Oud Al Qust (Saussurea lappa): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Oud Al Qust work as an anti-inflammatory?

Oud Al Qust (Saussurea lappa) contains active compounds called costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone, which are sesquiterpene lactones. These compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways, including NF-kappaB signaling and the production of inflammatory cytokines. The herb also contains aplotaxene and various alkaloids that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Evidence level C studies suggest these mechanisms underlie its traditional use for joint pain and inflammatory conditions, though more robust clinical trials are needed.

Does Oud Al Qust interact with any medications?

Limited clinical research exists on drug interactions with Oud Al Qust. Due to its effects on liver enzymes and potential immunomodulatory properties, it may theoretically interact with immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, and medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. The sesquiterpene lactones may affect platelet aggregation. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Qust al Hindi. Evidence level C indicates these are theoretical interactions based on pharmacological studies rather than documented clinical cases.

What is the recommended daily dosage for Oud Al Qust?

The traditional adult dosage for Oud Al Qust root powder is 1-3 grams daily, typically divided into two doses. This can be taken as a decoction, mixed with honey, or encapsulated. For respiratory conditions, it may be used as an inhalant. Dosage should be adjusted based on individual tolerance and the specific condition being treated. Always start with the lowest effective dose. Children, elderly patients, and those with liver or kidney conditions should use reduced doses under professional guidance. Evidence level C supports this dosing range.

Is Oud Al Qust safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Oud Al Qust (Qust al Hindi) is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb contains uterine stimulant compounds and may cause uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Traditional Unani medicine explicitly contraindicates its use in pregnant women. The sesquiterpene lactones, particularly costunolide, have demonstrated emmenagogue properties. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data. Evidence level C based on traditional use and pharmacological studies.

What conditions is Qust al Hindi traditionally used for?

Qust al Hindi (Oud Al Qust) has been used in Unani and traditional medicine for respiratory conditions including asthma, chronic cough, and bronchitis. It supports digestive health by addressing loss of appetite, bloating, and intestinal parasites. The herb is applied externally for skin conditions like eczema, wounds, and fungal infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for joint pain and arthritis. Evidence level C indicates these uses are supported by traditional knowledge and preliminary pharmacological studies rather than large-scale clinical trials.

What are the side effects of Oud Al Qust?

The primary side effect of Oud Al Qust is irritation to mucous membranes. Direct contact with the eyes, nasal passages, or internal mucosa can cause burning, redness, and discomfort. Internal use may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or heartburn in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions, including skin rashes, have been reported with topical application. High doses may cause headache or dizziness. To minimize irritation, avoid direct contact with mucous membranes and dilute appropriately for internal use. Evidence level C based on traditional use reports.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Oud Al Qust (Saussurea lappa) is a perennial herb native to the Himalayan region used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin disorders [PMID:32730877, PMID:33780194].

Contexte

Saussurea lappa, also known as Aucklandia costus or Saussurea costus, is a perennial herb of the Compositae family native to the Himalayan region [PMID:32730877, PMID:33780194].

Usages traditionnels

In Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the roots are used for leukoderma, liver, kidney, and blood disorders, Qi stagnation, and tridosha [PMID:32730877]. Oral administration with warm water is used for gastric problems, while root paste is applied topically for pain, boils, blisters, and leprosy [PMID:32730877]. It is also used for hepatitis, jaundice, intestinal worms, bronchial asthma, and skin diseases [PMID:33780194].

Composés actifs

Major phytoconstituents include sesquiterpene lactones such as dehydrocostus lactone and costunolide [PMID:17306480, PMID:25984608]. Other identified compounds include lignan glycosides, anthraquinones (chrysophanol, emodin), germacrenes, and various sesquiterpenoids like lappanolides A-N [PMID:16864436, PMID:11557081, PMID:38972443].

Mécanisme d'action

Dehydrocostus lactone suppresses gastric cancer by targeting ACLY to inhibit fatty acid synthesis and autophagic flux [PMID:38295877]. In liver cancer, it promotes ferroptosis by up-regulating HMOX1, which negatively regulates the gene CDK1 [PMID:41389607]. Costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone also inhibit autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by blocking autophagic flux, leading to the accumulation of LC3-II and p62 [PMID:33159250].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BPrimary Dysmenorrhea

Qust (1.5 g twice daily with honey) was evaluated for efficacy in alleviating pain and related symptoms in women aged 18-35 years [PMID:39110054]

Preuve DGastric Cancer

Dehydrocostus lactone demonstrated efficacy in suppressing progression by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis and autophagic flux in vitro [PMID:38295877]

Preuve DLiver Cancer

Extracts showed anti-cancerous, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activity on human hepatoma cell lines in vitro [PMID:34121698]; dehydrocostus lactone promoted ferroptosis and inhibited proliferation in liver cancer cells [PMID:41389607]

Preuve DSARS-CoV-2

Root extract was tested for neutralizing effects against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells and in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice [PMID:37170075]

Preuve DCardiac Toxicity

Root extract showed protective roles against Ehrlich solid tumor-induced cardiac toxicity in female mice [PMID:34262464] and ameliorated isoproterenol-induced oxidative myocardial injury in rats [PMID:23833749]

Preuve D

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one single-blind randomized clinical trial (Level B) regarding primary dysmenorrhea. There is strong preclinical evidence for anti-cancer and hepatoprotective activities, but clinical human data is limited.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 38295877 (2025) — Dehydrocostus lactone suppresses gastric cancer progression by targeting ACLY to inhibit fatty acid synthesis and autophagic flux. · Journal of advanced research
2.PMID: 32730877 (2020) — Aucklandia costus (Syn. Saussurea costus): Ethnopharmacology of an endangered medicinal plant of the himalayan region. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 33780194 (2020) — Quality control, HPTLC analysis, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extract of roots of qust (Saussurea lappa, C.B Clarke). · Drug metabolism and personalized therapy
4.PMID: 34121698 (2021) — Anticancer, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activity of Saussurea lappa, C.B. clarke (qust) on human hepatoma cell line. · Journal of cancer research and therapeutics
5.PMID: 16864436 (2006) — PTP1B inhibitors from Saussrurea lappa.

Oud Al Qust

Sources et citations

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