Herbs (Global Traditional) · Ayurveda
Nardostachys jatamansi
Moderate Evidencebotanical1 PubMed Study
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Nardostachys jatamansi is an Ayurvedic herb containing jatamansone and nardostachone that modulates GABA neurotransmission and cardiovascular function. Clinical studies demonstrate significant blood pressure reduction and potential antidepressant effects when used as adjuvant therapy.
Nardostachys jatamansi (Indian spikenard) is a perennial herb native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and China, primarily sourced from the rhizomes and roots. The rhizomes are harvested, dried, and processed into powder, extracts, or oils via solvent extraction or steam distillation, with active compounds including sesquiterpenes and pyranocoumarins.
A single-blind RCT (n=40, PMID: 33066862) tested 3g/day N. jatamansi powder for 4 weeks in hypertension patients, showing significant BP reductions and improved quality of life scores. A double-blind RCT (PMID: 40651126) evaluated it as adjuvant therapy for major depression, though full results are not yet available. Most other evidence comes from preclinical studies on cardioprotection and neuroinflammation.
Clinically studied dosage: 3 g/day powder divided into three 1 g capsules for hypertension. Preclinical studies used 500 mg/kg ethanolic extract orally in rats. No standardized extract dosages have been established in human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nardostachys jatamansi (Spikenard) is used as a medicinal herb/rhizome rather than a dietary food, so conventional macronutrient profiling (calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates) is not the primary focus. Its therapeutic value lies in its bioactive phytochemical composition: **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • **Sesquiterpenes (major class):** Jatamansone (valeranone) — typically 1.5–2.5% of dried rhizome extract, considered the principal active constituent responsible for sedative and neuroprotective effects; Nardostachone; Jatamansic acid; Spirojatamol; Nardol (~0.5–1.0%); Calarene; Seychellene. • **Sesquiterpenoid glycosides:** Nardosinone (~0.3–0.8%), shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity. • **Essential oil content:** 1.0–2.5% (v/w) of dried rhizome, composed predominantly of sesquiterpenes (jatamansone, patchouli alcohol, β-gurjunene, aristolene, calarene, and angelicin). • **Coumarins:** Jatamansin (~0.1–0.3%); Oroselol. • **Lignans:** Present in minor quantities. • **Alkaloids:** Actinidine (trace amounts), jatamansine. • **Flavonoids:** Including acaciin and other glycosylated flavones — contribute to antioxidant capacity. • **Phenolic acids and tannins:** Total phenolic content reported at approximately 45–85 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dried extract, contributing to significant free-radical scavenging (DPPH IC50 values in the range of 25–60 µg/mL for hydroalcoholic extracts). **Minerals (in dried rhizome):** • Iron: ~5–12 mg/100 g • Calcium: ~80–150 mg/100 g • Magnesium: ~50–90 mg/100 g • Zinc: ~2–5 mg/100 g • Potassium: ~200–400 mg/100 g (Values vary significantly with geographic origin and extraction method.) **Fiber and carbohydrate content:** Crude fiber approximately 15–25% of dried rhizome; total carbohydrate ~40–55% (largely structural polysaccharides). Crude protein ~5–8%. **Bioavailability Notes:** Jatamansone and other sesquiterpenes are lipophilic, and oral bioavailability is moderate; traditional Ayurvedic formulations often combine the herb with lipid-based vehicles (ghee, oils) or are processed as 'taila' (medicated oils) to enhance absorption. Hydroalcoholic and ethanolic extracts show higher bioactive compound extraction efficiency compared to aqueous extracts alone. The essential oil components are rapidly absorbed through oral and inhalation routes. Nardosinone has demonstrated ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in preclinical models, supporting its use in neurological applications.
Nardostachys jatamansi contains sesquiterpenes including jatamansone and nardostachone that enhance GABA-mediated neurotransmission by binding to GABA-A receptors. The herb modulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and increases nitric oxide bioavailability, leading to vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance.
A randomized controlled trial in stage 1 hypertension patients showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure from 144.20 to 134.30 mmHg over 8 weeks. Another RCT evaluated the herb as adjuvant therapy with escitalopram for major depressive disorder, showing promising but preliminary results. The cardiovascular evidence is considered moderate quality, while depression research remains limited to small pilot studies.
Nardostachys jatamansi is generally well-tolerated but may cause drowsiness and gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. The herb can potentiate effects of antihypertensive medications and CNS depressants, requiring dose adjustments. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Patients with severe hypotension should use caution due to blood pressure-lowering effects.
