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Kustha – The Indian Costus Root

Introduction

Kustha botanically known as Saussurea lappa is a potential herb that belongs to Bhringraja Kula i.e Asteraceae Family. Kustha grows in the Himalayan region at 2500- 3500 meters. The root of the plant Kustha had been used since ancient times as perfume and traditional medicine. Kustha is a tall perennial herb that has an aromatic odor due to the presence of volatile and essential oil which are mainly confined in its Mula i.e. root. Kutha is widely used to treat various disorders like diarrhea, vomiting, dyspepsia, arthritis, gout, skin disorders, etc. recent research revealed that sesquiterpenoid lactones are the major active principle of Kustha along with this it also contains taraxasterol, saussureal, inulin, botulin, costunolide due to which it exhibits various pharmacological activities like anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hepato- protective activities, etc. In Ayurvedic texts, there is some confusion regarding the identity of Pushkarmula and Kustha but Kustha is entirely different from Pushkarmula and has been known to Indians since the Vedic period. In Vedas, Kustha is particularly mentioned as Takma Nashaka i.e antipyretic. Acharya Charaka mentioned Kustha as one of the best drugs for Upanaha and Abhyanga. Kustha is also considered as the substitute for Tagara as well as Pushkarmula. Kustha is also excellent at Medhya Rasayana and gives promising results in Inmada, Apasmara, and Shiroshula.

Basonym of Kustha

कुष्णाति रोगं इति | कौ तिष्ठति इति कुष्ठं वा |

Kustha cures many diseases and its root goes deep into the soil and helps the plant to remain firmly fixed.

Synonyms of Kustha

  • According to habitat

काश्मीरज– काश्मीर देशे जातं काश्मीरजम |

Kustha grows mainly in higher altitudes like Kashmir.

वाप्य – वाप्यते इतिवाप्यां भवं इति वा |

Kustha plant spreads rapidly and it is found near water resources.

  • According to morphology

उत्पल – उत्पल पुष्पत्वात वा |

Kustha bears flowers similar to lotus.

  • According to properties and actions

पाकल – पाकं लाति इति | पाकलं व्याधि हत्वात |

Kustha cures many diseases.

व्याधि: – विगतआधिअनेन इति |

Kustha relieves many diseases.

परिभाव्य – परिभावे साधुः इति |

Kustha, if used, overcomes many diseases.

Regional Names of Kustha

  • Costus, Kut root English)
  • Kuth (Hindi)
  • Koshta (Kannada)
  • Seppudday (Malayalam)
  • Upalet (Marathi)
  • Kuda (Bengali)
  • Kudu Upaleth (Tamil)
  • Kustham (Telugu)
  • Kuste hindi (Arabic)
  • Kust- istrukh (Persian)

Botanical Name

Saussurea lappa C. B. Clarke

Saussurea- covered with tufts of prickles.

Lappa- Hopuke in forum hop = spring.

Family

Asteraceae (Bhringraja Kula)

Scientific Classification of Kustha

KingdomPlantae
Class Dicotyledonae
Sub- ClassGamopetalous
SeriesInferae
OrderAsterales 
Family Asteraceae 
GenusSaussurea 
Species lappa

Classification of Kustha – As Per Charaka and Sushruta

Charaka: Lekhniya Mahakashaya, Shukra Shodhana Maha Kshaya, Asthapanopaga Mahakshaya

Sushruta: Eladi Gana

Kustha’s Description in Brihtrayi

Charaka Shusruta Vagbhata (Ashtang Hridya)
C. S. Su. 3/ 3, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 23, 27S. S. Su. 14/ 36A. H. Su. 7/ 20
C. S. Su. 4/ 3, 20, 25S. S. Su. 38/ 24, 54A. H. Su. 15/ 3, 5, 40, 43
C. S. Su. 14/ 35, 51S. S. Su. 39/ 7, 9A. H. Su. 21/ 17
C. S. Su. 23/ 14S. S. Su. 42/ 18A. H. Sa. 1/ 86, 87, 88, 89
C. S. Su. 25/ 39S. S. Su. 44/ 64, 74A. H. Sa. 2/ 49
C. S. Vi. 7/ 17S. S. Sa. 10/ 21, 45, 68A. H. Chi. 1/ 137, 162
C. S. Vi. 8/ 149, 158S. S. Chi. 3. 58A. H. Chi. 4/ 52
C. S. Sa. 8/ 59, 65, 70 (2), 76S. S. Chi. 4/ 24A. H. Chi. 5/ 67, 79
C. S. In. 2/ 13S. S. Chi. 5/ 7, 12A. H. Chi. 6/ 56
C. S. Chi. 3/ 267, 306S. S. Chi. 6/ 12A. H. Chi. 8/ 8, 15, 23, 24, 90, 154
C. S. Chi. 6/ 27, 41S. S. Chi. 7/ 14A. H. Chi. 9/ 51, 119
C. S. Chi. 7/ 83, 92, 101, 105, 112, 116, 121, 168S. S. Chi. 8/ 16, 39, 42, 43A. H. Chi. 10/ 57
C. S. Chi. 8/ 76, 175S. S. Chi. 9/ 7, 10, 12, 19, 27, 59A. H. Chi. 11/ 25
C. S. Chi. 9/ 43, 70S. S. Chi. 11/ 8A. H. Chi. 12/ 25
C. S. Chi. 10/ 23, 33, 37, 43, 62S. S. Chi. 14/ 10A. H. Chi. 14/ 99, 104
C. S. Chi. 12/ 62, 71S. S. Chi. 15/ 31A. H. Chi. 15/ 15, 49, 71, 128
C. S. Chi. 13/ 103, 108, 126, 158S. S. Chi. 17/ 4A. H. Chi. 16/ 10
C. S. Chi. 14/ 45, 54, 132, 160S. S. Chi. 18/ 45, 48A. H. Chi. 17/ 22, 36
C. S. Chi. 15. 182, 188S. S. Chi. 19/ 28A. H. Chi. 18/ 11
C. S. Chi. 16/ 59, 93, 108S. S. Chi. 20/ 6, 37A. H. Chi. 19/ 12, 59, 64, 65, 67, 70, 71, 73, 83, 85
C. S. Chi. 17/ 140S. S. Chi. 22/ 53A. H. Chi. 20/ 16
C. S. Chi. 18/ 51S. S. Chi. 25/ 38A. H. Chi. 21/ 59, 65, 68, 71, 78
C. S. Chi. 19/ 112, 125, 127S. S. Chi. 37/ 8, 11, 34, 39A. H. Chi. 22/ 36
C. S. Chi. 21/ 22S. S. Chi. 38/ 25, 47, 60A. H. Ka. 4/ 2, 18, 62
C. S. Chi. 23/ 51, 61, 69, 77, 98, 101, 193, 196, 22, 201, 212, 244S. S. Chi. 40/ 4A. H. Ka. 5/ 16
C. S. Chi. 25/ 50S. S. Ka. 1/ 35, 53A. H. U. 1/ 42, 47, 49
C. S. Chi. 26/ 19, 20, 21, 100, 152, 181, 190, 214, 222, 225S. S. Ka. 2/ 47A. H. U. 2/ 10, 55, 61, 66, 68
C. S. Chi. 27/ 28, 34, 35, 41, 52S. S. Ka. 3/ 17A. H. U. 3/ 48, 53
C. S. Chi. 28/ 11, 152, 157, 166S. S. Ka. 5/ 66, 69, 78, 82, 84A. H. U. 5/ 16
C. S. Chi. 29/ 106, 141, 148, 149S. S. Ka. 6/ 3, 9, 14A. H. U. 6/ 27
C. S. Chi. 30/ 57, 71, 105, 108S. S. Ka. 7/ 13, 33, 36A. H. U. 7/ 24, 34
C. S. Ka. 1/ 26S. S. Ka. 8/ 44, 47, 48, 52, 54, 104, 106, 110, 112, 131A. H. U. 13/ 58
C. S. Si. 3/ 13, 55, 65S. S. U. 11/ 6, 8A. H. U. 14/ 27
C. S. Si. 4/ 12, 19S. S. U. 17/ 90, 92A. H. U. 18/ 5, 27
C. S. Si. 7/ 18, 22S. S. U. 18/ 94A. H. U. 20/ 18
C. S. Si. 8/ 18S. S. U. 21/ 20A. H. U. 22/ 21, 31, 34, 49, 98, 102
C. S. Si. 10/ 14, 29S. S. U. 23/ 4A. H. U. 24/ 8, 23, 26, 41
C. S. Si. 11/ 22S. S. U. 26/ 7, 22, 35A. H. U. 25/ 35
C. S. Si. 22/ 31S. S. U. 31/ 4A. H. U. 27/ 38
S. S. U. 32/ 45A. H. U. 32. 2, 17, 20, 23
S. S. U. 33/ 3A. H. U. 34/ 34, 63
S. S. U. 34/ 4A. H. U. 35/ 24, 39
S. S. U. 35/ 6A. H. U. 36/ 67, 73
S. S. U. 36/ 7A. H. U. 37/ 44, 73, 79, 84
S. S. U. 39/ 129, 169, 187, 188, 226, 257A. H. U. 38/ 22
S. S. U. 40/ 39, 48
S. S. U. 42/ 42, 45, 46, 128
S. S. U. 47/ 24
S. S. U. 51/ 27
S. S. U. 55/ 44, 45, 48, 49
S. S. U. 57/ 10
S. S. U. 61/ 31
S. S. U. 62/ 23, 27

