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Costus Root Extract

Also known as: Costus root, Qust, Costus speciosus, Costus afer, Saussurea costus

Overview

Costus root extract is derived primarily from the roots of *Saussurea costus*, a plant traditionally utilized in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Related species such as *Costus speciosus* and *Costus afer* are also studied for similar properties. This herbal supplement is recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and gastroprotective effects. It contains various bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. While preclinical studies, including in vitro and animal models, show promising results for its therapeutic potential, human clinical trials are limited. The research maturity for Costus root extract is moderate, with a greater focus on traditional formulations or related species rather than isolated extracts in systematic reviews.

Benefits

Costus root extract demonstrates several evidence-based benefits, primarily from preclinical studies. It has shown significant anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in models of ulcerative colitis, where Costus root granules reduced colonic inflammation and improved symptoms by increasing TGF-β expression and activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. This suggests potential for inflammatory bowel conditions, though human data is needed. Furthermore, ethyl acetate extracts of *Costus speciosus* root have exhibited anticancer activity in vitro, reducing the viability and migration of human lung cancer cells by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. This indicates a potential role in cancer therapy, but these findings are limited to cell cultures. The extract also provides hepatorenal protection, as evidenced by its ability to alleviate sodium nitrite-induced liver and kidney toxicity in rats through modulation of inflammation, apoptosis, and metabolic profiles. Additionally, extracts from *Costus afer*, a related species, have shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in arthritis models, reducing inflammatory markers and oxidative stress. While these benefits are promising, the strength of evidence is currently limited to preclinical and in vitro studies, with a lack of high-quality human clinical trials.

How it works

The therapeutic actions of Costus root extract are attributed to several mechanisms. Its anti-inflammatory effects involve the upregulation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, which helps reduce apoptosis in colonic epithelial cells. For its anticancer properties, the extract induces mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, DNA damage, and inhibits cell adhesion and migration in cancer cells. Hepatorenal protection is achieved through the modulation of inflammatory markers, regulation of apoptosis, and normalization of metabolic pathways. Furthermore, its antioxidant activity is mediated by increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST), while simultaneously reducing lipid peroxidation (MDA levels).

Side effects

Comprehensive human safety data and adverse effect profiles for Costus root extract are currently unavailable from high-quality randomized controlled trials. Preclinical studies in animal models have generally reported no significant toxicity at therapeutic doses. However, due to the limited clinical data, potential interactions with medications or contraindications are not well documented, and caution is advised. There is insufficient information to determine the severity or frequency of potential side effects in humans. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those taking other medications, or pregnant/nursing women should exercise extreme caution and consult a healthcare professional before using Costus root extract. The absence of reported side effects in limited animal studies does not guarantee safety in humans, especially with long-term use or higher doses. Further research is needed to establish a complete safety profile, including potential allergic reactions or organ-specific toxicities.

Dosage

There are no established human dosing guidelines for Costus root extract derived from clinical trials. The dosages used in animal studies, which have shown biological effects, involved various formulations such as granules or specific extracts (e.g., ethyl acetate extracts, aqueous decoctions). Translating these animal doses to human equivalent doses requires further research and careful consideration, as direct extrapolation is not reliable. The optimal form, timing, and dosage for specific therapeutic purposes in humans remain undefined. Without robust clinical data, it is not possible to specify recommended dosage ranges, upper limits, or safety thresholds for human consumption. Any use of Costus root extract should be approached with caution, given the lack of standardized dosing information and comprehensive human safety data.

FAQs

Is Costus root extract effective for inflammatory bowel disease?

Animal studies show promising anti-inflammatory effects in models of ulcerative colitis, suggesting potential. However, human clinical trials are currently lacking, so its effectiveness in humans is not yet confirmed.

Does Costus root extract have anticancer potential?

In vitro studies demonstrate that Costus root extracts can reduce the viability and migration of certain cancer cells. However, these findings are from cell cultures and have not been validated in human clinical trials.

Is Costus root extract safe for human consumption?

Preclinical data suggest safety at tested doses in animal models. However, comprehensive human safety data, including potential side effects or drug interactions, are insufficient. Caution is advised due to limited clinical research.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5920839/ – This animal study investigated the effects of Costus root granules on ulcerative colitis in rats. It found that the granules significantly reduced colonic inflammation and epithelial apoptosis, improving symptoms by modulating TGF-β expression and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The study provides evidence for anti-inflammatory potential in an animal model.
https://bbrc.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BBRC_Vol_15_No_01_2022-25.pdf – This in vitro study explored the anticancer activity of *Costus speciosus* root ethyl acetate extracts against human lung cancer (A549) cells. It demonstrated that the extract reduced cell viability and migration, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, suggesting potential cytotoxic effects against cancer cells in a laboratory setting.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1378249/full – This animal study evaluated the protective effects of *Saussurea costus* root extract against sodium nitrite-induced liver and kidney toxicity in rats. The findings indicated that the extract alleviated hepatorenal damage by modulating inflammation, apoptosis, and metabolic profiles, including reducing C-reactive protein levels, highlighting its potential for organ protection.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7011497/ – This systematic review focused on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of *Costus afer* (a related species) extracts in arthritis-induced rat models. It concluded that the extracts significantly reduced inflammatory markers and edema, while elevating antioxidant enzymes and decreasing oxidative stress, suggesting anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, though on a related species.