- Saussurea is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines, as well as traditional medicine in Korean, Tibetan, Indian, Uighur, Pakistani, and Mongolian cultures.
- The root, called costus root, is used to make a drug called aucklandia or mu xiang. In parts of Asia, the root is smoked in place of opium. It is also used as a spice and as incense, as well as to protect fabric from moths.
- Extracts of costus, as well as many species of saussurea, are used to prevent muscle spasms, increase airflow in the lungs, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and protect the nerves and stomach.
- Saussurea has been studied for its possible effects on arthritis, asthma, stomach problems, and parasites. However, reliable evidence supporting the use of saussurea for any medical condition is lacking at this time.
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Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
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- Chen RD, Zou JH, Jia JM, et al. Chemical constituents from the cell cultures of Saussurea involucrata. J Asian Nat.Prod.Res 2010;12(2):119-123. View Abstract
- Hsiao WL and Liu L. The role of traditional Chinese herbal medicines in cancer therapy--from TCM theory to mechanistic insights. Planta Med 2010;76(11):1118-1131. View Abstract
- Li G, Sun Z, Song C, et al. A sensitive fluorescence reagent, 2-[2-(7H-dibenzo[a,g]carbazol-7-yl)-ethoxy]ethyl chloroformate, for amino acids determination in Saussurea involucrate and Artemisia capillaris Thunb using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection any/electrospray ionization source. Biomed.Chromatogr. 2011;25(6):689-696. View Abstract
- Li XW, Guo ZT, Zhao Y, et al. Chemical constituents from Saussurea cordifolia. Phytochemistry 2010;71(5-6):682-687. View Abstract
- Lin YC, Hung CM, Tsai JC, et al. Hispidulin potently inhibits human glioblastoma multiforme cells through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). J Agric.Food Chem. 9-8-2010;58(17):9511-9517. View Abstract
- Liu YD and Aisa HA. Three new lignans from the seeds of Saussurea involucrata. J Asian Nat.Prod.Res 2010;12(10):828-833. View Abstract
- Nguyen DT, Gopfert JC, Ikezawa N, et al. Biochemical conservation and evolution of germacrene A oxidase in asteraceae. J Biol.Chem. 5-28-2010;285(22):16588-16598. View Abstract
- Qiu J, Xue X, Chen F, et al. Quality evaluation of snow lotus (Saussurea): quantitative chemical analysis and antioxidant activity assessment. Plant Cell Rep. 2010;29(12):1325-1337. View Abstract
- Shen S, Qian J, Ren J. Ethnoveterinary plant remedies used by Nu people in NW Yunnan of China. J Ethnobiol.Ethnomed. 2010;6:24. View Abstract
- Way TD, Lee JC, Kuo DH, et al. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling by Saussurea involucrata, a rare traditional Chinese medicinal herb, in human hormone-resistant prostate cancer PC-3 cells. J Agric.Food Chem. 3-24-2010;58(6):3356-3365. View Abstract
- Yang JL, Wang R, Liu LL, et al. Phytochemicals and biological activities of Saussurea species. J Asian Nat.Prod.Res 2010;12(2):162-175. View Abstract
- Yi T, Zhao ZZ, Yu ZL, et al. Comparison of the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of three medicinal plants known as "Snow Lotus" herb in traditional Uighur and Tibetan medicines. J Ethnopharmacol. 3-24-2010;128(2):405-411. View Abstract
- Yoo JH, Lee HJ, Kang K, et al. Lignans inhibit cell growth via regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Food Chem.Toxicol. 2010;48(8-9):2247-2252. View Abstract
- Zhao Q, Yokozawa T, Yamabe N, et al. Kangen-karyu improves memory deficit caused by aging through normalization of neuro-plasticity-related signaling system and VEGF system in thsignaling system and VEGF system in the brain. J Ethnopharmacol. 9-15-2010;131(2):377-385. View Abstract
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