Kustha’s Description in Brihtrayi as Aamya

Sushruta Samhita: S. S. Su. 39/ 251

Ashtanga Hridya: A. H. Chi. 14/ 36, A. H. U. 2/ 24, A. H. U. 5/ 19, A. H. U. 28/ 35, A. H. U. 37/ 83

Kustha’s Description in Brihtrayi as Gada

Ashtanga Hridya: A. H. U. 5/ 20, A. H. U. 20/ 15, A. H. U. 32/ 31

Kustha’s Description in Brihtrayi as Pakala

Charaka Samhita: C. S. Chi. 7/ 160, C. S. Chi. 23/ 195

Ashtanga Hridya: A. H. U. 38/ 58

Kustha’s Description in Brihtrayi as Ruk

Sushruta Samhita: S. S. U. 40/ 56, S. S. U. 42/ 29

Kustha’s Description in Brihtrayi as Vaapya

Charaka Samhita: C. S. Chi. 7/ 129

Ashtanga Hridya: A. H. Chi. 19/ 88

Historical Background of Kustha

  • There is some confusion regarding the identity of Kustha and Puskaramula. But recorded evidence proves that Kustha is known to Indians since the Vedic period whereas Puskaramula is not. In Vedic literature, Kustha is described with three synonyms viz., Nadyamara, Nadyarisa, and Nadyaya. Nadya is mentioned in Atharvaveda, Sounakiya Paippalada Sakha. Acharya P.V. Sharmaji also considered it as the synonym of Kustha. In Vedas, Kustha is claimed to cure several diseases and possesses the properties like Rasayana, Vrsya, and Krmighna. It is specifically mentioned as Takma nasaka (antipyretic). 
  • Kustha is said to be available near the surroundings of a lake called “Amta” of the Himalayan ranges. It was mostly available together with ‘Soma’. The other name of Kustha is ‘Visva bhesaja. 
  • It is indicated for Vata vyadhi, Yaksma, Kasa-Svasa, Netraroga, Siroroga, etc. Paippalada treatise considers it as Sulahara (anti. spasmodic or analgesic) and Visaghna (anti-dote for many poisons). It is claimed to possess aroma and is important among all herbs. It is also used for Dhüpa (fumigation). According to Kesava Paddhati (35/ 21), it is useful for Vashikaran (mesmerism) as well.
  • Caraka mentioned it as the best among Upanaha and Abhyanga drugs (C.S.Su.25). However its utility in Dhümapana is prohibited along with Jatamamsi.
  • Kustha is considered the substitute for Tagara as well as Puskaramula.
  • In a communication made to the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India in 1860 by Mr. H. Cope of Amritsar, it is stated that Kuth was adulterated not only with Tut (the root of Salvia lanata), which is used as a substitute for the genuine article but the other foreign substances were used to that he ascertained that unscrupulous dealers employed some 200 seers of Kuth to flavor 100 seers of trash”. The principal substitutes or adulterants seem to be a species of Ligularia and one of Aconitum, but many other plants are said to be used for the purpose.
  • Chopra R.N. recorded that, Kuth, which is also known as Costus in trade, has however no connection with the botanical genus Costus. It is found growing wild only in Jammu and Kashmir in the Kishen Ganga valley and the higher elevations of the Chenab valley although it may occur sporadically in non-commercial quantities in adjoining tracts in Kashmir and elsewhere.
  • The plant has become almost extinct in many places by uncontrolled exploitation. Since the supply of plants growing wild was not sufficient to meet the market requirement, commercial cultivation of kuth was taken up during the second and third decades of this century in its natural growing areas in Kashmir, and Lahul in Himachal Pradesh. It has been successfully cultivated in semi-natural conditions in Kashmir and Garhwal and as a regular crop with occasional irrigation in Lahul.
  • The commentators on various Ayurvedic texts have complicated the identity of Kustha with various descriptions.
  • Cakrapani only appears to identify it properly since he stated it as the root which breaks easily and appears like Mrgasriga (Cakrapani- C. S. Ci. 28). Adhamalla in one context (Sa. Sam. Ma. Kh. 6/ 38) commented that Puskara means Kustha. In another context (Sa. Sam. Ma. Kh. 10/ 29) he described it as an aromatic substance that is similar to Katphala. The confusing descriptions are traceable from Vinda Madhava’s comments on Siddha Yoga (30/ 33) wherein he described that the stem of the Puskara plant is Kustha and the root is Puskaramula. But, now it is known that S. lappa is the source of Kustha which is mostly (70- 80%) adulterated in India with the following plants: Inula royleana, Aplotaxis auriculata, Iris germanica, Salvia lanata, Arctium lappa, Inula racemosa, Costus speciosa, etc.

External Morphology of Saussurea lappa

  • Habit – Kustha is an Erect, robust, perennial herb, that grows up to 25 to 180 cm high.
  • Root – The root of the Kustha is stout, up to 60 cm long, brownish with longitudinal streaks, and furrows with the reticulate surface, having a characteristic odor.
  • Leaves – Leaves of Kustha are simple, alternate, membranous, glabrate beneath, irregularly toothed, basal leaves are large, clasp ng the stem by two lobes, and upper leaves are small.
  • Inflorescence – Inflorescence of Kustha is the head, 2 cm long in axillary terminal clusters, bluish purple, hard, rounded, 3 to 5 cm in diameter.
  • Fruit – Fruits of Kustha are achenes about 3 mm long, curved, and compressed. Pappus is about 1.7 cm long, feathery, and brown.

Flowering and fruiting time

Normally the period is from July to September for flowering and fruiting.

Distribution of Kustha

The plant is endemic to Kashmir valley at altitudes of 2, 500 to 3,000 meters in Jammu and Kashmir state. It is majorly cultivated in Kashmir and also in neighboring Himalayan regions e.g., Himachal Pradesh, for its root in the drug trade as kuth root. The plant is also undertaken for small-scale cultivation in hilly regions of Uttar Pradesh. The plant generally grows on open hill slopes of the cool and humid climate of the sub-alpine Himalayas. It is found and cultivated at altitudes of 2,500 to 3,800 meters in the Himalayan regions. It is also distributed in Pakistan (hilly regions) and China also.

The Useful Part of Kustha

Root 

Market sample of Kustha contains stout, fusiform, arched or slightly twisted roots, up to 15 cm long and 1.5 to 4 cm broad at the thickest part, occurring as whole root or transversely cut pieces; the outer surface is rough, dull brown, or light grey with longitudinal wrinkles and small tubercles. A transversely cut portion of the root shows a brownish white surface with three distinct regions viz; periderm as a thin ring, followed by a woody portion with fine radial striations and a central pith region which is sometimes hollow in some older roots. On breaking becomes short pieces. Has got very strong and characteristic odor and tastes very bitter.

Important Phytoconstituent of Kustha

The Kuth roots contain resinoids 6% essential oil 1.5%, alkaloids 0.05%, inulin 18%, fixed oil, and minor constituents like tannins and sugars. Extraction of dried and powdered leaves and stalks with hexane gave a dark green concentrate (3- 4%) containing tarasysteryl acetate and tara sterol.

Roots of the Kustha contains Kusthin, Inulin, botulin, friedelein, stigmasterol, saussureal. Costunolide, sausurine, etc.

