A comprehensive evaluation of Saussurea costus root extracts: Antioxidant, cytotoxic, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities

Infectious diseases, compounded by escalating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), remain a global health challenge. Saussurea costus ( Saussurea lappa ) is an endangered Himalayan medicinal plant with diverse bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and biological activities of its methanolic root extract, emphasizing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties. Bioactive constituents were characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and UV-visible spectrophotometry. Antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging. Cytotoxicity on L929 fibroblasts and wound-healing efficacy were determined via MTT and scratch assays, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by measuring inhibition of COX, LOX, and iNOS enzymes. Antimicrobial activity was tested by agar well diffusion and broth microdilution against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), and Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404). GC–MS analysis revealed 26 major constituents, primarily furan derivatives, terpenoids, and nitrogen heterocycles. The extract showed 82.5% DPPH radical scavenging at 100 µg/mL, significant enzyme inhibition (COX, LOX, iNOS), and accelerated wound-closure (≈ 48 h). It exhibited selective antimicrobial potency, most pronounced against C. albicans and A. niger , with minimal cytotoxicity. The methanolic root extract of S. costus demonstrates potent, multi-target biological activity, integrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antifungal mechanisms with minimal toxicity. These results validate its traditional therapeutic use and support further development as a standardized, plant-derived biomedical agent for managing infection-associated inflammation and tissue repair.