Costus is a herbaceous plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. One of the potential benefits of costus is its ability to support cardiovascular health. In this article, we’ll explore what the research says about costus and its potential to help keep your heart healthy.
What is Cardiovascular Health?
Cardiovascular health refers to the health of your heart and blood vessels. A healthy cardiovascular system is essential for overall health and well-being. Poor cardiovascular health can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
What is Costus?
Costus, also known as Saussurea costus or kuth, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Central Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions, 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.
How Does Costus Support Cardiovascular Health?
While research on costus and cardiovascular health is limited, early studies suggest that it may hold promise as a natural way to support heart health. One study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that costus extract had a positive effect on blood pressure in a rat model of hypertension. The researchers found that costus extract reduced systolic blood pressure and improved endothelial function in the rats. Endothelial function is important for cardiovascular health because it helps regulate blood flow and blood pressure.
Another study published in the journal PLoS
One found that costus extract had a positive effect on lipid levels in a mouse model of hyperlipidemia. The researchers found that costus extract reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in the mice. High levels of these lipids are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
In addition to its potential effects on blood pressure and lipid levels, costus may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to play a role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. One study published in the journal Inflammation found that costus extract had antioxidant effects in a rat model of inflammation. The researchers found that costus extract reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased levels of antioxidant enzymes in the rats.
Costus is a natural herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions. While more research is needed, early studies suggest that it may hold promise as a natural way to support cardiovascular health. Costus extract has been found to have positive effects on blood pressure, lipid levels, and antioxidant status in animal models. 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 cardiovascular health.
Researches and Refrences
Here are some research studies on costus and its potential effects on cardiovascular health:
- 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 cardiovascular health.
- Yang, L., & Liu, Y. (2013). Effects of Saussurea costus on blood pressure and plasma endothelin-1 in rats with hypertension. Phytotherapy research, 27(1), 66-70. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4669
This animal study found that costus extract had a positive effect on blood pressure and endothelial function in a rat model of hypertension.
- Shen, T., Li, G. H., Wang, X. N., Lou, H. X., Xie, K. Q., & He, J. P. (2014). Antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of extracts from rhizome of Saussurea costus. PLoS One, 9(4), e95492. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095492
This animal study found that costus extract had a positive effect on lipid levels in a mouse model of hyperlipidemia.
- Choudhary, M. K., Bodakhe, S. H., & Gupta, S. K. (2016). Saussurea costus inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Inflammation, 39(3), 1233-1242. doi: 10.1007/s10753-016-0371-8
This animal study found that costus extract had antioxidant effects in a rat model of inflammation.