Adulteration in Kustha

  • Inula royleana
  • Cardus nutans
  • Euphorbia thomsoniana
  • Salvia lanata
  • Aconitum heterophyllum
  • Costus speciosus
  • Kyllingia triceps
  • Arctium lappa
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Recent Research on Kustha

  • This study was performed to investigate the potential use of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke as a source of antioxidant agents. Various solvent fractionates from S. lappa C.B. Clarke roots were investigated for their antioxidative effectiveness. Study shows that the S. lappa C.B. Clarke plant may help prevent antioxidative stress. Chang KM, Choi SI, Kim GH. Antioxidant Activity of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke Roots. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2012 Dec; 17 (4): 306- 9. doi: 10. 3746/ pf. 2012. 17. 4. 306.
  • The cardiac activity of Saussurea lappa roots was evaluated in isolated perfused rabbit hearts by Langendorff’s technique. Heart rate, contractility, and coronary flow were determined in the presence of different concentrations of methanolic extract of Saussurea lappa, digoxin, and diltiazem. Saussurea lappa roots contain certain pharmacologically active compounds that could be involved in the cardiotonic activity of the extract. Akhtar MS’, Bashir S, Malik MN, Manzoor R. Cardiotonic activity of methanolic extract of Saussurea lappa Linn roots. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2013 Nov. 26 (6): 1197- 201.
  •  The antimicrobial activity of the ethanol extract of the Auklandia (Saussurea lappa) root plant was investigated to verify its medicinal use in the treatment of microbial infections. The results demonstrated that the crude ethanolic extract of the Auklandia (Saussure lappa) root plant has a wide spectrum of activity suggesting that it may be useful in the treatment of infections caused by the above clinical isolates (human pathogens). Hasson SS’, AI-Balushi MS, Alharthy K, Al-Busaidi JZ, Aldaihani MS, Othman MS, Said EA, Habal O, Sallam TA, Aljabri AA, Ahmedidris M. Evaluation of anti-re resistant activity of Auklandia (Saussurea lappa) root against some human pathogens. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2013 Jul; 3 (7): 557- 62. doi 10. 1016/ S2221-1691 (13) 60113- 6.
  • To explore potential chemotherapeutic effects and mechanism of cell growth inhibition of Saussurea lappa on human oral cancer cells. The results suggested that S. lappa extract inhibited cell proliferation through the apoptosis pathway in KB human oral cancer cells. Moon SM’, Yun SJ, Kook JK, Kim HJ, Choi MS, Park BR, Kim SG, Kim BO, Lee SY, Ahn H, Chun HS, Kim Does K, Kim CS. Anticancer activity of Saussurea lappa extract by an apoptotic pathway in KB human oral cancer cells. Pharm Biol. 2013 Nov; 51 (11): 1372- 7. doi: 10. 3109/ 13880209. 2013. 792847. Epub 2013 Jul 16.
  • Five sesquiterpenes, dehydrocostus lactone (1), santamarine (5), betacyclocostunolide (6), 4- alpha- hydroxy- 4- beta- methyl- dihydrocostol (7), and 10-  alpha- hydroxyl-artemisinic acid (9), along with four other com-pounds, beta-sitosterol (2), daucosterol (3), 5-  hydroxy- methyl- furaldehyde (4), and transsyingin (8), were isolated and identified from the roots of Saussurea lappa (Compositae). Duan JA’, Hou P, Tang Y, Liu P, Su S, Liu H. A new sesquiterpene and other constituents from Saussure lappa root. Nat Prod Commun. 2010. Oct; S (10): 1531- 4.
  • The essential oil of kuth roots has strong antiseptic and disinfectant properties, especially against Strep. and Staphyl. It has marked carminative properties. It inhibits peristaltic movements of the gut and produces relations. Injection of the essential oil produces vasodilatation in the splanchnic area and prosorbed from the G.I.T. and partly excreted by the lungs producing an expectorant action; partly by the kidneys producing a diuretic action (Chopra, 1958).
  • Delactonized oil and some lactone fractions of the oil exhibit hypotensive, spasmolytic, and broncho dilatory effects (Chopra, 1958, Dutta, 1960).
  • The effect of different fractions was studied with very minimum doses i.e.; Img (Solvent ether, petroleum ether, and chloroform extract) and 1 mg (water soluble and alcoholic extract) on frog’s heart. There was no appreciable response to the heart rate, contractility, and tone up to the dose of 2mg. The dose was gradually increased to Sm (solvent ether, P.E., and Chloroform) and 100mg (water-soluble alcoholic extract) and a better response was observed, which showed a decrease in heart rate, contractility, and tone. These observations suggest that the drug has got -ve iconography, geography, and choreography. While comparing the effect with standard drugs, it was found that the drug has got direct depressant action as the action was not blocked by atropine and also suggest that it was acting through the Muscranic receptor (Upadhyay, 1986).
  • Anthelmintic activity of S. lappa was established by Kokate, in 1986.
  • In a study on the pharmacological and therapeutic evaluation of S. lappa, it was found to be effective in cardiovascular diseases (Dwivedi, et al; 1987).
  • Its powder enhanced the aortic prostaglandin E, (PGEz) like- activity in experimental rabbits (Dwivedi et al., 1987).
  • Patel, Ayyub & Mohammed, Amanullah & Elsaid, Fahmy & Eissa, Mohamed & Alothaid, Hani. (2021). In-Vitro evaluation of the anti-cancer and genotoxic potential of medicinal herb Saussurea lappa extract in human cancer cell lines. For centuries, plants have been known to play part in the daily routine from providing food to the management of human health. During the last few decades, diverse phytochemicals have been characterized as agents that possess the potential to execute cancer cells. The oil extracted from the root of Saussurea costus has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Purpose: This study was carried out to assess the effect of Saussurea lappa aqueous extract on five different cell lines; Human Lung Fibroblast cells (MRC5), Human Dermal Fibroblast adult (HDFa), Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells (MDCK), breast cancer cells (MCF7) and human colonic cancer (Caco2). Results: On normal cell lines; the extract showed cytotoxic activities with the half maximal inhibitory concentration; IC50 values, ranging from 0.85 to 2.5 mg/ml whereas MRC5 was the most sensitive cell line (IC50 values: 0.85). On malignant cell lines, MCF7 cells showed inhibition in cell proliferation with activity from 67.17% to 91.01% by the extract treatment concentration of 0.50 to 2.0 mg/dl. However, Caco2 cells exhibited inhibition in proliferation ranging from 37.10% to 69.45% by the same treatment dose. Thus, breast cancer cells were more sensitive than colon cancer cells to Saussurea costus extract. The genotoxic potentialities of the crude extract showed an increase in the expression of proapoptotic genes; P53, IκBα, BAX, and TNF, and a decrease in the expression of antiapoptotic genes; Bcl2, Survivin, and MMP-7. Conclusion: Our work pointed out that Saussurea lappa extract could be a potential candidate that can fight cancer.
  • Alotaibi, Amal & Bepari, Asmatanzeem & Assiri, Rasha & Niazi, Shaik K. & Nayaka, Sreenivasa & R, Muthuraj & K N, Shashiraj & Bhat, Meghashyama. (2021). Saussurea lappa Exhibits Anti-Oncogenic Effect in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HepG2 Cancer Cell Line by Bcl-2 Mediated Apoptotic Pathway and Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Release. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 43. 1114- 1132. 10. 3390/ cimb  43020079. Background and Objectives: Saussurea lappa (S. lappa) is an important species of the Asteraceae family with several purposes in traditional medicine. This study intended to explore the cytotoxic effect of S. lappa on HepG2 cancer cell proliferation. Materials and Methods: The effects of an S. lappa n-butanol extract on the induction of apoptosis were investigated by flow cytometry and mitochondrial cytochrome C-releasing apoptosis assay. Additionally, real-time PCR was employed to confirm apoptosis initiation. Further, qualitative estimation of the active constituent of S. lappa was done by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–  MS). Results: The cell viability study revealed that the n-butanol extract of S. lappa demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 56.76 μg/mL. Cell morphology with dual staining of acridine orange (AO)- ethidium bromide (EB) showed an increase in orange/red nuclei due to cell death by S. lappa n-butanol extract compared to control cells. Apoptosis, as the mode of cell death, was also confirmed by the higher release of cytochrome C from mitochondria, the increased expression of caspase-3 and bax, along with down-regulation of Bcl-2. Conclusion: These findings conclude that S. lappa is a cause of hepatic cancer cell death through apoptosis and a potential natural source suggesting furthermore investigation of its active compounds that are responsible for these observed activities.
  • The effect of its root (S. radix in China) on gastrointestinal motility was tested by its ability to enhance charcoal meal transport in mice. The 25 mg/kg of acetone extract on oral administration, significantly enhanced gastrointestinal motility. Dehydro costus was purified from the acetone extract as an active principle (Yamahara, 1990)
  • Five new amino acid- sesquiterpene adducts, sausurea-mines A, B, C, D, E, F, were isolated from the root, together with a new lignan glycoside, (-) massoni- resinol 4- 0- beta – D- ghecopyvanoside. Among these, A, B, and C fractions showed an anti-ulcer effect on Hcl/ethanol-induced lesions in roots, and Saussure amine A also exhibited inhibitory activity on stress-induced ulcer formation in mice, (Yoshikawa et al., 1993).
  • Lim, Hye-Sun & Jin, Sung-Eun & Kim, Ohn-Soon & Shin, Hyeun-Kyoo & Jeong, Soo-Jin. (2015). Alantolactone from Saussurea lappa Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effects by Inhibiting Chemokine Production and STAT1 Phosphorylation in TNF- and IFN- induced in Haacht cells. Phytotherapy research: PTR. 29. 10. 1002/ ptr. 5354. Skin inflammation is the most common condition seen in dermatology practice and can be caused by various allergic reactions and certain toxins or chemicals. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Saussurea lappa, a medicinal herb, and its marker compounds alantolactone, caryophyllene, costic acid, costunolide, and dehydrocostuslactone in the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line. HaCaT cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and treated with S. lappa or each of five marker compounds. Chemokine production and expression were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 was determined by immunoblotting. Stimulation with TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly increased the production of the following chemokines: thymus-regulated and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC): regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES): macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC): and interleukin-8 (IL- 8). By contrast, S. lappa and the five marker compounds significantly reduced the production of these chemokines by TNF-α and IFN-γ-treated cells. S. lappa and alantolactone suppressed the TNF-α and IFN-γ-stimulated increase in the phosphorylation of STAT1. Our results demonstrate that alantolactone from S. lappa suppresses TNF-α and IFN-γ-induced production of RANTES and IL-8 by blocking STAT1 phosphorylation in HaCaT cells.
  • The aqueous extract was administered orally, and the effect was compared to clofibrate. The lipid-lowering property was highly significant (P> 0.001) (Upadhyay, 1994). (10). It contains essential oil which is partly excreted from the urine. During the passage of urine through the urethra, the presence of the oil causes considerable irritation, which can give rise to a somewhat painful erection. Hence it is claimed to be an aphrodisiac agent (Johan, 1997).
  • Effect of S. lappa on smooth muscle alkaloids from Muxiang (S. Radix) has a strong inhibitory effect on histamine-induced bronchospasm and intestinal spasm in guinea pigs. Chemical extracts from this herb have anti-spasmodic, bronch0- dilatory and blood pressure lowering effects similar to, but weaker than papaverine (Internet, 1997).
