| ID | MPDN103 |
| Botanical Name | Nardostachys jatamansi DC. |
| SYNONYMS | N. grandiflora DC. |
| FAMILY | Valerianaceae. |
|
| HABITAT | It grows in Alpine Himalayas,
Kumaon, Sikkim and Bhutan |
| ENGLISH | Spikenard, Musk-root. |
|
| AYURVEDIC | Maansi, Jataamaansi,
Bhuutajataa, Tapaswini, Sulomashaa,
Jatilaa, Naladaa. |
| UNANI | Sumbul-e-Hindi, Sambul-ut-
Teeb, Naardeen-e-Hindi, Baalchhar. |
|
| SIDDA | Sadamanchil. |
| FOLK | |
|
| ACTION | It is a Tranquilizer, sedative,
hypotensive.The oil potentiated phenobarbital narcosis in rats, reduced brain serotonin content and decreased the conditioned avoidance performance
in cats.Jatamansone was shown to exert
tranquilizing effect in mice and monkeys.In rabbits, jatamansone was
found to impair biosynthesis of serotonin in the brain leading to a reduction in brain level of 5-hydroxytryptamine.The degradation of serotonin was unaffected. The mode of action of jatamansone was thus in variance with that of reserpine which has direct action on the cell to liberate serotonin.On the other hand, the alcoholic extract of the roots of Indian Nard caused an overall increase in the levels of central monamines,5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and the inhibitory amino acids, gamma-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in rat brain.
In a clinical trial on hyperkinetic
children, jatamansone showed significant
reduction in hyperactivity and
improvement in restlessness and aggressiveness,almost at par with Damphetamine.The volatile oil was found to be less active than quinidine in several tests.It did not counteract digitalis induced ventricular arrhythmias.Jatamansone semicarbazone, a sesquiterpene ketone, was found to possess antiestrogenic activity. |
| CONSTITUENTS | The rhizome is rich in sesquiterpenoids.
The crude drug gave an oil
(yield 2.5% v/w), which contains dnardostachone,
valeranone and jatamansone
as the major ketonic sesquiterpenes. |
|
| APPLICATION | It is used as a substitute for
Valerian.
It is used for the treatment
of epilepsy, hysteria, convulsive
affections, palpitation of heart and
in intestinal colic. A decoction
of powdered roots is prescribed
as a home remedy for high
blood pressure. It is used in
dysmenorrhoea for pain relief and
smooth menstrual flow. It is used in
hair oil for arresting hair loss and
greying of hair.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
recommends dry rhizomes in obstinate
skin diseases, erysipelas, disturbed
mental state and insomnia. |
| DOSAGE | Root - 2-3 g powder ; 5-10g for infusion; 50-100ml infusion. |
|
| RELATED SPECIES | |