Costus Extract
Also known as: Costus, costus root, Costus afer, Saussurea costus
Overview
Costus extract is derived from the root of the Saussurea costus plant, a medicinal herb with a long history of use in traditional Asian and Middle Eastern herbal medicine. It is primarily investigated for its potential in managing inflammatory conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, and for its effects on thyroid function. The extract contains a complex array of bioactive compounds, with 291 identified through advanced analytical techniques, including various fatty acids and potent antioxidants. While research into Costus extract is ongoing, much of the current evidence comes from in vivo animal studies, with limited human clinical trials. This indicates a moderate level of research maturity, with promising preclinical findings that require further validation in human populations. The quality of evidence includes systematic reviews and experimental studies in animal models, but robust human randomized controlled trial (RCT) data are currently scarce.
Benefits
Costus extract exhibits several promising benefits, primarily demonstrated in preclinical studies. Its most significant potential lies in treating ulcerative colitis (UC), where both granules and extracts have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in animal models. This effect is mediated by modulating inflammatory pathways and restoring intestinal barrier integrity, leading to significant improvements in disease activity index and colon length. For instance, high-dose treatment in UC mouse models significantly improved survival and clinical scores (p < 0.01). Additionally, Costus extract shows stimulatory effects on thyroid histology and modulates thyroid hormone levels in animal studies, likely through its antioxidant mechanisms. Beyond these primary effects, in vitro studies have demonstrated its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens, showing significant bacterial growth inhibition. While these findings are compelling, it's crucial to note that most evidence is derived from animal models, and human data are largely lacking, meaning the clinical significance and applicability to human populations are yet to be fully established.
How it works
Costus extract exerts its effects primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. In the context of inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis, it upregulates Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) and activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways within colonic epithelial cells, leading to a reduction in inflammation. It also modulates the immune response by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while potentially increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 in the gut mucosa. Its antioxidant activity helps reduce oxidative stress, which is believed to protect tissues, including the thyroid and brain, from toxic insults. The exact absorption and bioavailability of its complex mixture of compounds are not well characterized, but its diverse phytochemical profile suggests multiple molecular targets and interactions with various body systems.
Side effects
The safety profile of Costus extract in humans is not well documented due to limited clinical trials. Animal studies, however, have reported no significant toxicity at doses up to 400 mg/kg body weight. These studies also indicate no adverse effects on liver function, adrenal glands, or the pancreas. Common side effects in humans are not well established, and there is no available data on uncommon or rare side effects. Crucially, drug interactions with Costus extract have not been studied, and therefore, potential interactions with prescription medications are unknown. Contraindications are also undefined due to the scarcity of human data. Furthermore, the safety of Costus extract in special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or comorbidities, has not been established. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use, especially given the lack of comprehensive human safety data.
Dosage
The optimal and maximum safe dosages for Costus extract in humans have not been established. Current dosage information is primarily derived from animal studies, where doses up to 400 mg/kg body weight have been used. A human equivalent dose has not been defined, making it challenging to translate animal findings directly to human recommendations. Animal studies suggest dose-dependent effects, meaning higher doses may yield stronger results, but this needs to be balanced with safety considerations. In animal models, oral administration over several weeks has been the typical timing. Costus extract has been studied in various forms, including root granules, alcoholic extracts, and decoctions, but specific absorption factors for these forms in humans are unknown. There are no reported required cofactors for its efficacy. Due to the lack of human data, individuals should approach supplementation with caution and under professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Costus extract safe for human use?
Animal studies suggest safety at tested doses, but comprehensive human safety data are lacking. Caution is advised, and professional consultation is recommended before use.
Can Costus extract be used for ulcerative colitis?
Preclinical evidence supports its potential benefit in ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in animal models, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Does it have antimicrobial effects?
Yes, in vitro studies have shown that Costus extract exhibits significant antibacterial activity against various oral pathogens, inhibiting their growth.
How quickly does it work?
In animal studies, effects have been observed within several weeks of administration. However, the time course of action in humans is currently unknown due to limited human research.
Research Sources
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2018.5946 – This experimental study investigated Costus root granules in colonic epithelial cells and an animal model, finding that Costus increased TGF-β and PI3K/AKT signaling, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and improved colitis symptoms. While providing mechanistic insights, its clinical relevance is limited by the lack of human data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7841514/ – This systematic review of animal studies on Saussurea costus in thyroid treatment found that it improved thyroid histology and exhibited antioxidant effects, with no liver toxicity at 400 mg/kg. The review is comprehensive for preclinical data but highlights the absence of human trials.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1528578/full – This animal RCT on DSS-induced colitis mice demonstrated that Saussurea costus dose-dependently improved UC symptoms, reduced inflammation, and restored gut microbiota. It's a high-quality animal study, but its findings are limited by being an animal model with some survival rate concerns at high doses.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oral-health/articles/10.3389/froh.2022.950840/full – This in vitro study used MIC testing to compare antibacterial efficacy, showing significant inhibition of bacterial growth by Costus extract. While robust in its in vitro methodology, it has low clinical relevance as it lacks human or in vivo data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7011497/ – This systematic review focused on Costus afer, detailing its phytochemical profile, fatty acid content, and medicinal relevance. While providing valuable information on a related species, its relevance to Saussurea costus is indirect, and it also notes limited human data.
Supplements Containing Costus Extract
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