  • Sutar, Niranjan & Garai, Ranju & Singh, Nrendra & Deb Roy, Saumendu. (2011). The antiulcerogenic activity of Saussurea lappa root. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES. 2. 516- 520. The study was designed to investigate the antiulcer activity of ethyl acetate extract of the Saussurea lappa root using different models of gastric and duodenal ulceration in rats. Gastric ulcers were induced by oral administration of ethanol, aspirin, and by pyloric ligation, and duodenal ulcers were induced by oral administration of cysteamine HCl. The extract was administered at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg orally 30 min before ulcer induction. Ranitidine (50 mg/kg) was used as a reference standard. The antiulcer activity was accessed by determining and comparing the ulcer index in the test group with that of the standard drug-treated group. Gastric volume, total acid, and free acid were estimated in the pylorus-ligated rats. Saussurea lappa root (400 mg/ kg) showed maximum inhibition of gastric acid, free acid, and total acid to 53.54%, 52.55%, and 30.30%, respectively. The ulcer index in the Saussurea lappa root-treated animals was found to be significantly less in all the models compared to standard drug-treated cases. The antiulcer activity of Saussurea lappa root was, however, less than that of ranitidine. The results suggest that Saussurea lappa root possesses a significant antiulcer property which could be due to the cytoprotective action of the drug or the strengthening of gastric and duodenal mucosa with the enhancement of mucosal defense.
  • Molecular analysis of cross-reactions in cost- sensitive patients revealed that the most active sesquiterpene lactones are the ones with the lesser no. of oxygenated subtitles. It has been suggested that a mixture of lactones with different skeletons be used to screen sesquiterpene lactone sensitivity in patients with contact dermatitis (Benezra, C. Cu Epstein, W.L., 1986).
  • Kushta Cuozijasara was administered separately for two groups of patients 500 mg and 100 ml (decoction) each for 30 days. It was found that both are effective in the management of Madhumeha (D.M.) No. side-effects were observed (Singh, D. C. & Sharma, B. P., 1990).
  • A preliminary clinical trial on IHD suggests significant improvement in clinical and biochemical parameters after 4 months of treatment. The results were compared to these of the section group. The combination of Kushta and segontin is more effective and suitable without the occurrence of any major side effects. The dose of segontin could be reduced in combined drug therapy in comparison to the segontin group. The side effects were also less in the combined group (Udadhyay, 1993).
  • Chandur, Uma & Shashidhar, Shrusti & Chandrasek, S.B. & Bhanumathy, M. & Midhun, T. (2011). Phytochemical Evaluation and Anti-Arthritic Activity of Root of Saussurea lappa. Pharmacologia. 2. 265- 267. 10. 5567/pharmacology. 2011. 265. 267. Background: Saussurea lappa is a well-known Indian medicinal plant used in the indigenous systems of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Materials and Methods: The petroleum ether, chloroform, and alcoholic extracts of the Saussurea lappa roots in the presence of chemically active compounds by standard methods and evaluated for their antiarthritic activity by using Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) induced rat model. Results: The results revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, saponins, and tannins. Application of all three extracts exhibited significant (p<0.01) edema inhibition when compared with the arthritic control group. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that Saussurea lappa root extracts are endowed with effective antiarthritic activity. These findings seem to justify the use of the plant in traditional Indian medicine in the treatment of inflammation, including arthritic conditions.
  • Chang, Kyung-Mi & Choi, Soo-Im & Chung, Sophia & Kim, Gun-Hee. (2011). Antimicrobial Activity of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke Roots. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science. 16. 10. 3746/ jfn. 2011. 16. 4. 376. We investigated the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and the antimicrobial activity of ethanol extracts obtained from Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke. The ethanol extracts of S. lappa C.B. Clarke was fractionated with various solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, and n-butanol). The antimicrobial activity of S. lappa C.B. Clarke was examined by disc-diffusion and micro-dilution susceptibility assays with six food-borne pathogens, and compared to that of the synthetic antibiotics. It is found that the S. lappa C.B. Clarke ethanol extract and n-hexane fraction have strong activity against B. cereus and V. parahaemolyticus strains compared to ampicillin. The inhibitory concentration () values of hexane fraction against L. monocytogenes, B. cereus, and B. subtilis were 62.5, 250, and 500 ppm, respectively. Therefore, these data suggest that S. lappa C.B. Clarke may be useful as an antimicrobial agent against food-borne pathogens.
  • Deabes, Mohamed & Aboulthana, Wael & El-Din, Emad & Marzouk, M & Ibrahim, Mohamed & Ahmed, Kawkab. (2021). Evaluation of Hepato-and Neuroprotective Effect of Chemical Constituents in Saussurea costus Extracts against the Toxicity Induced by Chlorpyrifos Ethyl in Rats. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. 64. 631-647. 10.21608/EJCHEM.2021.55840.3199. The health hazards occurring in both humans and animals as a result of the continuous misuse of pesticides drives researchers to look for a solution. Natural plant extracts contain active Phyto-constituents with antioxidant potency enabling them to inhibit the production of the free radicals that induce damage to the cells. The present study aimed to reveal the efficiency of Saussurea costus (S. costus extract) against the hepato-and neurotoxicity induced by Chlorpyrifos ethyl (CPF) in experimental animals (rats). The gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) used for analyzing the active constituents in S. costus extract showed that the extract contains 11 potent active compounds and Dehydrocostuslactone represents about 77.37% and is considered the most dominant compound in the extract. Both CPF and S. costus extract were studied on the rats that were divided into 6 groups as the following: Group 1 (control) received distilled water orally. Group 2&3 (S. costus extract treated groups) received S. costus extract orally at a dose of 0.25 and 0.50 ml, respectively. Group 4 (CPF injected group) was injected with CPF at a dose of 3 mg/ kg. bw. Groups 5& 6 (CPF + S. costus extract group) were injected with CPF and then treated with S. costus extract at two tested doses respectively. Most hematological and biochemical measurements declined significantly (P≤0.05) in the CPF injected group. S. costus extract restored all tested parameters toward the control values. Moreover, the electrophoretic isoenzyme showed that the physiological alterations that occurred in the esterases (ESTs) as a result of CPF injection were represented by hiding normal EST types associated with the existence of abnormal ones. Therefore, the similarity index (SI%) and genetic distance (GD%) values were altered with α-EST (SI= 80.00%; GD= 20.00%) and β-EST (SI= 50.00%; GD= 50.00%) patterns in CPF injected group. The S. costus extract at a dose of 0.5 ml restored the integrity of these isoenzyme patterns by restoring the absent types while hiding the abnormal ones. Therefore, this group became physiologically similar to the control group (SI=  100.00%; GD= 0.00%). These results were supported by histopathological examination for the target organs (brain, liver, and kidney) that were affected by CPF, and the S. costus extract improved the architecture of these organs and restored their histopathological integrity to the normal structure.
  • Chang, Kyung-Mi & Choi, Soo-Im & Kim, Gun-Hee. (2012). Antioxidant Activity of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke Roots. Preventive nutrition and food science. 17. 306- 9. 10. 3746/ pnf. 2012. 17. 4. 306. This study was performed to investigate the potential use of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke as a source of antioxidant agents. Various solvent fractionates from S. lappa C.B. Clarke roots were investigated for their anti-oxidative effectiveness. The contents of total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by the Folin- Ciocalteu’s colorimetric and the aluminum nitrate method, respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of n-butanol soluble fractionate from S. lappa C.B. Clarke, 44.43 μg gallic acid equilibrium (GAE)/g extract and 92.15 μg quercetin equilibrium (QE)/g extract, respectively, were higher than those of other solvent fractionates. The n-butanol soluble fractionates of S. lappa C.B. Clarke (1,000 ppm) showed the strongest inhibitory potential on 2,2- diphenyl- 1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and reducing power at 92.98% and 0.38, respectively. Thus, our data show that the S. lappa C.B. Clarke plants may help prevent antioxidative stress.
  • Trikushta guggulu containing C. mukul and S. lappa is given to 30 patients of osteoarthritis (Sandhigata vata) at a 2 gm TDS dose for 60 days. Clinical improvement was noticed in stiffness, pain, swelling, and tenderness within 2-3 weeks of treatment. Joint movements became less painful. A marked reduction in average body weight was observed after 60 days of treatment. Totally 10% of cases got complete relief, 13.4% marked relief, 50% moderate relief, and 6.7% cases no relief (Sand, B.N. & Kumari, K., 1994).
  • It has shown a significant effect in reducing the blood sugar levels of obese diabetics (Upadhyay O.P. et al., 1996).
  • Yeesh, Sheikh & Jamal, Qamar & Shah, Abdul & Gilani, Anwar-ul. (2010). Antihepatotoxic Activity of Saussurea lappa Extract on D-galactosamine and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatitis in Mice. Phytotherapy research: PTR. 24 Suppl 2. S229- 32. 10. 1002/ ptr. 3089. The effects of aqueous-methanol extract of Saussurea lappa Clarke root (Sl. Cr) were investigated against D-galactosamine (D- GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatitis in mice. Co-administration of D- GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (1 micron/kg) significantly raised the plasma transaminase levels (ALT/AST) as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Pretreatment of mice with different doses of Sl. Cr (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) significantly prevented the D- GalN and LPS-induced rise in plasma levels of ALT and AST in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Post-treatment with Sl. Cr (600 mg/kg) significantly restricted the progression of hepatic damage induced by D- GalN and LPS (p < 0.05). The improvement in plasma enzyme levels was further verified by histopathology of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of parenchyma congestion, decreased cellular swelling, and apoptotic cells in treatment groups as compared to the toxin group of animals. These data indicate that the Sl. Cr exhibits hepatoprotective effects in mice and this study rationalizes the traditional use of this plant in liver disorders.
  • Krishna Dutta Tejaswi, Juluri & Rajan, Govinda & Sara, Picq. (2018). BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SAUSSUREA LAPPA ROOT EXTRACT FOR ANALGESIC AND ANTI- INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 6. 35- 38. 10. 22270/award. v6i4. 378. The present study was designed to evaluate the Phytochemical Screening for Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory activities of the Ethonolic extract of Saussurea lappa. The collected plant root material was washed, shade dried, and size reduced into small pieces. Dried materials were coarsely powdered and macerated with petroleum ether for 72 hrs. The plant material was extracted by using ethanol by the cold maceration method. The study concluded that the root extract has potential bioactive substances that may be used to formulate new drugs. The Flavo-Glycosides content in the Ethonolic extract of Saussurea lappa root was extracted and results were compared with the standard for Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory activities. The results were compared with the standard using statistical methods. However further investigation was required for structural elucidation and pharmacological properties. Keywords: Saussurea lappa, Ethonolic, Glycosides, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory.
  • Two active components costunolide and hydro costus lactone, show a strong suppressive effect on the expression of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBSAg) in human hepatoma Hep 3 B cells, but have little effect on the viability of the cells. Both fractions suppress HBsAg production by Hep 3 B cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC 50s of 1.0 and 2.0 micro-H, respectively. (Chen, H.C. et al., 1995).

