Botanical Name: Saussurea costus Common name: costus, ku Read More
Botanical Name: |
Saussurea costus |
Common name: |
costus, kuth, or putchuk |
Plant family: |
Asteraceae |
Genus: |
Saussurea |
Appearance/Color: |
Pale yellow-brownish yellow |
Odor: |
Soft, warm, delicate, musky, woody |
Blends With: |
Sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver, violet and rose |
Origin: |
India |
Source: |
Roots (Dried) |
Method of Extraction: |
Steam Distillation |
Absolute oils are the essential oils which are highly concentrated and have high potency. These Concentrated absolute oils have high aromatic properties thus they are majorly preferred in cosmetics, perfumery, and aromatherapy. During the postproduction processes these oils are further concentrated to make their absolute.
Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipschitz, syn Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke, one of the best-known species within this genus, is commonly known as costus. Due to the remarkable biological activity of S. costus and its constituents it will have an appropriate place in various systems of medicines all over the globe. It grows on the moist slopes of the Himalayas at altitudes of 8000-12000 feet in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Lahul Spiti, etc. It both grows wild and is cultivated. The roots have a long history of medicinal and aesthetic use in Tibet, India and other mountain regions.It was a prized item of commerce from the earliest times as the roots were reputed not only to have great curative properties but also wonderful aromatic qualities much prized in perfume creations of the ancient world. It not only was appreciated as an oil but as a prime ingredient in incense. In Ayurveda the name Kushta refers to an ancient Vedic plant god mentioned in the Atharvaveda as a remedy for takman, the archetypal disease of excess or jvara (fever). In ancient India Kushta was a divine plant derived from heavenly sources, growing high in the Himalayas, considered to be the brother of the divine Soma. In Ayurveda Kushta is a rasayana for Vata, helping to normalize and strengthen digestion, cleanse the body of toxic accumulations, enhance fertility, and reduce pain.
The genus Saussurea DC. of the family Asteraceae comprises about 300 species in the world of which about 61 species exist in India. Saussurea costus has become an important drug in the international market as well as Indian systems of medicine. It is used either as a single drug or in combination with other drugs. In India, this is endemic in the sub alpine region of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from altitudes of 3200–3800 m.
Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipschitz, syn Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke, one of the best-known species within this genus, is commonly known as costus. Due to the remarkable biological activity of S. costus and its constituents it will have an appropriate place in various systems of medicines all over the globe. The genus Saussurea DC. of the family Asteraceae comprises about 300 species in the world of which about 61 species exist in India. Saussurea costus has become an important drug in the international market as well as Indian systems of medicine. It is used either as a single drug or in combination with other drugs. In India, this is endemic in the sub alpine region of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from altitudes of 3200–3800 m.
Costus Oil in Pharma
The roots have an acrid, strong and sweet aromatic odour and bitter taste with neutral potency. The root of this plant is credited with anodyne, anti-arthritis, aphrodisiac, astringent, stimulant, digestive, diaphoretic, deodorant, antiseptic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, spasmodic, vermifuge and tonic properties. In India, it is cultivated in the Himalayas as a medicinal plant and for its use in perfumery and for preserving furs. It is used singly or as an ingredient in the drug formulations prescribed for the treatment of cough, bronchitis, colic, dental trouble, diarrhoea and dysentery, liver dysfunction, pulmonary disorders, fever, flatulence, hair wash, headache, hysteria, chest complaints, nervous disorders, irregular menstrual problems, promoting urination and rheumatism. The plant is also believed to help prevent greying of hair. Dry roots (Kuth, Costus) are strongly scented and yield an aromatic oil used in making insecticides. The roots contain an alkaloid, ‘saussurine’, which is medicinal. It is used in skin diseases, asthma, high blood pressure and stomach ailment. Also used as carminative, prophylactic and sedative. Dry roots constitute the drug ‘Saussurea’. In Kashmir the roots are used to protect woollen fabrics. Kuth is also distilled for its essential oil.
Essence of Costus Oil
In foods and beverages, costus oil is used as a flavoring component. In manufacturing, costus oil is used as a fixative and fragrance in cosmetics.
COMMON USAGE
· Aids immune system
· Assist digestion
· Skin health
· Ointment
· Prevent cholera
· Cure ulcers
· Speed up healing process
Ingredients:
S.No |
Key Constituents |
Strength (%) |
1 |
Aplotaxene |
20.0 |
2 |
Dihydrocostus lactone |
15.0 |
3 |
Costusic acid |
14.0 |
4 |
Costunolide |
11.0 |
5 |
Dehydrocostus lactone |
6.0 |
6 |
Di-hydro-dehydro-costus lactone |
6.0 |
TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
· Hazards: Fetotoxicity (based on costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone content); skin sensitization (high risk).
· Contraindications: Should not be used on the skin.
· Contraindications (all routes ): Pregnancy, lactation
Organ-specific effects
· Adverse skin reactions
Undiluted costus oil was mildly irritating to mice; neither of two samples of costus oil tested at 4% on 25 volunteers was irritating. It is non-phototoxic. In a human maximation test at 4%, costus oil produced 25 sensitization reactions in 25 volunteers, and in a similar test at 2%, there were 16 positive reactions in 26 volunteers. Costus oil is regarded as a high-risk skin sensitizer in Japan.
· Reproductive toxicity
Since costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone are antiangionenic, and in view of the probable link between antiangiogenic effects and reproductive toxicity, we have contraindicated costus oil in pregnancy and lactation.
Systemic effects
· Acute toxicity
· Subacute and subchronic toxicity
· Essential oil safety
· Carcinogenic/ anticarcinogenic potential
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
· Toxicity: No additional data available.
· Persistence & degradability: No additional data available.
· Bioaccumulation Potential: No additional data available.
· Mobility in soil: No additional data available.
· Results of PBT and vPvB Assessment: No additional data available.
· Other adverse effects: Do not allow product to enter streams, sewers or other waterways.