Nardostachys jatamansi Information and applications....

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   Basic Botanical Info of Nardostachys:
 

 Nardostachys jatamansi,Gan Song
 English Name: Muskroot, Indian Spikenard
 Family: Valerianaceae
 Common Names in China:Gan Song(fromBen Cao Gang Mu),Xiang Song(fromZhong Yao Zhi).
 Botanical Source:Dry Rhizoma of Valerianaceae plant Nardostachys chinensis Batal;or Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don)DC.
 Plant Parts Used : Rhizomes, Roots
 Collection:Dig out in spring or autumn,get rid off soil and waste,dry in the sun or in shade.
 Habitat:Mainly output from provinces of China,Sichuan,Qing Hai,Gan Su,Xi Zang,etc.Song Pan,Li Xian,Nan Ping and Mian Yang of Si Chuan province is the major area of Gan Song in China.
 Other Common Name : Jatamansi,Spilcenard,Nardostachys jatamansi,Ammonii chloridum,Musk root,Indian Spikenard,Indian Nard,Bhutajata,Tapasvini

 Other Names: Muskroot; Indian Spikenard, Jatamanshi, Jatamashi, Balchar,Achte Narde, Balacharea, Balchir, Bhut-jatt, Bhytajata, Duk, Jaramanshi, Jatamamshi, Jatamanchi, Jatamansi, Jatamashi, Jatamasi, Jatamavshi, Jatamavashi, Jatamsi, Jeta-manchi, Kuki-lipot, Narde Indike, Nard Indien, Sambul-u-'l hind, Sumbula- theeb, Sunbuluttib, Tapaswini

 

 Basic Botanical Info of Nardostachys:
 Plant Description: Nardostachys chinensis Batal and Nardostachys jatamansi DC.
 Characteristics and Constituents Phytochemicals:
 Actions,Uses and Administrations:
 Pharmacological Properties of Nardostachys Root:
 Indication and Applications:
 History and Ancient China Classicals:
 Research Update:Nardostachys chinensis Batal and Nardostachys jatamansi DC

 

   Plant Description: Nardostachys chinensis Batal and Nardostachys jatamansi DC.

 A tender aromatic herb with a pungent rhizome root.
 The much - branched stem grows from 3 to 6 feet high. Very large leaves, consisting of thin oval heart -shaped, double saw-toothed leaflets. Transverse section of root shows thick bark, several zones containing oil.

 Since ancient times, Jatamansi has been used as a perfume and medicine.China and India physicians have long prescribed it as a nervine tonic, carminative, and aromatic addition to medicinal oils and ghees. In TCM and Ayurvedic medicine systems this herb is sometimes called, divine plant and is used to counteract the effects of day-to-day stress. Traditionally, it has been used as an air purifier as well. The active constituent in Jatamansi is jatamansone. This herb has analgesic and stimulant properties. The oil has anti-arrhythmic and hypotensive qualities.

 This is True Spikenard, the Biblical Spikenard, a strong sedative related to Valerian. Traditionally used China and India for relaxing mental stimulation, promoting sleep and calming the mind. Used as an infusion, a tea, or as a thick boiled decoction. In India the roots are a well know tranquilizer and may be used alone or along with Valeriana jatamansi (V. wallichi). An infusion of the root is given in hysteria, palpitation of heart, menopause, and various nervous diseases - ammonia, camphor, or cinammon (Cinnamomum verum) may be added to the infusion (tea). A thick boiled decoction of the root is just that much more powerful. For the treatment of indigestion, a compound preparation consisting of cinnamon, fennel (Foeniculun vulgare), ginger (Zingiber officinalie) and sugar in addition to jatamansi is used. The essential oil from the rhizome is used in perfumery and has a tranquilizing effect when massaged on head or burned as incense.
 

