Introduction 

Jatamansi, known as Nardostachys jatamansi, is a small, rhizomatous perennial herb that belongs to the family Valerianaceae. It grows in moist, steep, rocky, undisturbed grassy slopes of India, China, Nepal, and Bhutan.¹

Other Names Jatamansi

Other common names of jatamansi are

• Tapaswani and Bhytajata in Sanskrit
• Indian spikenard, Musk-root, and Indian nard in English
• Nard Indian in French
• Balchara in Hindi
• Jatamavshi in Marathi
• Jatamamsi in Bengali
• Bhutijata in Kashmiri
• Billilotan in Punjabi
• Jatamanji in Tamil
• Jatamamsi in Assamese² 

Properties of Jatamansi:

In my opinion, a regulated intake of jatamansi in your balanced diet might be worth considering. Jatamansi might hold many potential benefits. It may be useful in dealing with hepatitis and liver enlargement issues.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

The properties of jatamansi are as follows:  

• It may have brain protective property.  
• May relieve from symptoms of seizures, vertigo etc., in fever.  
• The oil of jatamansi may have antiarrhythmic (alleviates heartbeat irregularities) property.  
• The jatamansi oil may be useful for silky, smooth, and healthy hair.  
• It may have beneficial properties for hypertension.  
• It may have beneficial properties in case of scorpion stings.  
• It may have potential to increase appetite,
• May be beneficial for liver,
• May have phlegm relieving properties.  
• May have potential properties that may be carminative (relieving flatulence).
• May have potential antispasmodic (relieves spasm) properties.²

Potential Uses of Jatamansi    

Based on my understanding, the roots of jatamansi can also be advantageous externally. They might be useful for enhancing the complexion, adding a natural glow to the skin. Additionally, it may also help in boosting the richness of the black colour of hair.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Potential Uses of Jatamansi as Antidepressant:  

The extract of jatamansi was studied and it was found to have antidepressant activity, which was determined in the mice model. This suggested that it might be beneficial for people suffering from depression because of sleep disturbances.¹   However, you must seek advice of a psychiatrist for better advice and prescription for depression.

Potential Uses of Jatamansi as a Hepatoprotective Agent:  

According to what I’ve noticed, the traditional use of jatamansi is consuming its rhizome extract. It is believed to have healing properties and might help manage conditions such as jaundice, purify the blood, and address stomach and cardiac diseases. It might be considered a natural remedy passed down through generations for its potential therapeutic effects.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

In a study the extract of the rhizome of jatamansi significantly decreased the elevated serum transaminases levels and alkaline phosphatase in an animal model.¹   This may indicate the hepatoprotective potential of jatamansi, however before consuming any herb for conditions related to liver you must consult a doctor for advice as per your conditions.

Also Read: 7 Signs of Liver Stress

Potential Uses of Jatamansi as an Anticancer Agent:  

According to an in vitro study, the 95% ethanolic extract of the roots of jatamansi exhibited a significant inhibitory effect for the proliferation of cell lines of neuroblastoma.¹   However, these studies are insufficient to establish this claim and to identify its effect on humans. Moreover, cancer is a serious condition and it may require a qualified doctor to diagnose and advice on treatment procedure. You must consult a doctor for any cancer related treatment and seek their advice before taking herbs for their benefits.

Potential Uses of Jatamansi as Antifungal & Antibacterial Agent:  

I believe that elephant yam might successfully make its way into the world of nutraceuticals. It has a low glycaemic index, which means it may not cause those blood sugar spikes. And you know what that means? It might be an awesome food option for managing heart ailments as well as diabetes.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

The methanolic extract of jatamansi was studied for its effect against microorganisms and it was found to be effective against the majority of the micro-organisms and it may justify its role as an antifungal and antibacterial agent.¹   However these studies are insufficient to validate the similar effect of the herb on humans.

Potential Uses of Jatamansi for Heart:  

In a study the extract of jatamansi was observed to significantly help and restore the lipid peroxides and antioxidant enzyme activity to almost normal levels in a rat model.¹   However more studies are needed to identify the effect of the herb on humans. if you or your loved ones are suffering with heart related condition you must consult a qualified doctor for advice.

