Synonym: Costus, kuth

Biological source: It consist of dried root of Saussurea lappa

Family: Compositae

Geographical source: It is widely found in Jammu, Chenab, Kishenganga vally. It is successfully cultivated in Kashmir and uttarpradesh.

Macroscopic characters:

Colour: Gray to dull brown

Odour: Aromatic and strong

Taste: Bitter

Shape: Cylindrical, thick and stout

Size: 7 to 15 cm in length and 1-1.5 cm in breadth

Chemical constituents:

Kuth root contains about

• • • 6% resinoids,

    • 1.5 % essential oil,

    • 18% inulin,

    • 0.5 % of alkaloids, fixed oil, traces of tannin and sugar.

The constitute of volatile oils are

• • • Costuslactone,

    • Dihydrolactone,

    • Camphene and several sesqueterpene and sequeterpene alcohol.

• The alkaloid is also known as saussurine.

Uses:

It is used in the treatment of

• • • Bronchial asthma, and it is categorized as expectorant.

    • The oil of kuth is used as essence,

    • Antiseptic, disinfectant;

    • It is also used in chronic skin disease and in treatment of rheumatism.

References:

1. Trease D. & Evans W.C.: Text Book of Pharmacognosy: W.B. Saunders.

2. Tyler V. E. Brady L. R. & Robbers J. E.: Pharmacognosy; Lea Feibger, USA.

3. Wallis T. E.; Text Book of Pharmacognosy; CBS Publishers, Delhi.

4. Kokate C. K., Purohit A. P. & Gokhale S. B.: Pharmacognosy; Nirali Publications, Pune.

5. Harbone J. B.: Phytochemical Methods: A guide to modern techniques Analysis: Chapman & Hall, London.

6. Bruneton J.: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants: Intercept Limited.