# Nardostachys jatamansi

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/nardostachys-jatamansi
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Nardostachys jatamansi, Indian Spikenard, Spikenard, Jatamansi, Muskroot, Nardin, Bhutajata, Tapaswini

## Overview

Nardostachys jatamansi is an Ayurvedic herb containing jatamansone and nardostachone that modulates GABA neurotransmission and cardiovascular function. Clinical studies demonstrate significant [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reduction and potential antidepressant effects when used as adjuvant therapy.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health): Clinical trial showed significant reductions in systolic BP (144.20 to 134.30 mmHg) and diastolic BP in stage 1 hypertension patients (moderate evidence)
• May support depression treatment: Evaluated as adjuvant to escitalopram for major depressive disorder in RCT, though full results pending (preliminary evidence)
• Protects against neuro[inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation): Preclinical studies show suppression of inflammatory factors in microglia and protection of [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)rgic neurons (animal evidence)
• Cardioprotective effects: Demonstrated protection against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury in animal models at 500 mg/kg (preclinical evidence)
• Potential [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) support: Compounds inhibit AChE and GSK3β, targets relevant to Alzheimer's disease (computational evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

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.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial in stage 1 hypertension patients showed significant reductions in systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) 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.

## Nutritional Profile

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 effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s; Nardostachone; Jatamansic acid; Spirojatamol; Nardol (~0.5–1.0%); Calarene; Seychellene. • **Sesquiterpenoid glycosides:** Nardosinone (~0.3–0.8%), shown to have [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) 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](/ingredients/condition/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.

## Dosage & Preparation

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.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

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](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)-lowering effects.

## Scientific Research

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 neuro[inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation).

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Ayurveda, jatamansi rhizomes serve as a bitter tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic, and treatment for epilepsy, with centuries of use in Himalayan ethnomedicine. It is traditionally employed as a medhya (brain tonic) for neurological disorders and used in Unani medicine for hypertension.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Gotu Kola, Rhodiola, Hawthorn

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of Nardostachys jatamansi for blood pressure?

Clinical studies used 500mg twice daily of standardized extract for 8 weeks to achieve significant blood pressure reductions. This dosage reduced systolic BP by approximately 10 mmHg in stage 1 hypertension patients.

### Can Nardostachys jatamansi be taken with blood pressure medications?

The herb may enhance antihypertensive drug effects, potentially causing excessive blood pressure drops. Patients should consult healthcare providers for possible medication dose adjustments and regular BP monitoring.

### What are the active compounds in Nardostachys jatamansi?

The primary bioactive compounds are sesquiterpenes including jatamansone, nardostachone, and valeranone. These compounds are responsible for the herb's GABA-modulating and cardiovascular effects.

### How long does it take for Nardostachys jatamansi to work for anxiety?

Traditional use suggests calming effects within 1-2 hours of consumption. However, clinical evidence for anxiety treatment is limited, with most studies focusing on cardiovascular and depression applications.

### Is Nardostachys jatamansi the same as valerian?

While both herbs belong to the Valerianaceae family and share some compounds like valeranone, they are different species. Nardostachys jatamansi is specifically the Himalayan spikenard with distinct sesquiterpene profiles.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Nardostachys jatamansi, and how does preparation method affect its effectiveness?

Nardostachys jatamansi is traditionally used as a rhizome extract or powder, with standardized extracts typically showing better bioavailability than whole plant material due to concentration of active compounds like jatamansone and valerenol. Aqueous decoctions and alcoholic extracts are the most common preparation methods in clinical research, though standardized extracts may offer more consistent dosing and efficacy compared to raw powder forms.

### Who should avoid Nardostachys jatamansi, and are there specific populations that should not use it?

Safety data in pregnant and nursing women is limited, so use should be avoided or discussed with a healthcare provider during these periods. While generally well-tolerated, individuals with existing low blood pressure or those on sedating medications should exercise caution and consult a practitioner, as the herb may potentiate hypotensive and sedative effects.

### What does current clinical research show about Nardostachys jatamansi's effectiveness for depression compared to its use for anxiety and hypertension?

Evidence for blood pressure reduction is moderate, based on clinical trials showing measurable systolic and diastolic improvements in stage 1 hypertension patients. Evidence for anxiety reduction is stronger with documented onset timeframes, while its use for depression remains preliminary and investigational as an adjuvant therapy, with full clinical trial results still pending.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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