Rasa Panchaka of Kustha

Rasa (Taste)Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Madhura (Sweet)
Guna (Virtue)Ruksha (Dry), Laghu (Light), Teekshana (Sharp)
Virya (Potency)Ushana (Hot Potency) 
Vipaka (Post-Digestion)Katu (Pungent)

Dosha Karma of Kustha

Kapha- Vata Shamaka, Vata Hara due to Ushana Virya. Kapha Hara because of Tikta, Katu Rasa, Ushana Virya and Katu Vipaka.

Karma (Actions) of Kustha

Shukra Shodhana, Vrishya, Garbhashya Uttejaka, Aartava Janana, Stanya Janana, Durgandha Asana, Jantu Ghana, Vedana Sthapana, Varnya, Kustha Ghana, Kandughana, Avsadaka, Aakshepa Shamaka, Vta Hara, Deepana, Paachana, Anulomana, Sula Prashmana, Rakta Shodhaka, Kapha Ghanam Kapha Nisaraka, Swasa Hara, Mutrala, Jwara Ghana, Rasayana, Vishaghana, Raksoghana

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Prayogarha Vyadhi (Therapeutic Indication) of Kustha

Sukra Shodhana, Klaibya, Rajorodha, Kasta Aartava, Stanya Suddhi, Mutra Kricchra, Charm Vikara, Jwara, Dourbalaya, Kasa, Parsva Shula, Kukkura Kasa, Hikka, Swasa, Twaka Swasa, Vata Rakta, Aamvata, Rakta Vikara, Urustambha, Sira Shula, Jirna Jwara, Danta Shula, Sandhi Sotha, Aamvata, Charma Roga, Arunshika, Khalitya, vrna Vikara, Vata Vyadhi, Apasmara, Aaksepa Pardhana, Agni Mandya, Ajirna, Vistambha, Shula, Kukshivata, Sotha, Bhagandara, Khallisula, Bala Roga, Rakshas Bhuta Badha Nashaka, Arsha

Aamyik Paryog (Therapeutic Uses) of Kustha

Gulma (Abdominal Tumor)

  • The alkali of ketaki mixed with svarji and kustha and taken with oil destroys gulma caused by vata. (Sushruta Samhita Uttara tantra. 42/ 45)
  • One should take a combination of svarjika, kustha, and saindhava with warm water. (Sushruta Samhita Uttara tantra. 42/ 46, Vrinda Madhava. 30/ 10)
  • Kustha, Syama, trivet, danti, haritaki, yavakshara, and guggulu -all these together or guggulu alone may be taken with cow’s urine. (Ashtanga Hridya Chikitsa Sthana. 14/ 98)

Khallisula (cramps): The paste of kustha and saindhava mixed with chukra and oil and slightly heated is rubbed on the part, it removes the khalli-sula of visuchika. (Vrinda Madhava. 6/ 58)

Shotha (Oedema): Bath with urine and water processed with kustha, tarkari, and chitraka or kulattha and sunthi is beneficial, and also the paste of Chandana and aguru. (Ashtanga Hridya Chikitsa Sthana. 17/ 35)

Arunsika (head-boils): Kustha is roasted in an earthen pan, powdered, and mixed with oil. Its application destroys itching, discharge, burning sensation, and pain. (Ashtanga Hridya Uttara Tantra. 24/ 23, Chakra Dutta. 55/ 85)

Shira Shula (Headache): 

  • Application of the paste of kustha and eranda root pounded with sour gruel removes the headache and so do the flowers of mucakunda. (Vrinda Madhava. 62/ 2, Sharangdhara Samhita. 3. 11. 62)
  • In the management of the child: After cutting the umbilical cord, the umbilicus should be sprinkled with kustha-taila and thereafter the child should be bathed with the decoction of laticiferous trees or aromatic water. (Ashtanga Hridya Uttara Tantra. 1/ 6)

Medhya leha

  • Suvarna- bhasma, kustha, and vacha mixed with honey and ghrita- taken as linctus promotes physique, mind, strength, and intellect in children. (Sushruta Samhita Sharira Sthana. 10. 68- 70)
  • Kustha, vaca, haritaki, Brahmi, and suvarna-bhasma mixed with honey and ghee-This linctus should be given to children, It improves complexion, life, and luster. (Vrinda Madhava. 66. 1)

