NARDOSTACHYS JATAMANSI DC. POTENTIAL HERB WITH CNS EFFECTS

This paper is available online at www.jprhc.com Nardostachys jatamansi is classified as hypno-sedative in Ayurveda. It is used in treatment of insomnia, hysteria and depressive illness. The plant abounds in sesquiterpenes predominantly; jatamansone and nardostachone. The plant has demonstrated several pharmacological activities including hepatoprotective, cardio protective and hypolipidemic and antifungal. The significant effect is on the central nervous system, as diverse pharmacological actions, ranging from sedative to nootropic have been reported. Animal and clinical research with jatamansone, the active principle of the plant, has justified hypno-sedative claim of Ayurveda. The review summarizes, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations carried out on the plant