  1.Nardostachys chinensis Batal: Perennial herbs, high 20 to 35 cm. Whole plant have strong resin-like aroma.Leaf number less and number 6 to 9 every bundle,leaf shape narrow line needle like,long 6 to 20 cm,wide 4 to 10 mm,round top edge,the central gradually narrow slightly below - into petiole,base expand as to sheath,full edge,green top surface,light green back surface,3 main leaf pulses stretching out,growing out leaves 2 to 4 pairs,needle like,top side growing out 1 to 2 pairs leaves,short and small.Poly was close round-headed umbrella-shaped inflorescence,involucre two long oval shape,Bracteole 2, very small;calyx 5 crack, small gear;pollen red;corolla tube-shaped,tip 5 bifida,base of partial stretching;stamen 4, extending out from Corolla;ovary lower positions,style slender,extending out of corolla,stigma funnel-shaped.Achene fruit inverted oval, about 3 mm long,Flowering period August.
 

  2.Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don)DC.: Root and rhizoma surfaced by leaf sheath fiber;numerous clustered leaves inverted spoon-shaped or linear lanceolate,as long as 25 cm and width 2.5 cm, gradually narrow to petiole base;the lower stem leaves inverted from ovate to elliptic,leaf base turn to petiole,upper leaf no stalks.Inflorescence spindle axis and back elongation not obvious. Fruit Hair. Florescence June to August.


   Characteristics and Constituents Phytochemicals:

  Herb Identification.: The Commodities slightly conical, multi-bending, long 5 to 18 cm. Rhizome short, top stem and leaf residues, a narrow flake or fibrous,brown outer layer, the inner layer brown or yellow. A single root or several node, branches tied, the diameter 0.3 to 1 cm, surface shrinkage,color sepia, fibrous roots. Quality crisp, easily broken and rough section, the skin part dark brown, layered, often fragmented into flakes, Kibe colored yellow and white.Smells specific,taste bitter and digoxin, cooling. The long, coarse roots,concentrated aroma better.

  Characteristics.: A pale yellow or amber - coloured liquid with a heavy, sweet-woody, spicy-animal odour, somewhat similar to valerian oil. It blends well with labdanum, lavender, oakmoss, patchouli, pine needle, vetiver and spice oils.
 Bornyl acetate, isobornyl valerianate, borneol, patchouli alcohol, terpinyl valerianate, terpineol, eugenol and pinenes, among others.
 Volatile oil, resin, tannin, etc.
 

  1.Nardostachys chinensis Batal: Root and Rhizoma of Nardostachys chinensis Batal contains phytochemicals following:Nardosinone;Valeranone(Jatamanson);1(10)-Aristolene;9-Aristolene;Maaliol;Beta-Maaliene;1(10)-Aristolen-2-one;Nardostachone(1,8,9,10-Teradehydroaristolan-2-one;C15H20O);Dibelon(9-Hydroxy-delta1(10)-Aristolen-2-one];9-Aristolen-1-alpha-ol;1,2,9,10-Tetradehydroaristolane.

  2.Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don)DC.: Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don)DC. root rhizoma contains phytochemicals following:Aristolene;beta-Maaliene;Calarene;Calarenol;Valeranone(Jatamanson);Valeranol;Nardol;Seychellene;Seychellane.

 

   Actions,Uses and Administrations:

  Medicinal Properties:

 Aromatic, antispasmodic, carminative, deobstruent, digestive stimulant, diuretic, emmenagogue, nervine, reproductive, tonic
 Anti - inflammatory, antipyretic, bactericidal, deodorant, fungicidal, laxative, sedative, tonic.
 Convulsions,digestive diseases,epilepsy,flatulence,gastric disorders,heart palpitations,jaundice,kidney stones,respiratory diseases,skin conditions,typhoid,seminal debility
 Stimulant, diaphoretic, alterative for syphilitic, cutaneous and rheumatic cases, and used in same manner and dosage as genuine Sarsaparilla also for pulmonary affections.