Potential Uses of Jatamansi Due to Nootropic Activity:  

The ethanolic extract of jatamansi was studied in a mice model for its potential to enhance memory and learning and reversed amnesia. This may indicate that, jatamansi might have some effect on restoring memory and that it may help with dementia.  However the studies are insufficient to indicate the exact effect of jatamansi on humans.

Also Read: 5 Ayurvedic Herbs for Hair Growth

Potential Uses of Jatamansi Due to Antioxidant & Stress-relieving Activity:  

The hydro-ethanolic extract of jatamansi was evaluated for its anti-stress effect in due to its antioxidant property in a rat model. This may indicate about the potential anti-stress property of jatamansi.  However, more studies would be needed to understand to what extent it may be be helpful for humans.

Potential Uses of Jatamansi Due to Anticataleptic Activity:  

The hydro-ethanolic extract from the root of jatamansi was evaluated for its antioxidant and anticataleptic (i.e. against a state of marked loss of voluntary motion in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed) activity in a rat model. A significant drop in the cataleptic scores was observed with jatamansi in a study.¹  We need to consult a doctor for proper prescription in catalepsy related problem and never try to self medicates with the help of any herb.

Potential Uses of Jatamansi Due for Oral Health:  

Periodontitis (inflammation of the tissue around the teeth) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused due to bacteria in dental plaque. The bacteria attack the periodontal tissue (composed of the periodontal ligament, gums, and alveolar bone) and damage it.

Some studies suggest that jatamansi might be effective for the management of periodontitis.⁴  However, you must contact a dentist for peridontitis.

Also Read: How to Stop Receding Hairline: Research-Based Prevention Strategies

Other Potential Uses of Jatamanasi

• In another study the extract of the rhizome of jatamansi exhibited antihyperglycemic activity in a rat model.¹   
• The extract of the roots of jatamansi exhibited a significant increase in the seizure threshold in a study on animal model.¹
• Jatamansi significantly was studied to have potential to increase locomotor activity and muscular coordination in a rat model.¹
• The extract of jatamansi significantly prevented the lipid status with the activities of the lipid metabolizing enzymes in a rat model.¹     
• Jatamansi was studied for its hair growth properties, and the results may show potential of the plant in promoting hair growth activity.¹

Though there are studies that show the benefits of herb in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of herb on human health.  

Also Read: Chironji – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

How to Use Jatamansi? 

Jatamansi can be used in the following ways: 

• Jatamansi may be used in powder form or decoction.⁵
• Jatamansi oil may be applied to hair as it is beneficial for smooth, healthy and silky hair.²  

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Side Effects of Jatamansi:  

There are no major study that reports any side effects of jatamansi, but every herb may react differently in individuals. More research is required to state the side effects of neem. However, we must consult the doctor before using the jatamansi for its benefits. Kindly do not self-medicate, alter, replace or discontinue any treatment by yourself.

Precautions to Take with Jatamansi

General precautions must be followed if we wish to consume jatamansi. Moreover, it must be prescribed by an Ayurvedic doctor who will understand your conditions and will be able to guide you in the best possible way about dosage and form.

Pregnant women must use jatamansi products with caution, and they should consult their doctor before consuming it in any form.

Also, before using jatamansi for children, the elderly and breastfeeding moms, please consult your Ayurvedic physician.

Read: Nutmeg – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Interactions with Other Drugs:

There is a lack of studies regarding the interactions of jatamansi with other drugs. Therefore, there is a need for more research on this subject. However, you should consult a doctor before using jatamansi along with other drugs. You should make sure to disclose all the current medication being used.

Frequently Asked Questions:  

Also Read: Cranberries – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

References: 

1. Sahu R, Dhongade HJ, Pandey A, Sahu P. Medicinal Properties of Nardostachys jatamansi ( A Review ) 2016. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/ojc/320211. 
2. Nakoti SS, Juyal D, Josh AK. A review on pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of a plant Nardostachys Jatamansi 2017;6:936–41. 
3. Bhatt M, Kothiyal P. A review article on phytochemistry and pharmacological profiles of Nardostachys jatamansi DC-medicinal herb 2015;3:102–6. 
4. Wen J, Liu L, Li J, He Y. A review of nardosinone for pharmacological activities. Eur J Pharmacol 2021;908:174343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174343. 
5. Health MOF, Welfare F. THE AYURVEDIC PHARMACOPOEIA n.d. 

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