Scientific name: Nardostachys grandiflora

Common names: Muskroot, Indian Spikenard,Jatamansi,Spikenard

Sanskrit name: Jatamansi

Family: Valerianaceae

Plant part used: Rhizomes

Color: Pale Brown Fine Powder

Odor: Characteristic

Taste: Light Bitter

Extract Ratio: 5:1

Mesh size: 100% Pass 80 Mesh Screen

Bulk density: 0.48g/ml.

Storage: Keep in dry and cool place.

Shelf life: 18~24Months in Good Condition

Traditional uses: The rhizome is used in ayurveda for the treatment of hysteria and other neurological disorders. It is very interesting to note that in conditions of insomnia and restlessness this drug was used by Sushruta to produce tranquility and sedation. it promotes the growth and blackness of hair. Infusion prepared from the fresh roots is employed in the treatment of spasmodic hysterical states, palpitations and tension headache. It is also said to be useful in menopausal disturbances.

Phytochemistry: A volatile essential oil 0.5% resin, sugar, starch, bitter extractive matter and gum are obtained from the rhizome. Jatamansi oil contains a ketone, jatamansone which is the same as valeranone (in valerian). It also contains jatamansic acid. Jatamansone semi- carbazone is a sesquiterpenic ketone isolated from the rhizomes. It also has b-Gurjunene, a-patchoulene, hydroxy aristolenone.

Pharmacology: Jatamansone semicarbazone, a sesquiterpene ketone, was found to possess antioestrogenic activity. When given alone it is also manifested by its oestrogen-antagonising action on the uterus of mice at an oral dose of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. The volatile oil was found to be loss active than quinidine in several tests. Also it did not counteract digitalis induced ventricular arrhythmias. This drug has been experimentally shown to possess a tranquilizing and hypotensive activity in dogs and also induced hypotension in rats. The rhizome is used in ayurveda for the treatment of hysteria and other neurological disorders. It is very interesting to note that in conditions of insomnia and restlessness this drug was used by Sushruta to produce tranquility and sedation. it promotes the growth and blackness of hair. Infusion prepared from the fresh roots is employed in the treatment of spasmodic hysterical states, palpitations and tension headache. It is also said to be useful in menopausal disturbances. Clinical trials were carried out with jatamansone in essential hypertension. Jatamansone has been used in febrile delirium and also in delirium tremens. In dysmenorrhoea, it is used for pain relief and a smooth menstrual flow.

LD(50) of Jatamansone was found to be 80.3 mg/kg while in the case of quinidine it is 55 mg/kg. This shows that intravenous toxicity in mice in the case of Jatamansone is less than that with quinidine. Large doses of Jatamansone can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

Main Actions: Anti - inflammatory, antipyretic, bactericidal, deodorant, fungicidal, laxative, sedative, tonic.

Main Uses: Nervous agitation, hysteria, anxiety, painful menstruation, pre-menstrual tension, sedative, yet also said to energize a fatigued mind, irritible bowel syndrome.

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