Chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Saussurea lappa: A review

Abstract

Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke is a well-known and important medicinal plant widely used in several medicinal systems for the treatment of various diseases, viz. inflammatory diseases, ulcer, asthma and stomach problems. Sesquiterpenoid lactones were reported as the major phytoconstituents of this species. Various pharmacological experimental studies using in vitro and in vivo models demonstrated the ability of S. lappa to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anticancer and hepatoprotective activities, lending support to the several of its traditional uses. Dehydrocostus lactone, Costunolide and Cynaropicrin, isolated from this plant, were identified as the bioactive molecules. Due to the remarkable biological activity of S. lappa and its constituents it will be worthwhile to develop them as a medicine. The present review is an inclusive analysis of chemistry and pharmacological uses of S. lappa.