Literary Review on Kebuka [Costus speciosus (J.Koenig) Sm.]

Introduction: The plant Kebuka a is a perennial herb used in Indian systems of medicine and is widely used in folklore medical practice throughout the world. Kebuka (Costus speciosus (J.König) Sm.) belonging to the family Costaceae, is one among the plants described under Shaka Varga (Group of vegetables), a sub-group of Ahara varga (Group of eatables) as mentioned in classical treatises of Ayurveda. Aim: To obtain a comprehensive review on Kebuka (as a medicinal plant) from Ayurvedic scriptures and Ethnomedicinal use of the plant. Results: Various names have been attributed to it in the classics. The single use of the drug and its use in compound formulations is mentioned in Brhattrayi and Nighantus of Ayurveda. The drug shows wide application under ethnomedicinal practices. Conclusion: Through the review, the medicinal aspects of the drug were understood as mentioned in Ayurveda classics and from ethnomedicinal uses. Since the drug is widely distributed and easily available in the most parts of Indian subcontinent, further pre-clinical and clinical research on the drug is required to establish the therapeutic efficiency and it’s mechanism of action in various disorders