Costus speciosus (Keukand): A review

Costus speciosus Koen. (Keu, Crape ginger), an Indian ornamental plant, has long been medicinally used in traditional systems of medicine. The plant has been found to possess diverse number of pharmacological activities. The present article gives an account of updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The review reveals that wide numbers of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant which possesses activities like be bitter, astringent, aphrodisiac, purgative, anthelmintic, depurative, febrifuge and expectorant. Rhizomes are given in pneumonia, rheumatism, dropsy, urinary diseases, jaundice while leaves are given in mental disorders. Bruised leaves are applied in fever; decoction of stem is used in fever and dysentery. Various other activities are also reported like anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic effect and antifungal activities. The plant is also used in gout rheumatism and bronchial asthma. Rhizomes of plant exhibit cardiotonic, hydrochloretic, diuretic and CNS depressant activities. These reports are very encouraging and indicate that the plant should be studied more extensively for its therapeutic effects.