Detection of the Components of the Root of Saussurea Costus and Study of the Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Its Roots on the Kidneys of Male Rats Treated with Chlorpromazine

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch plant belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its root has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments, including strep throat, dysentery, ulcers, and asthma. Studies have shown that S. costus root has a wide range of therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, antitumor, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. The preliminary phytochemical screening of S. costus root revealed the presence of resins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and several other components. Twenty-five Swiss albino rats divided into five groups to study the effects of the extract. The first group represented the negative control group, while the second group was administered Chlorpromazine alone at a concentration of 2 mg/kg once daily. In the third, fourth, and fifth groups, alcoholic extracts of Indian costus root were administered at concentrations of 1.25 mg/kg, 2.4 mg/kg, and 4 mg/kg, respectively. The study showed that costus extract acted as a protective agent against the side effects of Chlorpromazine, particularly in safeguarding the kidneys from symptoms such as infiltration and tissue damage that were caused by the drug used in the treatment.