudatus is traditionally consumed as a fresh herb salad (ulam) in Southeast Asian cuisine, with leaves eaten freely as part of regular meals. There is no standardized medicinal dosage established from clinical trials. For general health benefits, consuming fresh leaves as part of a varied diet, as traditionally practiced, appears reasonable. Those seeking therapeutic effects should consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Cosmos caudatus safe to eat during pregnancy?

Cosmos caudatus has a long history of safe consumption as a food in Southeast Asia, including among pregnant women. When eaten in normal dietary amounts as part of traditional cuisine, it is considered safe during pregnancy. However, concentrated extracts or therapeutic doses have not been studied in pregnant populations, so such preparations should be avoided. Pregnant women should discuss significant dietary changes with their healthcare provider. Evidence level: Traditional.

What is Cosmos caudatus used for in traditional medicine?

Cosmos caudatus, also known as 'ulam raja' in Malaysia, is traditionally used for its antioxidant properties, bone health support, blood pressure regulation, and wound healing. The fresh leaves are commonly eaten as ulam (fresh herb salad) for general health maintenance. Topically, the herb has been applied for skin conditions and minor wound care. Key active compounds include quercetin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, and ascorbic acid. Evidence level: C (preliminary research supporting traditional uses).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Cosmos caudatus, also known as Ulam Raja, is a Southeast Asian medicinal herb with high antioxidant capacity and potential benefits for glycemic control, bone health, and cognitive function [PMID:26929767, 26713097, 33572715].

Background

Cosmos caudatus is an annual aromatic shrub and traditional vegetable widely used in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia [PMID:26929767, 24594148, 38841653].

Traditional uses

It is used traditionally in Southeast Asia and Latin America to treat high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, retard aging, rigidify bones, and improve blood circulation [PMID:26929767, 31488132, 32258785, 16087413].

Active compounds

The herb is a rich source of bioactive compounds including ascorbic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, phenolics, saponins, catechin, alpha-linolenic acid, alpha-D-glucopyranoside, vitamin E, and proanthocyanidins [PMID:26929767, 32258785, 24888400, 16087413].

Mechanism of action

C. caudatus exhibits high antioxidant capacity and inhibits alpha-glucosidase activity [PMID:26929767, 24888400]. In vitro evidence suggests it can inhibit collagenase, MMP-1, and MMP-3 activities, and reduce vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) migration and invasion [PMID:36623444, 32258785].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BType 2 Diabetes

Eight weeks of supplementation (15g daily) significantly reduced serum insulin and HOMA-IR, and increased QUICKI [PMID:26713097]

Evidence AMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

12 weeks of supplementation (250mg twice daily) showed significant improvements in mini mental state examination (MMSE) and ranked first for improving psychological wellbeing in a network meta-analysis [PMID:33572715, 41333026]

Evidence DOsteoporosis/Bone Loss

In ovariectomized rats, C. caudatus increased bone biomarkers (osteocalcin), improved trabecular bone volume, and increased osteoblast surface [PMID:24035963, 22924056, 23800238, 38841653]

Safety & adverse effects

An acute toxicity test in Wistar white male rats showed no deaths or toxic symptoms at a dose of 2000 mg/kgBW, indicating the toxic dose is >2000 mg/kgBW [PMID:34159147].

Dosage & administration

In clinical trials, dosages used included 15g of the herb daily for diabetes [PMID:26713097] or 250mg capsules twice daily for cognitive impairment [PMID:33572715]. No PubMed data available. Consult a healthcare provider.

Evidence summary

Evidence consists of a mix of animal studies (D) and small-scale randomized controlled trials (B), with one systematic review/network meta-analysis (A) supporting its use for psychological wellbeing in MCI.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 26929767 (2015) — Potential medicinal benefits of Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja): A scoping review. · Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
2.PMID: 26713097 (2015) — Eight Weeks of Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja) Supplementation Improves Glycemic Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
3.PMID: 24035963 (2013) — The effects of Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja) supplementation on bone biochemical parameters in ovariectomized rats. · Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
4.PMID: 26920910 (2016) — Effect of Cosmos caudatus (Ulam raja) supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. · BMC complementary and alternative medicine
5.PMID: 24594148

Cosmos Caudatus

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Cosmos Caudatus