Costus
Scientific names: Saussurea costus, Saussurea lappa, Aucklandia costus, Aucklandia lappa, Aplotaxis lappa
Family: Asteraceae/Compositae
Alternate names: Auckland Costus, Costus Oil, Costus Root, Huile de Costus, Kushtha, Kuth, Mokko, Mu Xiang, Racine de Costus, Radix Aucklandiae, Saussureae Radix, Yun Mu Xiang
Actions: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticoagulant, Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antilipemic, Antioxidant, Antiprotozoal, Antiulcer, Antiviral, Anxiolytic, Cardiovascular, Exercise, Gastrointestinal, Hepatoprotective, Immune, Neuroprotective, Prognostic uses, Renal protective, Respiratory, Uterine contractile
Background
Costus (Saussurea costus) is an herb native to China and India. Its root and essential oil are used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani.
Costus root contains chemicals that might kill parasites and slow down activity in the intestines.
People use costus for parasite infections in the intestines and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Costus root contains chemicals that might kill parasites and slow down activity in the intestines.
People use costus for parasite infections in the intestines and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Costus oil is commonly consumed in foods. But costus often contains a contaminant called aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid damages the kidneys and causes cancer. Costus products that contain aristolochic acid are unsafe. Don't use a costus product unless lab tests prove it is free of aristolochic acid.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if costus is safe or what the side effects might be.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Costus may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if costus is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if costus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Costus may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using costus for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of costus might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Costus interacts with any medicines. Before taking Costus, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Products
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Per serve:
- Saussurea costus (Mu Xiang) (root)
- Atractylodes macrocephala (rhizome)
- Ziziphus spp. (seed)
- Angelica polymorpha (root)
- Panax ginseng (root)
- Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (fruit)
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (root)
- Astragalus membranaceus (root)
- Spirit poria (fruit)
- Euphoria longans
- Polygala sibirica (root & rhizome)
- Zingiber officinale (rhizome)
Practitioner product
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/06/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 03/12/2014 22:13:07. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