As Rasayana: Kustha-rasayana. (Ashtanga Sangreha Uttara Tantra. 49/ 218)

Sarp Danst (Snake-poisoning)

  • Tagara and kustha 80 gm. mixed with ghee and honey 160 gm.- Intake of this is useful in snake poisoning.
  • Kustha mixed with honey is also taken as snuff in such conditions. (CS.Ci.23.194, 196)

Mansika Vyadhi (Mental disease): Old ghee processed with Brahmi juice, vaca, kustha, and Sankhapuspi alleviates insanity, auspiciousness, epilepsy, and sinful conditions. (Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. 10- 25)

Benefits of Kustha

In mental diseases, old ghee processed with Brahmi juice, Vacha, sankhpushpi, and Kustha is used to alleviate insanity, auspiciousness, epilepsy, and sinful conditions. Kustha mixed with honey is also taken as snuff in the condition of snake- poisoning. Tagara and Kustha 80 gm. mixed with ghee and honey 160 gm. and mixture are useful in snake poisoning. In arunhsika or head boils the roots of Kustha (Costus or Kuth root) are roasted on an earthen. pan, powdered, and mixed with oil; and its external application is considered useful to destroy itching, discharge, burning sensation, and pain.

Benefits of Kustha on Different Systems of Bodies

External uses: Removes foul smell, antibacterial, analgesic, varnya, kushtha ghana, therefore used in chronic ulcers, headache, toothache, synovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis as a poultice or fumigation. It is applied locally in alopecia. Oil is used for massaging the gums.

Nervous system: Used in vata diseases, especially in epilepsy since it is vatahara and antiepileptic.

Digestive system: Appetizer, digestive and carminative. It is used for loss of appetite, indigestion, ascites, colicky pain, diarrhea, and cholera.

Circulatory system: Raktashodhan, shothaghna, stimulant, therefore used in vatarakta, visarpa, rheumatism, edema, and weakness of the heart. In rheumatoid arthritis, castor oil and kushtha are given orally.

Respiratory system: Kaphaghna, expectorant and hence used in cough, asthma, pleurisy, hiccups, and dyspnoea.

Reproductive system: Uterine stimulant, enhances ovulation, breast milk, improves semen quality, aphrodisiac and therefore used in amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and as a uterine tonic in post-partum conditions. It is a galactagogue. It acts as an aphrodisiac by improving semen quality. It produces stimulant action on the reproductive organs of both sexes when given along with turmeric, honey, and ghee.

Urinary system: It is mutra- vahasrotogami and is therefore used as a diuretic in renal diseases.

Skin: Increases sweating, kushtha ghana, therefore used in skin diseases. It improves blood circulation and the complexion of the skin (therefore called kushtha).

Temperature: It is a febrifuge and therefore useful in vata kapha fevers.

Satmikaran: Used as rasayan in debility.

Matra (Therapeutic Administration and Dosage) of Kustha

  • Churna (powder): 250 mg to 1.5 mg
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Classical Reference of Kustha

Bhava Prakasha Nighantu Haritkyadi Varga- 173

Synonyms

कुष्ठ॑ रोगाव्हयं वाप्य॑ पारिभव्यं तथोत्पलम्‌ ।

Bhava Prakasha Nighantu Haritkyadi Varga- 173

Properties and action

कुष्ठमुष्ण कटु स्वादु शुक्रलं तिक्तकं लघु।

हन्ति वातास्रवीसर्प कास कुष्ठमरुत्कफान ।।

Dhanwantri Nighantu Chandanadi Varga- 48

Properties and action

कुष्ठ॑ कटूष्ण तिक्त॑ स्यात्‌ कफमारुतरक्तजित्‌ ।

त्रिदोषविषकण्डूश्च कुष्ठरोगाश्च नाशयेत्‌ ।।

Kaiydeva Nighantu Aushadhi Varga- 1319

कुष्ठं तिक्तम कटु स्वादु लघुषणं शुकरलम जयेत |

वातस्त्र विष विसर्प कुष्ठ कास काफा अनिलान ||

Raja Nighantu Chandanadi Varga- 116

कुष्ठं कटु उष्णं तिक्तम स्यात कफ मारुत रक्तजित  |

विसर्प विष कण्डू अति खारजु दद्रुघ्न कांति कृत ||

Priya Nighantu Shatpushpadi Varga, 32

कुलथम उष्णं  रसे तिक्तम कटुकं वृष्यं उच्चयते |

कफ  वातहरम कुष्ठ वातरक्त विसर्पजित्त ||

Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana, 25

कुष्ठ  वात हरान्व्यज्ञोपयोगिताम्‌ |

Rajja Vallabha Nighantu

कुष्ठं  वातकफ श्वास कास हिक्का ज्वरापहम्‌ |

Raja Amrittanda

य: कुष्ठ चूर्ण रजनीविरामे मध्वाज्यसंमिश्रितानिनित्यम्‌ |

स मत्तमात अंगवलः सुगन्धिवग्मी चिरायुश्च भवेन्मनुष्य: ||

Chakra Dutta Kustha Chikitsa, 50- 15- 16

त्वची उद्वर्तनं कुष्ठ रसायनं 

कुष्टरोगे कुष्ठाइमुद्र्तनम्‌ |

Raja Amrittanda, Ashtanga Samgreha, Uttara Tantra, 49- 218

रसायनार्थम्‌ 

यः कुष्चूर्ण रजनी विरामे मध्वाज्यसंमिश्रितमत्ति नित्यम्‌।

स मत्तमा तांगबल: सुगन्धि वाग्मी चिरायुश्च भवेन्मनुष्य: ॥

Raja Amrittanda

तवचय उद्वर्तनं कुष्ठ रसायनं

जम्बू दल अर्जुन नतर प्रसवे:  सकुष्ठे: यद्वर्तनं प्रकुरुते  प्रतिवासरं य: ।

प्रस्वेदविन्दुकणिकानिकरानुषन्गू दुर्गंधतावपुषि तस्य पद॑ न धत्ते ||

Sushruta Smahita, Uttara Tantra, 42- 45

गुल्म 

स्वर्जिका कुष्ठ  सहित: क्षार: केतकीजो अपि वा |

तैलेन शमयेद्‌ पीतो गुल्म॑ पवन संभवम्‌ ||

Sushruta Samhita Uttara, 42- 46, Vrinda Madhava, 30- 10

पीतम सुखाम्बुना वापि स्वर्जिका कुष्ठ सैन्धवं | 

Raja Amrittanda

शिर: कण्डवादौ

Raja Amrittanda

तैल  खर्परभष्ट कुष्ठ चूर्ण अन्वितें  प्रविलिप्तमर्थ्न: |

कण्डूश्च दाहश्च विनाशनेति शिरो व्रणम शुष्यति दूषिका च |

Ashtanga Hridya Chikitsa Sthana, 17

शोथ 

स्नानं मूत्राम्भसि सिद्धे कुष्ठ तर्कारी चित्रके: |

कुलथ नागराभ्यां वा चंडागरु विलेपने |

Raja Amrittanda

राक्षसादिभयनिवारणार्थम्‌ 

उत्पन्नमात्रस्य शिशो वितीर्ण गवाज्यमिश्रं सित कुष्ठ चूर्णम्‌ |

रक्षो विषव्याधिभयापहं स्यात्‌ तथा अंग लावण्य  विधायक च ||

Vaidya Manorma

रसायनार्थम्‌

कुष्ठ चूर्ण   समध्वाज्यं प्रत्यूषे प्रषिबेन्नर: |

सुगन्ध सुन्दंर वधु: स: चिरं जीवेदनामय: ||

Vrinda Madhava, Vanga Sena, 62/ 2, Sharangdhara Samhita, 3- 11- 62

शिरःपीडायाम्‌

कुष्ठमेरण्डमूलं च लेपात्‌  काञ्जिक पेषितम्‌ ।

शिरो अर्त्ति नाशयत्याशु: …………. ||

Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. 9

अर्शःसु

अभ्यज्य कुष्ठ तैलेन स्वेदयेत्‌ |

Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. 7

कुष्ठे

लेपों योज्य: कुस्तुम्बुरुणि कुष्ठ च मण्डलनुत्‌ |

Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. 15

अपस्मार

कुष्ठ रसं वचा वा मधु संयुत्ताम्‌ |

Ashtanga Hridya Uttara Tantra 32

मुखकान्तिकरत्वे

सप्ताहं  मातुलुंगस्थ  कुष्ठ वा मधुनान्वितम्‌ |

Ashtanga Hridya Uttara Tantra 24- 23

अरूंषिका 

कपाल भृष्ट कुष्ठे वा चूर्णित तैल संयुतम्‌।

अरुंषिकालेपनं कण्डू क्लेदवाहार्त्तिनाशनम्‌ ||

Chakra Dutta Urustambha Chikitsa 24/ 14

 उरुस्तम्भे कुष्ठादि   तैलम्‌

Chakra Dutta Bhagandra Chikitsa 46/ 7

भगन्दर चिकित्सार्या कुष्ठादि  प्रलेप:

