|
|
|
 Costus Essential
Oil ProfileCostus is a large, erect, perennial plant up to 2m high with a thick tapering root and numerous almost black flowers. The dried roots are macerated in warm water then subjected to steam distillation followed by solvent extraction of the distilled water. Native to northern India; cultivated in India and south-west China. The oil is produced mainly in India. |
| Botanical Name: | Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. |
 | |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| |
| Synonyms: | Saussurea lappa, Auklandia costus, Aplotaxis lappa, Aplotaxis auriculata |
| |
| See Also: | |
| |
| Parts Used: | Dried roots |
|
| Extraction Method: | Steam distilled and solvent extraction |
|
| Colour: | Pale yellow or brownish |
|
| Consistency: | Thick |
|
| Aroma Description: | Woody, musty |
|
| Historical Uses: | The root has been used for centuries in treatment of digestive complaints and infestions including typhoid and cholera. |
|
| Modern Uses: | Not used in aromatherapy, some usage as a fixative and perfume component. Used as a flavour in drinks and confectionery. |
|
| Cautions: | Severe dermal irritant, non toxic, |
|
| Main Constituents, % |
| Dihydrocostus lactone |
|
| Costunilide |
|
| Costols |
|
| Caryophyllene |
|
| Selinene |
|
| Costic acid |
|
| Oleic acid |
|
| Others |
|
|
| Physical Actions |
| Antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericidal, carminative, digestive, exporant, febrifuge, hypotensive, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. |
|
| Toxicity |
LD50 - (oral) rat 3.4g/kg. (dermal) rabbit >not known.
Irritation/Sensitisation - Not available
Phototoxicity - Not available
|
|
|
|
|
|