 Jatamansone semicarbazone, a sesquiterpene ketone, was found to possess antioestrogenic activity. When given alone it is also manifested by its oestrogen-antagonising action on the uterus of mice at an oral dose of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. The volatile oil was found to be loss active than quinidine in several tests. Also it did not counteract digitalis induced ventricular arrhythmias. This drug has been experimentally shown to possess a tranquilizing and hypotensive activity in dogs and also induced hypotension in rats. The rhizome is used in ayurveda for the treatment of hysteria and other neurological disorders. It is very interesting to note that in conditions of insomnia and restlessness this drug was used by Sushruta to produce tranquility and sedation. it promotes the growth and blackness of hair. Infusion prepared from the fresh roots is employed in the treatment of spasmodic hysterical states, palpitations and tension headache. It is also said to be useful in menopausal disturbances. Clinical trials were carried out with jatamansone in essential hypertension. Jatamansone has been used in febrile delirium and also in delirium tremens. In dysmenorrhoea, it is used for pain relief and a smooth menstrual flow.

 

  Dosage Information: Jatamansi comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For best results, read and follow product label directions.

  Safety & Interaction Information:

 Jatamansi is generally regarded as safe when taken in the recommended doses; however, it is best to consult with a physician for use of Jatamansi essential oil internally. If you are pregnant, nursing, epileptic, have liver or kidney damage, or have cancer, do not use this or any essential oil without the guidance of a qualified physician.

 No side effects have been noted so far.According to Ayurveda, herbs are taken in combination with other herbs to neutralize the toxicity of one herb with the opposing effect of the other or to enhance the particular effect of one herb with the help of other.

  Acute Toxicity: LD(50) of Jatamansone was found to be 80.3 mg/kg while in the case of quinidine it is 55 mg/kg. This shows that intravenous toxicity in mice in the case of Jatamansone is less than that with quinidine. Large doses of Jatamansone can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
 

 

   Pharmacological Properties of Nardostachys Root:

  Central sedation: Nardostachys Root release similar sedative effects on mice and rabbits as Valerian root plays, toxicity stronger than valerian root. Wide-leaf Nardostachys Root volatile substances release similar sedative effects, and brings certain stability; its organic solvent extract works sedative and boost higher pressure on mice, rats, cats by oral administration or intraperitoneal injection; ethanol extracts release the highest effect, large dose of ethanol extracts release toxic effects,between scope of 1.5 to 3.75 g / kg can be lethal. Antagonism of Valeranone for largest electric shock stronger than Sodium Phenytoin and wide leaf Nardostachys volatile oil, but no protection effects on Pentetrazole induced shock. Adnministrated Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don)DC extract to mice, rats, cats by oral or intraperitoneal injection administration proved sedative effects released; antihypertensive effect proved on rats, cats. Its volatile oil shows obvious antihypertensive effect to dogs by intravenous injection. Volatile oil also releases antibacterial, spasmolysis effects.

  Anti-arrhythmia: Valeranone releases effects of anti-arrhythmia, and is relatively safe. the Rhythm of Ectopic Room(coronary artery ligation after two non-narcotic dogs) inhibited stronger than quinidine and Nardostachys volatile oil; in the injury of atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation Aconitum the alkaline inhibition, same as quinidine.Nardostachys jatamansi root volatile oil plays on various heart specimens,extending anti-depression period, conduction slower, weaker than quinidine; in the intravenous injection in mice with acute toxicity test,smaller than quinidine. For the digitalis-induced ventricular arrhythmia, no protective effect.

  Effects on smooth muscle: histamine injection to guinea pigs before and after,application of Nardostachys jatamansi brings bronchiectasis. Alcohol extract plays as histamine antagonist, 5 - serotonin and acetylcholine role of smooth muscle in vitro organ (small intestine, large intestine, uterus, bronchial),antagonize barium chloride-induced spasm, so the there are a direct effects on smooth muscle. Clinical application to treatment of asthma, cough, though, abdominal pain, and other cases possiblely associated with this.

  Other Effects: Nardostachys jatamansi volatile oil have weak anti-bacterial, Antispasmodic and no local irritation on the skin, mucous membrane.

 

   Indication and Applications:

  Applications Scope: Complexion, strength, kidney stones, jaundice, removes blood impurities, spasmodic hysteria and other nervous convulsive ailments; heart palpitations, nervous headache, flatulence, epilepsy, convulsions, respiratory and digestive diseases, skin conditions, typhoid, gastric disorders, seminal debility.