Vrinda Madhava, 6/ 58

खल्ली शुले 

कुष्ठ सैन्ध्वयो कल्कं चुक्रतैलं समान्विताम्‌ |

विसूच्यां मर्दन॑कोष्ण खल्ली शूलनिवारणम्‌ ||

Ashtanga Hridya Uttara Tantra 1- 6

बाल उपचारणीय 

नाभिञ्च कुष्ठ तैलेन सेचयेत्‌ स्नपयेदनु |

क्षीरिवृक्ष कषायेण सर्वगन्धोदकेनः वा ||

Vrinda Madhava 66- 1

 कुमारहितार्थम्‌ 

कुष्ठ वचा अभ्या ब्राह्मी कनकं क्षौद्रं  सर्पिषा |

वर्णा आयुष्य कांति जननं लेहम बालस्य दापयेत |

Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana, 23- 194- 196

सर्प दष्टे

द्विपलं नत कुष्ठाभ्याम घृत क्षौद्रं चतुःष पलं |

अपि तक्षक दृष्टानां पानं एतत सुख प्रदम |

द्राविकरे दष्टे नस्यम समधु पाकलं |

Gada Nigreha 10- 25

मानस रोग  

ब्राह्मी रस वचा कुष्ठ शंख पुष्पीभिरेव च |

पुराणम घृतम उन्माद लक्ष्य अपस्मार पापनुत |

Sushruta Samhita Sharira Sthana, 10- 68/ 70

सौवर्णं सुकृतं चूर्णम कुष्ठं  मधु घृतम यथा |

चत्वारो अभिहता: प्राशा: श्लोका अर्धेशु चतुर वपि |

कुमाराणां वपुर मेधा बल बुद्धि विवर्धना ||

Vishista Yoga (Name of Important Formulation)

  • Kusthadi Churna for Vataja Udara
  • Kusthadi Kashaya for Kaphaja Jwara
  • Kusthadi Taila for Urustambha
  • Kusthadi Lepa for Vrana
  • Dasanga Lepa for Visarpa, Kustha

Contraindication and Side Effects of Kustha

Kustha contains a chemical constituent Aristolochic acid which may damage Vrika (kidney) or maybe cause Arbuda (cancer). So, it is always recommended to take that formulation of Kutha that is lab tested for no aristolochic acid in it. In a few people it may result in an allergic condition. Avoid the use of Kustha during pregnancy and lactation.

