Phytochemical profiling of Costus (Saussurea lappa Clarke) root essential oil, and its antimicrobial and toxicological effects

Purpose: To carry out gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the phytochemical content root essential oil Saussurea lappa Clarke Asteraceae (Costus, SLEO), and to evaluate its physicochemical, antimicrobial cytoxic properties.
 Methods: The was extracted from plant’s roots by steam distillation using a Clevenger system. Various physicochemical parameters for including refractive index, color, acid value, saponification number, ester peroxide values were measured. Flavonoid assessed thin layer chromatography (TLC). Thermoscientific trace ultra chromatograph equipped with capillary TR-5MS column utilized determine volatile components SLEO. Antimicrobial activity SLEO performed against various Gram (+ve) (-ve) microorganisms, viz, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Candida albicans, while cytotoxic effect monitored Artemia salina (brine shrimp) lethality assay.
 Results: Essential yield good (3 %). Concentration-dependent effects observed on all test microorganisms no marked difference in levels among tested concentrations brine shrimp (p < 0.05). main component costunolide or eudesma-5,11(13)-dien-8,12-olide (52.01 %).
 Conclusion: results indicate promising therapeutic properties S. lappa. However, further biological investigations are required establish mechanism action toxicological extract.