Phytochemistry, Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Saussurea costus

This research study examines the Himalayan therapeutic edible plant Saussurea costus (Indian costus) which has known health benefits. Samples of the roots were gathered and verified, and the crude plant extract was made using the Soxhlet apparatus with acetone, ethanol, and water as solvents. Phytochemical studies showed that water extracts (SCW) contained the most phenols (19.36 mg/g) and flavonoids (2.41 mg/g), followed by ethanol (SCEt) and the weakest extract was with acetone (SCAc). Findings from ABTS, FRAP, as well as DPPH assays indicated highest antioxidant ability is within SCW, suggesting its use in oxidative stress-related disease treatment. Antimicrobial testing showed strong activity, and the fractions obtained were tested for the MIC value against the bacterial strains. S. costus showed antibacterial and antioxidative potential, aiding its therapeutic value.