Evidence supporting the use of: Costus
For the health condition: Dyspepsia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Costus (Saussurea costus, also known as "kuth") has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine for various digestive complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion). Historical records and pharmacopeias from these traditions cite costus root as a carminative and stomachic, used to relieve bloating, discomfort, and other symptoms of poor digestion. The root was often included in formulations to "strengthen the stomach" and improve digestive fire.
However, while some in vitro and animal studies have investigated costus for antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties, there is very limited direct scientific research specifically focused on its effects in human dyspepsia. No robust clinical trials exist to firmly establish efficacy for this indication. Most current uses in herbal practice rely on traditional knowledge and anecdotal evidence rather than modern, evidence-based validation.
In summary, the use of costus for dyspepsia is primarily supported by its long-standing presence in traditional medicine, with a low (2/5) evidence rating due to the lack of clinical trials or systematic reviews confirming its effectiveness for this specific condition.
Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia
cutchallspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
apple
artichoke
barberry
basil
myrobalan
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
black pepper
blackberry
rice
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
fennel
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
heartwood
Indian tinospora
licorice root
marshmallow
mustard seed
oregon grape
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
plantain
plum fruit
raspberry
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
triphala
gastrodia
cardamom
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
chrysanthemum
dioscorea
fern
hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
wood betony
white oak
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
geranium
Avens
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ananain
Abuta
Aniseed myrtle
Arisaema
Black Seed
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Belleric myrobalan
Bistort
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Banyan
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bitter principals
Black root
banana
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Centaury
Cinnamomum
Combretum quadrangulare
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Capsaicin
Curcumen
Catechu
Campylandra fimbriata
Colombo
Corktree
Curcuma
Chirata
Costus
Colocynth
Celosia
Dianthrone
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Goldthread
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Costus
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Blood Poisoning
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)