Talk:Jatamansi
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Jatamansi |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Nardostachys jatamansi Dc. |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Sub Family | Valerianaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | -- |
Nardostachys jatamansi Dc., popularly known as Jatamansi (Spikenard), is an endangered perennial dwarf, spikenard herb belonging to the family Caprifoliaceae (Valerianaceae). It is highly revered in Ayurveda as a prominent *Medhya* (intellect-promoting) and nerve-calming herb, traditionally utilized for managing mental disorders, sleep disturbances, skin ailments, and neurological imbalance.
English name
Spikenard
Therapeutic use
Daha (burning sensation), Kushtha (obstinate skin diseases), Visarpa (acute spreading erysipelas), Manasa roga (mental disorders), Anidra (insomnia)[1]
Other Varieties / Other Botanical names
- Fedia grandiflora Wall., nom. nud.
- Fedia jatamansi Wall. ex DC.
- Nardostachys chinensis Batalin
- Nardostachys gracilis Kitam.
- Nardostachys grandiflora DC.
- Nardostachys jatamansi C.B.Clarke
- Patrinia jatamansi D.Don
- Valeriana jatamansi D.Don
- Valeriana jatamansi (D.Don) Wall.
Identification Characters
- Jatila – Jatamansi has matted hairs.
- Bhutajata – Jatamansi has fibers in the rhizomes that appear like matted hairs.
- Krishnajata – Rhizome of Jatamansi is black in colour.
- Mishi – Rhizome of Jatamansi is black in colour.
- Sulomasha – Fibers on rhizome are neatly arranged like a matted hair.
- Nalada – Rhizome of Jatamansi has agreeable odour.
Types
Raja Nighantu
Mentioned 3 types[2]
- Jatamansi
- Gandhamansi
- Akasamansi
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Ayurvedic texts, Jatamansi is classified under *Tridoshahara* (pacifying all three doshas) and acts as a premier brain tonic (*medhya*). Possessing bitter (*tikta*), astringent (*kashaya*), and sweet (*madhura*) tastes, cold potency (*sheeta veerya*), and a pungent post-digestion effect (*katu vipaka*), it is widely prescribed for consciousness promotion (*sandnyasthapana*) and mental tranquility.
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Mansi, Mamsi, Nalad, Bhutajata, Jatila, Tapasvini
Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Jatamansi[3]
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Bitter (tikta), Astringent (kashaya), Sweet (madhura)[3] |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Cold (sheeta)[3] |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu)[3] |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Unctuous (snigdha)[3] |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify all three doshas (tridoshahara), Brain tonic (medhya)[3] |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(48) | Sandnyasthapana mahakashaya (regaining consciousness group of herbs) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/21 | Dhuma varti dravya (used in medicated wick for smoking) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/23 | Vamanartha (for therapeutic emesis) |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 | As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/87 | Bahyaprayogartha lepa in Kushtha (obstinate skin diseases) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/34 | Ingredient in Palankashadi taila |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/65 | For lepa, abhyangadi bahyaprayogartha (external applications in massage) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/78 | Used for shodhanottara (after purification) dhumpana (medicated smoking) |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/69 | As an ingredient of Manahsiladi dhuma |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/33 | Trishna (morbid thirst) & Chhardi (vomiting) shamaka yoga |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/54 | As an ingredient of Mrita sanjivani agada |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/102 | As an ingredient of Ksharagada |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/190 | As an ingredient of Mamsyadi yoga |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/65 | As an ingredient of Trutyadi churna |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/182 | Used in Kaphaja sira shoola for dhoomavarti |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/209 | As an ingredient of Khadiradi gutika |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/234 | Used in Pittaja netraroga |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/153 | As an ingredient of Bala taila |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/158 | As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila |
Dose
Important formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Jatamamsi arka
Current availability
Available
- In India – High alpine and sub-alpine Himalayan ranges of India (Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand).
- Out of India – Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal.
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi rhizomes and roots is attributed to a dense cluster of active phytochemicals:
- Sesquiterpenes & Volatile Oils: Jatamansone (valeranone), actinidine, sesquiterpene coumarins, and jatamansic acid.
- Lignans & Flavonoids: Sesamin, episesamin, and diverse antioxidant polyphenolic fractions.
- Active Glycosides: Valepotriates and related iridoid constituents providing neuroprotective activity.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Nootropic, Anxiolytic, and Sedative Effects
Jatamansi is globally recognized as a premier brain tonic (*medhya*) that effectively manages anxiety, depression, and insomnia (*anidra*).
- Mechanism: Active sesquiterpenes like valeranone modulate central gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor pathways, prolonging pentobarbital-induced sleep time and decreasing central nervous system hyper-excitability.
- Scientific Evidence: Experimental and clinical studies verify that root extracts significantly reduce anxiety indices, improve sleep quality, and enhance memory retrieval in cognitive deficit models.[4]
Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Actions
The herb exhibits remarkable protective capabilities against cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative stress.
- Mechanism: Scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhances superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in brain tissue, and inhibits lipid peroxidation.
- Scientific Evidence: Preclinical trials demonstrate that Jatamansi extracts attenuate oxidative stress damage during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and support neuronal survival.[5]
Anticonvulsant and Anti-Epileptic Properties
Historically associated with *Sandnyasthapana* (restoring consciousness), Jatamansi is widely evaluated for managing seizure disorders.
- Mechanism: Elevates brain GABA levels and raises the seizure threshold against chemically or electrically induced convulsions.
- Scientific Evidence: Research reports dose-dependent protection against maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure models in rodents.[6]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Jatamansi is generally safe within recommended therapeutic dosages; however, excessive consumption should be avoided due to its potent sedative nature.
- Precautions: Use with caution during pregnancy, lactation, or alongside central nervous system depressants unless monitored by a qualified medical professional.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Insomnia & Anxiety / Anidra | Valeranone, Jatamansone | Sedative, Anxiolytic, GABA modulator |
| Cognitive Decline / Medhya | Sesquiterpenes, Lignans | Nootropic, Neuroprotective |
| Skin Disorders / Kushtha | Flavonoids, Coumarins | Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I: 33.
- ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, Chandanadi Varga, Verse no. 95, 97, 99, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Karpuradi Varga, verse no. 75, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2015.
- ↑ Subhakaran, K.; Bapna, J. S. (2005). "Anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of Nardostachys jatamansi in rodents". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 98 (3): 317–322.
- ↑ Ahmad, M.; Ansari, R. A.; Rahman, S. (2006). "Neuroprotective effect of Nardostachys jatamansi on antioxidant defense system in global cerebral ischemia". Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. 83 (1): 155–163.
- ↑ Kulkarni, S. K.; Joshi, V. P. (1997). "Anticonvulsant activity of Nardostachys jatamansi in rats". Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology. 19 (9): 639–642.