No known drug interactions for the matched ingredients — not a guarantee none exist. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Costus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
No known interaction
The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Costus is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and gas, cough and breathing complaints, skin conditions (topical).We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Costus by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: costus extract, a traditional botanical remedy. The liquid is made with vegetable palm glycerin and alcohol as inactive ingredients to deliver the extract.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Costus product and its label doesn't state a use — see Costus's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold on costus for intestinal parasite infection is insufficient to rate it — meaning the data available isn't strong enough to say whether it works for that purpose or not.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Costus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Costus might trigger allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis, when taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Human safety data on costus are limited, and product quality and purity can vary widely, so caution is warranted.

The safety data advises against costus during pregnancy because it's traditionally believed to stimulate the uterus. There isn't enough safety information to use it while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if either applies to you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Costus

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 1 matched ingredient has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented in our data for costus. Run your medications through the checker on this page to confirm there's nothing specific to your regimen.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Costus is a traditional botanical with limited modern safety and effectiveness data. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid it.

Anyone taking medications or with a history of allergic reactions should check with us first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Costus, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 617503496287
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2020
DSLD ID 237937
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Costus by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
617503496287
IngredientAmount% DV
Costus extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Made with Aloha!

Formulation

Contains no GMO, gluten, artificial colors, heavy metals, preservatives, pesticides, fertilizers.

Super concentrated liquid herbal extract. Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3.

Manufactured in an FDA registered facility.

Non GMO Gluten free

Made in USA, Hawaii

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Shake well before using. Take about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to 2-4 oz of juice or water up to 4 times per day.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of the reach of children.

We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking. May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking any medications.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking any medications.

Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Formula

(Saussurea costus)

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

FDA Registered Facility Made in United States of America USA

See for yourself

Costus by Hawaii Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Costus by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Costus extract

No known
interactions
970 mg per serving

Costus (Saussurea costus) is a root used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine, mostly for digestive and respiratory complaints. High-...

Costus extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Palm Glycerin, Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Costus by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Costus. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Costus, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96815
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Costus by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Costus by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Costus. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Costus contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant?
No. Costus is traditionally believed to stimulate the uterus, so the safety data advise against it during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or midwife about alternatives.
Is it safe to use while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information to recommend costus while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Can costus cause allergic reactions?
Yes — taken by mouth or applied to the skin, it might cause allergic reactions, including contact dermatitis. Stop and talk to us if you notice a rash or other signs of an allergic response.
Does this product actually work for parasites?
The evidence we hold on costus for intestinal parasites is too weak to say whether it works or not. Talk with your doctor if you suspect a parasite infection — there are proven treatments available.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Costus is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Costus label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Costus’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Costus's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 6 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Costus 6 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Marzulli, F. N. and Maibach, H. I. Effects of vehicles and elicitation concentration in contact dermatitis testing. I. Experimental contact sensitization in humans. Contact Dermatitis 1976;2(6):325-329. PubMed
  3. Mitchell, J. C. Contact hypersensitivity to some perfume materials. Contact Dermatitis 1975;1(4):196-199. PubMed
  4. Benezra, C. and Epstein, W. L. Molecular recognition patterns of sesquiterpene lactones in costus-sensitive patients. Contact Dermatitis 1986;15(4):223-230. PubMed
  5. Mitchell, J. C. and Epstein, W. L. Contact hypersensitivity to a perfume material, Costus Absolute. The role of sesquiterpene lactones. Arch.Dermatol 1974;110(6):871-873. DOI
  6. Cheminat, A., Stampf, J. L., Benezra, C., Farrall, M. J., and Frechet, J. M. Allergic contact dermatitis to costus: removal of haptens with polymers. Acta Derm.Venereol. 1981;61(6):525-529. DOI

See these in context on the Costus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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