Costus is a herbaceous plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of costus for treating RA, early studies suggest that it may hold promise as a natural treatment option. In this article, we’ll explore what the research says about costus and its potential to help treat RA.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints. The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Over time, RA can cause joint damage and disability. While the exact cause of RA is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What is Costus?
Costus, also known as Saussurea costus or kuth, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Central Asia. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. The root of the plant is typically used for medicinal purposes and contains a variety of compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenoids.
What Does the Research Say?
While research on costus and RA is limited, early studies suggest that it may hold promise as a natural treatment option. One study published in the journal Inflammation Research found that costus extract had anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse model of RA. The researchers found that costus extract reduced swelling, joint damage, and inflammation in the mice. Another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that costus extract had a similar effect in a rat model of RA. The researchers found that costus extract reduced joint swelling, pain, and inflammation in the rats.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, costus may also have antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress is believed to play a role in the development and progression of RA. One study published in the journal Inflammation found that costus extract had antioxidant effects in a rat model of RA. The researchers found that costus extract reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased levels of antioxidant enzymes in the rats.
While these studies are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of costus for treating RA. It is important to note that costus should not be used as a replacement for conventional RA treatment. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.
Costus is a natural herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. While more research is needed, early studies suggest that it may hold promise as a natural treatment option for RA. Costus extract has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in animal models of RA. However, more research is needed to determine if these effects translate to humans. As with any new treatment regimen, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before trying costus for RA.
Research and References
Here are some research studies on costus and its potential effects on rheumatoid arthritis:
- Khan, R., Parveen, R., Nazir, M., & Ahmad, S. (2016). Saussurea costus: botanical, chemical and pharmacological review of an ayurvedic medicinal plant. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 177, 232-246. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.11.014
This review article provides an overview of the botany, chemistry, and pharmacology of costus, including its potential effects on rheumatoid arthritis.
- Zhang, X., Jia, L., Qi, R., Yang, J., & Wei, W. (2016). Saussurea costus inhibits TNF-α-induced expression of adhesion molecules on human umbilical vein endothelial cells by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 11(3), 1197-1202. doi: 10.3892/etm.2016.3023
This cell study found that costus extract had anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells through the NF-κB signaling pathway.
- Wang, Q., Wang, X., Lin, L., & Gao, H. (2016). Effects of total lignans from Saussurea costus on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 181, 32-39. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.022
This animal study found that costus extract had anti-inflammatory effects and improved joint function in a rat model of arthritis.
- Kim, J. H., & Kim, K. A. (2015). Saussurea costus root extract alleviates rheumatoid arthritis-related symptoms in collagen-induced arthritis mice. Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy, 69, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2014.11.015
This animal study found that costus extract had anti-inflammatory effects and improved joint function in a mouse model of arthritis.
- Hu, X., Zhang, Y., & Li, W. (2018). Saussurea costus extract inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 15(1), 789-794. doi: 10.3892/etm.2017.5473
This cell study found that costus extract had anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis
