A Comparative Study Between <i>Cheilocostus speciosus</i> (Sea Qust) and <i>Saussurea lappa</i> (Indian Qust): Decoding the Spectral, Anti-bacterial, and Anti-cancer Analyses

Background This study conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of Cheilocostus speciosus (sea qust) and Saussurea lappa (Indian qust) using various bioanalytical techniques. Objectives To identify the undiscovered traits of these two plants C. speciosus (sea qust) and S. lappa (Indian qust). Materials and Methods Ethanolic extracts were prepared from C. speciosus and S. lappa roots. Chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was utilized to determine the elemental profiles of both extracts. The anti-bacterial and cytotoxic activities were tested against pathogenic microorganisms and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Results According to GC–MS, each extract contained a distinct collection of compounds, some of which were common to the two plants. While C. speciosus contained xanthosine, S. lappa contained dehydrocostus lactone as the major compound. FTIR analysis confirmed that both extracts contained bioactive functional groups. The two plants have different K, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Zn levels. MCF-7 cells were more responsive to C. speciosus extract, with an IC 50 of 122 ± 11.5 µg/mL. The tested bacteria were susceptible to both extracts, with variable responses. Conclusion Future studies investigating synergistic interactions and creating formulations from extracts of C. speciosus and S. lappa are warranted. This study offers significant insights to therapists, consumers, and researchers regarding the chemicobiological differences between sea and Indian qust.