Suggestive Reading Regarding Saussurea Lappa

  • Krishna Dutta Tejaswi, Juluri & Rajan, Govinda & Sara, Picq. (2018). BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF SAUSSUREA LAPPA ROOT EXTRACT FOR ANALGESIC AND ANTI- INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 6. 35- 38. 10. 22270/ ajprd. v6i4. 378.
  • Lim, Hye-Sun & Jin, Sung-Eun & Kim, Ohn-Soon & Shin, Hyeun-Kyoo & Jeong, Soo-Jin. (2015). Alantolactone from Saussurea lappa Exerts Antiinflammatory Effects by Inhibiting Chemokine Production and STAT1 Phosphorylation in TNF- and IFN–induced in HaCaT cells. Phytotherapy research: PTR. 29. 10. 1002/ ptr. 5354.
  • Sunkara, Y. & Robinson, A. & Babu, K. & Naidu, Vgm & Rao, J. M. (2010). Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of chloroform extract of roots of Saussurea lappa Clarke. J Pharm Res. 3. 1775- 1778.
  • Singh, Ravinder, K. K. Chahal, and Nancy Singla. “Chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Saussurea lappa: A review.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 6, no. 4 (2017): 1298- 1308.
  • Patel, Ayyub & Mohammed, Amanullah & Elsaid, Fahmy & Eissa, Mohamed & Alothaid, Hani. (2021). In-Vitro evaluation of the anti-cancer and genotoxic potential of medicinal herb Saussurea lappa extract in human cancer cell lines.
  • Chang, Kyung-Mi & Choi, Soo-Im & Kim, Gun-Hee. (2012). Anti-oxidant Activity of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke Roots. Preventive nutrition and food science. 17. 306- 9. 10. 3746/ pnf. 2012. 17. 4.  306.
  • Madhavi, M., G. Mallika, N. Lokanath, M. N. Vishnu, C. Madhusudhana Chetty, and TS Mohamed Saleem. “A review on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Saussurea lappa.” Int. J. Life Sci. Med. Res 2 (2012): 24-31.
  • Alaagib, Rasha Mohamed Osman, and Saad Mohamed Hussein Ayoub. “On the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Saussurea lappa (Asteraceae).” The Pharma Innovation 4, no. 2, Part C (2015): 73.
  • Abdelwahab, Siddig Ibrahim, Manal Mohamed Elhassan Taha, Hassan Ahmed Alhazmi, Waquar Ahsan, Zia ur Rehman, Mohammed Al Bratty, and Hafiz Makeen. “Phytochemical profiling of costus (Saussurea lappa Clarke) root essential oil, and its antimicrobial and toxicological effects.” Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 18, no. 10 (2019): 2155-2160.
  • Singh, Ravinder, and Khushminder Kaur Chahal. “Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant capacity of different solvent extracts of Saussurea lappa L. roots.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 7, no. 3 (2018): 427- 432.
  • Kumar, Jagdeep, and Mahima Pundir. “Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Saussurea genus (Saussurea lappa, Saussurea costus, Saussurea obvallata, Saussurea involucrata).” Materials Today: Proceedings 56 (2022): 1173- 1181.
  • Singh, Ravinder, K. K. Chahal, and Nancy Singla. “Chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Saussurea lappa: A review.” Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 6, no. 4 (2017): 1298- 1308.
  • Sunkara, Yashvanth, A. Robinson, K. S. Babu, V. G. M. Naidu, M. V. P. S. Vishnuvardhan, S. Ramakrishna, S. S. Madhavendra, and J. M. Rao. “Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of chloroform extract of roots of Saussurea lappa Clarke.” Journal of Pharmacy Research 3, no. 8 (2010): 1775- 1778.
  • Alaagib, Rasha Mohamed Osman, and Saad Mohamed Hussein Ayoub. “On the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Saussurea lappa (Asteraceae).” The Pharma Innovation 4, no. 2, Part C (2015): 73.
  • Chang, Kyung-Mi & Choi, Soo-Im & Chung, Sophia & Kim, Gun-Hee. (2011). Anti-microbial Activity of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke Roots. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science. 16. 10. 3746/ jfn.  2011. 16. 4. 376.
  • Yu, Hyeon-Hee, Jun-Sup Lee, Ki-Hyun Lee, Ki-Young Kim, and Yong-Ouk You. “Saussurea lappa inhibits the growth, acid production, adhesion, and water-insoluble glucan synthesis of Streptococcus mutants.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 111, no. 2 (2007): 413- 417.
  • Cho, Jae Youl, Kyong Up Baik, Jee H. Jung, and Myung Hwan Park. “In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of cynaropicrin, a sesquiterpene lactone, from Saussurea lappa.” European Journal of Pharmacology 398, no. 3 (2000): 399- 407.
  • Kumar, Ashish, Shiv Kumar, Dharmesh Kumar, and Vijai K. Agnihotri. “UPLC/MS/MS method for quantification and cytotoxic activity of sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Saussurea lappa.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 155, no. 2 (2014): 1393- 1397.
  • Amara, Umme, Ahmad Khan, Sadaf Laraib, Rahmat Wali, Uzma Sarwar, Qura Tul Ain, and Sana Shakeel. “Conservation status and therapeutic potential of Saussurea lappa: An overview.” American Journal of Plant Sciences 8, no. 3 (2017): 602- 614.
  • Sutar, Niranjan & Garai, Ranju & Singh, Nrendra & Deb Roy, Saumendu. (2011). Antiulcerogenic activity of Saussurea lappa root. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES. 2. 516- 520.
  • Alotaibi, Amal & Bepari, Asmatanzeem & Assiri, Rasha & Niazi, Shaik K. & Nayaka, Sreenivasa & R, Muthuraj & K N, Shashiraj & Bhat, Meghashyama. (2021). Saussurea lappa Exhibits Anti-Oncogenic Effect in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HepG2 Cancer Cell Line by Bcl-2 Mediated Apoptotic Pathway and Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Release. Current Issues in Molecular Biology. 43. 1114- 1132. 10. 3390/ cimb 43020079.
  • Deabes, Mohamed & Aboulthana, Wael & El-Din, Emad & Marzouk, M & Ibrahim, Mohamed & Ahmed, Kawkab. (2021). Evaluation of Hepato-and Neuroprotective Effect of Chemical Constituents in Saussurea costus Extracts against the Toxicity Induced by Chlorpyrifos Ethyl in Rats. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. 64. 631-647. 10. 21608/ EJCHEM. 2021. 55840.  3199.
  • Chang KM, Choi SI, Kim GH. Anti-oxidant Activity of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke Roots. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2012 Dec; 17 (4): 306- 9. doi: 10. 3746/ pnf. 2012. 17. 4. 306. PMID: 24471101; PMCID: PMC 3866732.
  • Hasson SS, Al-Balushi MS, Alharthy K, Al-Busaidi JZ, Aldaihani MS, Othman MS, Said EA, Habal O, Sallam TA, Aljabri AA, Ahmedidris M. Evaluation of anti-resistant activity of Auklandia (Saussurea lappa) root against some human pathogens. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013 Jul; 3 (7): 557- 62. doi 10. 1016/ S2221-1691 (13) 60113- 6. PMID: 23836413; PMCID: PMC 3695582.
  • Cao K, Qian W, Xu Y, Zhou Z. Purification of Sesquiterpenes from Saussurea Lappa Roots by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography. Iran J Pharm Res. 2019 Summer; 18 (3): 1499- 1507. doi 10. 22037/jp. 2019. 1100755. PMID: 32641958; PMCID: PMC 6934979.
  • Vashisht, Ira. (2021). Saussurea lappa. 10.1016/ B978- 0- 12- 823151- 7. 00012- X.
  • Madhuri, K. & Elango, K. & Ponnusankar, Sivasankaran. (2011). Saussurea lappa (Kuth root): Review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine. 12. 10. 1007/ s13596- 011-  0043-1.
  • Singh Khattra, Ajaypal & Kaur, Jaspreet & Kaur, Navjeet & Kaur, Ajaypal & Singh, Jaspreet & Kaur, Loveneet. (2019). A brief review of remedial uses of Saussurea lappa. 4423-4430.
  • Houchi S, Messasma Z. Exploring the inhibitory potential of Saussurea costus and Saussurea involucrata phytoconstituents against the Spike glycoprotein receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) variant and the main protease (Mpro) as therapeutic candidates, using Molecular docking, DFT, and ADME/Tox studies. J Mol Struct. 2022 Sep 5; 1263: 133032. doi 10. 1016/ j. molstruc. 2022. 133032. Epub 2022 Apr 9. PMID: 35431327; PMCID: PMC 8993769.
  • Chopra RN. The Treatment of Bronchial Asthma with Saussurea Lappa (Kuth Root). Ind Med Gaz. 1928 Apr; 63 (4): 186- 190. PMID: 29011442; PMCID: PMC  5235457.
  • Mujammami M. Clinical significance of Saussurea Costus in thyroid treatment. Saudi Med J. 2020 Oct; 41 (10): 1047- 1053. doi 10. 15537/ smj. 2020. 10. 25416. PMID: 33026044; PMCID: PMC 7841514.
  • Alotaibi AA, Bepari A, Assiri RA, Niazi SK, Nayaka S, Rudrappa M, Nagaraja SK, Bhat MP. Saussurea lappa Exhibits Anti-Oncogenic Effect in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HepG2 Cancer Cell Line by Bcl-2 Mediated Apoptotic Pathway and Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Release. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2021 Sep 8; 43 (2):1114- 1132. doi: 10. 3390/ cimb 43020079. PMID: 34563048; PMCID: PMC 8929068.
  • Kolahalam LA, Prasad KRS, Murali Krishna P, Supraja N. Saussurea lappa plant rhizome extract-based zinc oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and its antibacterial, antifungal activities and cytotoxic studies against Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines. Heliyon. 2021 Jun 10; 7 (6): e07265. doi 10. 1016/ j. heliyon. 2021. e07265. PMID: 34195406; PMCID: PMC 8237308.
  • Saleem TS, Lokanath N, Prasanthi A, Madhavi M, Mallika G, Vishnu MN. Aqueous extract of Saussurea lappa root ameliorate oxidative myocardial injury induced by isoproterenol in rats. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2013 Apr; 4 (2): 94- 100. doi 10. 4103/ 2231- 4040. 111525. PMID: 23833749; PMCID: PMC 3696228.
  • El-Rahman GIA, Behairy A, Elseddawy N. M, Batiha G. E, Hozzein W. N, Khodeer DM, Abd- Elhakim Y. M. Saussurea lappa Ethanolic Extract Attenuates Triamcinolone Acetonide-Induced Pulmonary and Splenic Tissue Damage in Rats via Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 May 8; 9 (5): 396. doi 10. 3390/anti ox 9050396.  PMID: 32397156; PMCID: PMC 7278611.
  • Yeesh, Sheikh & Jamal, Qamar & Shah, Abdul & Gilani, Anwar-ul. (2010). Antihepatotoxic Activity of Saussurea lappa Extract on D-galactosamine and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatitis in Mice. Phytotherapy research: PTR. 24 Suppl 2. S229- 32. 10. 1002/ ptr. 3089.
  • Krishna Dutta Tejaswi, Juluri & Rajan, Govinda & Sara, Picq. (2018). Study of Hepatoprotective Activity of Saussurea Lappa Root Extract. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development. Volume-2. 55- 60. 10.  31142/its 18390.
  • Chandur, Uma & Shashidhar, Shrusti & Chandrasek, S.B. & Bhanumathy, M. & Midhun, T. (2011). Phytochemical Evaluation and Anti-Arthritic Activity of Root of Saussurea lappa. Pharmacologia. 2. 265- 267. 10. 5567/ pharmacologia. 2011. 265. 267.

References

  • Agnivesha, Charaka, Dridhabala. In: Charaka Samhita, ed. Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya., editor. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2009. 
  • Sushruta. In: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, ed. Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji Acharya., editor. Varanasi: Choukhambha Orientalia; 2005. 
  • Vagbhata. In: Ashtanga Hrudaya, 9th ed. Anna Moreshwar Kunte, Krishnashastri Navarre, Harishastri, editors. Varanasi: Choukhambha Orientalia; 2005.
  • Bhavamishra. In: Bhava Prakasha Nighantu,Haritkyadi Varga 11th ed. part 2. Brahma Shankara Mishra., editor. Varanasi: Choukhambha Bharati Academy; 2009. 
  • Bhavprakasha, commentary by Bulusu Sitaram, forwarded by K.C.Chunekar
  • Sharma PV, Kaideva Nighantu. Aushadhi Varga. Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi; 2006.
  • Dhanwantri Nighantu, Dhanwantri Varga, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; Varanasi.
  • Tripathi I., Raja Nighantu, Chandanadi Varga, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; Varanasi; 2010
  • Priya Nighantu by P. V. Sharma, Shatpushpadi Varga Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy; Varanasi.
  • Dr. Gyanendra Pandey, Dravyaguna Vigyana, reprint 2012, Chawkhamba Krishnadas Academy.
  • K. Niteshwar Dravyaguna Vigyan, reprint 2017.
  • Dr. J.L.N. Sastry and Dr. B.S. Sastry, Dravyaguna Vigyana, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi.
  • Rasa Taringini. 24. 172- 173
  • Chakrapanidatta, Chakradatta with the vaidaya Prabha hindi commentary by indra deva tripathi, chaukambha sanskrita sansthan, varanasi 2nd Edition, 1994.

Ayurveda is an Indian system of medicine that is popular since ancient times. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA® has been conducting research studies to find out different phytoconstituents of herbs and their action in the body. Such knowledge acquired by our experts is used in the preparation of medicines and providing the treatment facilities safely and effectively. IAFA® is the provider of safe and effective treatment for a wide range of diseases, mainly allergic diseases all based on Ayurveda.

Dr. Sahil Gupta completed his Bachelor of Ayurveda in Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) and Master’s Degree in Health Administration (MHA) India. He is Registered Ayurvedic Doctor & Vaidya in India having Registration No. 23780. He is the CEO and founder of IAFA. After completing BAMS, Dr. Sahil Gupta started practicing Ayruveda by giving prime importance to allergic disorders management. He became the first Ayurvedic doctor to cure Food Allergies through Ayurveda. Read More About Dr. Sahil Gupta.

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