Jatamansi

Scientific Name(s): Nardostachys jatamansi DC.
Common Name(s): Balchar, Jatamansi, Nardostahyos Radix et Rhizoma, Sambul lateeb, Sumbul-ut-teeb

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

The plant has a rich history of medicinal use and has been valued for centuries in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Unani (ancient Greco-Arab) systems of medicine. The scientific literature contains primarily phytochemical and animal studies of the plant's activity on the nervous system. Limited clinical studies have been conducted.

Dosing

None well documented.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation because of the lack of clinical studies.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

None well documented. Patients with known hypersensitivity reactions should avoid use.

Toxicology

A study reports genotoxicity of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extract of N. jatamansi rhizome at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/mL.

Scientific Family

• Valerianaceae

Botany

N. jatamansi is native to the Alpine Himalayas. It is a critically endangered, rhizome-bearing medicinal plant that prefers high altitudes (3,000 to 5,000 m).1 The genus has 4 to 5 stamens. The calyx consists of 5 well-developed lanceolate or dentate lobes that continue to grow during maturation of the fruit.

History

The plant has a rich history of medicinal use and has been valued for centuries in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Unani (ancient Greco-Arab) systems of medicine. The rhizomes of the plant are used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as a bitter tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic, and to treat hysteria, convulsions, and epilepsy. The root has been medically used to treat insomnia and blood, circulatory, and mental disorders. Some preparations of the plant have been used as a heptotonic, cardiotonic, analgesic, and diuretic in the Unani system of medicine. The plant is of economic importance and has been used to produce perfumes and dyes.

Chemistry

The rhizomes and roots of the plant have medicinal value and, therefore, have been the focus of chemical studies. They contain a variety of sesquiterpenes and coumarins. The sedative sesquiterpene valeranone, which also is found in valerian and other plants, is a major component of the root essential oil, at least in some samples.2 Other terpenoids include spirojatamol,3 nardostachysin,4 jatamols A and B,5 and calarenol.6 Coumarins include jatamansin.7

Uses and Pharmacology

Antioxidant effect

Animal data

In vitro and rodent studies have shown that extracts of N. jatamansi possess antioxidant activity.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Some of these studies have also demonstrated activity against cancer cell lines,8, 9, 14 and protective effects from radiation-induced damage.15, 16

Clinical data

Research reveals no clinical data regarding the antioxidant activity of jatamansi.