Saussurea

July 16th, 2007

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Saussurea
Species: lappa
Botanical name: Saussurea lappa.
Pharmaceutical name: Radix Saussureae.
Common Names: Costus, Kuth, Kushta, Kust, Mu Xiang, Patchak, Quang Mu Xiang
Family Name: Compositae (Asteraceae)
Local Name: Kuth
Urdu Name: Minal
English name: Costus
Part used: Roots
Flowering: June - July

Properties: acrid, bitter, warm.

Habitat: The species grow on moist, open slopes between the altitude of 2,600 to 3,600m, surrounding the valleys at the upper limits of tree growth. Its seedlings seem to prefer steep slopes with rich porous soil and a cool humid climate, but low rainfall. The genus Saussurea has many endemic species in Hindukush, Himalayan region. The species is mainly confined to Kashmir. In the Northern Areas it is confined to Astore and Minimerg forest ranges. The most important locations where these species grow wild include Kalapani, Kamari and Thanknala, Mapno and Kilshai where this species is found growing in betula forests on hill slopes. 2438-3657 meters in Himalayas. In Pakistan this species is found in Kaghan and Azad Kashmir.

Plant description: Saussurea lappa is a tall, robust perennial Herb; leaves simple, large pubescent, heart shaped, radical leaves with long petiole while cauline leaves are short stalk or half stem clasping. Inflorescence, capitulum or flowering head. Each capitulum surrounded by involucral bracts. Flowering heads are born in the top of the stem. Fruits, achene’s. The roots have a pungent taste and a characteristic fragrant aromatic odour.

Saussurea plant………………….Saussurea root

Documented Properties & Actions: Antispasmodic, Anodyne, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Bronchodilator, Carminative, Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic.

Plant Chemicals Include: Heptadecatetraene, 12-methoxy-dihydrocostunolide, 22-dihydrostigmasterol, 3-isopropylpentanoic-acid, 3-methylbutyric-acid, 4-ethyloctanoic-acid, 7-octenoic-acid, Acetic-acid, Alkaloids, Alpha-humulene, Alpha-phellandrene, Alpha-costene, Alpha-amorphenic-acid, Alpha-amyrin-stearate, Alpha-ionone, Aplotaxene Beta-sitosterol Beta-selinine, Beta-costene, Beta-ionone, Beta- elemene, Beta-amyrin-stearate, Betulin, Camphene, Caryophyllene, Caryo-phyllene-oxide, Cedrene, Cedr ol, Cis-dihydroionone,Costic-acid, Costol, Costunolide, Costus-acid, Costus-lactone, Dehydrocostus-lactone, Dihydro- dehydrocostus-lactone, Dihydroaplotaxene, Dihydrocostunolide, Dihydrocostus- lactone, EO, Friedelin, Guaia-3,9,11-triene-12-acid, Heptano ic-acid, Hexanoic- acid, Inulin, Isozaluzanin, Kushtin, Lactones, Linalool, Lupeol, Myrcene, Naphthaline, Octanoic-acid, Oleic-acid, P-cymene, Palmitic-acid, Pentadec- 1-ene, Phellandrene, Resinoids, Saussurine, Stigmasterol, Tannin, Taraxasterol

Acts very well on: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Gall Bladder. Saussurea roots acts on the spleen and large intestine. It helps ease abdominal pain and is good for dysentery. It can heighten body awareness and sensitivity, and can enhance libido.”

Medicinal uses: Roots is tonic, stomachic, stimulant, carminative, used for asthama, diuretic, antiseptic, cough, cholera, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic and also used to insecticide, pesticide. The roots are highly aromatic used in perfumeries. Roots are used for skin diseases.

Functions and clinical use: Moves the Qi and alleviates pain: used for Spleen or Stomach Stagnant Qi patterns with such symptoms as lack of appetite, epigastric or abdominal pain or distension, nausea, and vomiting; Stagnant Liver or Gall Bladder Qi with such symptoms as flank pain, distension or soreness. Adjusts and regulates Stagnant Qi in the Intestines: used for diarrhea and dysentery-like disorders, or for abdominal pain and tenesmus. Because of its slightly astringent property, this is a m ajor herb for tenesmus. Strengthens the Spleen and prevents Stagnation: used with tonifying herbs to ameliorate their side effects.
Cautions and contraindications: Contraindicated in Deficient Yin patterns or patients with depleted Fluids.
Pharmacological and clinical research: Effect on smooth muscle: alkaloids from Radix Saussureae (Mu Xiang) have a strong inhibitory effect on histamine-induced bronchospasm and intestinal spasm in guinea pigs. Chemical extracts from this herb ha ve antispasmodic, bronchodilatory, and blood pressure-lowering effects similar to, but weaker than, papaverine.”

Ethnobotany : Worldwide Uses:
China: Ache(Stomach), Anodyne, Asthma, Cancer, Carminative, Cholera, Circulation, Cough, Diarrhea, Digestive, Dysentery, Dyspepsia, Energy, Hypotension, Insecticide, Nausea, Spasm, Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic, Tumor, Tumor(lung), Tympanitis, Viricide

Elsewhere: Asthma, Bronchitis, Carminative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Fumitory, Insecticide, Incense, Opiate, Preventative, Sedative, Stimulant

India: Antiseptic, Candida, Fungicide, Aphrodisiac, Fumigant, Hairblack, Perfume, Shampoo, Skin. It is used against the heart diseases of cattle and for toothache. The powdered roots are sprinkled over crops as insecticides. Externally the roots are used as an ointment or powder for the treatment of maggot-infested wound.

Other uses:The root forms a very valuable raw material for producing an expensive perfume, closely resembling the violet perfume.The depresent action of the drug on the brain helps in relieving the spasm.Saussurea is very useful for severe ulcerations.The dried and powdered root is the principal ingredient in any astrigent and stimulant oinment.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
Miracle of Herbs
http://www.sdpi.org/alpine%20medicianl%20herbs/48.htm
http://www.rain-tree.com/costus.htm