Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Ethnopharmacologically important plant growing in Borako (Bermo Subdivision), Jharkhand: Costus speciosus

Costus speciosus, a medicinal plant native to Bermo, Bokaro, Jharkhand, holds profound ethnopharmacological importance due to its diverse therapeutic applications.This study investigates the phytochemistry and pharmacology of its rhizome aqueous extract, focusing on cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties.Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 15 bioactive compounds in the extract, with 2-Pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methylbeing the most abundant (64.08% relative abundance).These compounds are reported to exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including antiinflammatory and cytotoxic effects.The cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated using the MTT assay on human cancer cell lines, revealing dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability.At a concentration of 120 mg/mL, the rhizome extract reduced cell viability to 38.7%, showcasing comparable efficacy to the reference drug doxorubicin (10% viability at 120 mg/mL).Additionally, the anti-inflammatory potential was assessed via the BSA denaturation assay, where the extract demonstrated 72.4% inhibition of protein denaturation at the highest concentration, close to the activity of indomethacin (90% inhibition).These findings substantiate the traditional use of C. speciosus rhizomes in inflammation and cancer management.The diverse phytochemical profile, dominated by 2-Pentanone derivatives, underscores the therapeutic potential of the extract.This study bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern pharmacology, providing a scientific basis for the medicinal applications of C. speciosus.Future research should focus on isolating active compounds, exploring their mechanisms, and conducting in vivo studies to validate their therapeutic efficacy.