Vol. 12, Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Arsheed Ahmad Mir, PA Sofi, SA Gangoo, Peerzada Istiyaq Ahmad, AA Wani and Tanveer Ahmad Rather

Abstract:
Saussurea costus, a critically endangered plant species endemic to the Himalayas, is recognized for its medicinal properties in traditional systems of medicine. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oil derived from S. costus rhizomes collected from different forest divisions in the Kashmir region. Hydrodistillation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis were conducted to identify and quantify the chemical constituents. The essential oil content percent was estimated to be 0.90%. The analysis revealed twenty-four compounds, with dehydrocostus lactone and costunolide as major components. These sesquiterpene lactones have exhibited diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and hepatoprotective effects. The findings underscore the potential therapeutic applications of S. costus essential oil and provide insights for further research and development in natural medicine. Moreover, the observation of a unique chemical profile in the S. costus samples from the Kashmir division suggests the presence of region-specific chemical constituents. Future investigations can explore the specific therapeutic properties and applications of these chemicals, contributing to the development of region-specific medicinal interventions. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of S. costus and its medicinal potential, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable utilization of this endangered plant species.