NARDOSTACHYS JATAMANSI DC. POTENTIAL HERB WITH CNS EFFECTS

Nardostachys jatamansi is classified as hypno-sedative in Ayurveda. It is used intreatment of insomnia, hysteria and depressive illness. The plant abounds insesquiterpenes predominantly; jatamansone and nardostachone. The plant hasdemonstrated several pharmacological activities including hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and hypolipidemic and antifungal. The significant effect is on the centralnervous system, as diverse pharmacological actions, ranging from sedative to nootropichave been reported. Animal and clinical research with jatamansone, the active principleof the plant, has justified hypno-sedative claim of Ayurveda. The review summarizes,phytochemical and pharmacological investigations carried out on the plant