Sanskrit Name: Jatamansi
Identification No : SDACH/HG/193
Botanical Name: Nardostachys jatamansi DC.
Family Name: Caprifoliaceae (Earlier: Valerianaceae)
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Jatamansi, Balchhad
- Marathi: Jatamansi
- Bengali: Jatamansi
- Tamil: Jatamansi
- English: Spikenard
Synonyms (with Shloka from Bhav Prakash):
“जटामांसी भूतजटा जटिला च तपस्विनी |”
Classification:
- Charaka: Medhya, Lepana
- Sushruta: Prabhadravya
- Vagbhata: Medhya, Lepana
- Bhav Prakash: Karpuradi varga
Habitat & Distribution:
Native to alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himalayas at altitudes of 3000–5000 m. Found in Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Nepal.
Morphology
- Rhizome: Thick, aromatic, covered with reddish-brown fibers; intensely fragrant.
- Stem: Erect, 10–60 cm tall, with few branches.
- Leaves: Radical, ovate to lanceolate, and sessile.
- Flowers: Pink to bluish-purple, borne in terminal clusters.
- Fruits: Small, achene type.
Substitute/Adulterant:
- Valeriana jatamansi, Selinum vaginatum, and Inula racemosa are common adulterants or substitutes.
Phytochemicals:
- Jatamansone (major active principle)
- Terpenoids
- Alkaloids
- Sesquiterpenes
- Flavonoids
Rasapanchaka:
- Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya, madhur
- Guna: Laghu, Snigdha
- Virya: Sheeta
- Vipaka: Katu
- Prabhava: Medhya, Nidrajanaka
- Dosha Karma: Tridosha hara (mainly Pitta-vata shamak)
Karma (Rogaghnata):
- Medhya
- Nidrajanaka
- Hridya
- Shir shol
- Raktashodhaka
- Krimighna
- Apasamar
Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses:
External Uses:
- Oil or paste applied to scalp for calming and hair growth.
- Paste used in stress relief massages and managing headaches.
Internal Uses:
- Insomnia, anxiety, epilepsy: As a sedative and calming agent.
- Memory loss, cognitive decline: As Medhya Rasayana.
- Hypertension and cardiac issues: Acts as a cardiotonic.
- Skin diseases and blood disorders: As Raktashodhaka.
Part Used:
- Mula
Dose:
- Churna: 1–3 grams
- Kashayam/Decoction: 30–60 ml
Yoga/Formulations:
- Manasmitra Vatakam
- Jatamansi Churna
- Saraswatarishta
- Brahmi Ghrita
IUCN Status:
- Nardostachys jatamansi is listed as Critically Endangered under criteria A2cd
Research Updates
- Demonstrated anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of Jatamansi extract in animal models.
- Highlighted neuroprotective role through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.
- Jatamansone shown to improve learning and memory in Alzheimer’s disease models.
- Evaluated clinical benefits in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, showing significant symptom reduction.
- Rhizome extract found effective in modulating GABAergic activity, confirming its sedative effect.