  Promote awareness and calm the mind: Jatamansi has the power to promote awareness and calm the mind. it is a very useful herb for palpitation, tension, headaches, restlessness and is used for promoting awareness and strengthening the mind. It aids in balancing the body of all three Ayurvedic doshas. This herb's sedative properties increase awareness, as opposed to valerian that dulls the mind.

  Memory enhancer: Today in Ayurvedic medicine, Jatamansi is used for treating insomnia, mental instability, and is used as a memory enhancer. As an herbal CNS (Central Nervous System) drug, it is used for epilepsy, hysteria, and convulsions. Due to its anti-arrhythmic activity, Jatamansi is being tested for its effectiveness in treating auricular flutter. The oil is said to promote hair growth and helps it maintain its color as well. It is believed that the active constituent, jatamansone, can reduce hyperactivity, restlessness, and aggressiveness in hyperactive children.

  Nervous and spasmodic symptoms: Nardostachys, which is native to the Himalayan foothills at high altitude, is used extensively in the TCM and the Ayurvedic tradition. In fact, this herb widely spread from south west China to North India areas, including the Western Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan (in the mountain regions) and north Indian. Nardostachys was recommended in the Ayurvedic tradition for nervous and spasmodic symptoms, such as heart palpitations, headache, shaking, and convulsions. The active constituents of nardostachys are similar to those found in valerian. In India, modern research with the herb has been aimed at examining new uses rather than the traditional ones: it is being examined for its liver protective effects, ability to increase nerve growth factor, and lipid lowering effects. Some interest in this herb as an alternative to valerian has been shown, in that preliminary experiments (in laboratory animals) show that it has an even lower toxicity than valerian (which already has low toxicity).
 

  Analgesic herb: In China, Nardostachys chinensis, as well as N. jatamansi, is widely used as an analgesic herb. Its Chinese name is gansong or gansongxiang (gan = dry; song refers to the location where it was originally collected, Songban in Sichuan Province; xiang = fragrant); presumably, the fresh herb was used in folk medicine, and it is the dried herb (gan) that is incorporated into the Materia Medica as an item on the herb markets. According to Oriental Materia Medica, it is traditionally used for treating pain in the chest and abdomen that results from qi stagnation associated with internal cold. The herb is warm and regulates qi, having a quality similar to some other fragrant herbs, such as cyperus (xiangfu), saussurea (muxiang), sandalwood (tanxiang), and aquilaria (chenxiang), which have similar applications in treating pain.

  Mental health: Musk Root is in the same botanical family as Valerian, a relaxing plant with established effectiveness in promoting mental health. Traditional practitioners include Musk Root in their formulations to address anxiety. It has been shown effective in helping maintain a restful sleep and in coping with many menopausal symptoms.

  Hair and Skin Benefit: Jatamansi is a useful hair tonic and is commonly used in hair oils, promoting hair growth and lustre. It is also used in oils and pastes that improve complexion and general health of the skin.

  Oil Extraction Process: Essential oil by steam distillation from the dried and crushed rhizome and roots.

  Ethenomedicinal Practice: It was one of the early aromatics used by the ancient Egyptians. It was also a herb known to Dioscorides as 'warming and drying', good for nausea, flatulent indigestion, menstrual problems, inflammations and conjunctivitis.

 The famous aromatic root, nard, was known in ancient times as an ingredient in ointments, and is believed to be the same as the Indian nardostachys, N. jatamansi which has been renamed Nardostachys grandiflora. There is also a Valeriana jatamansi that is similar to nardostachys and used as a substitute. The species name jatamansi is adopted directly from the original Sanskrit name of the herb. The biblical nard was a costly aromatic ointment, preserved in alabaster boxes. Unlike valerian, which has an odor that is often described as unpleasant (sometimes likened to dirty socks), the nardostachys fragrance is considered attractive and similar to expensive musk. Its oil is used in perfumery (especially to fragrance women's hair); the herb is also used in bathwater and it is a major ingredient in incense. In India, it is used in making many massage oils and is said to be useful for many diseases, especially beneficial as a sedative and to treat disorders of the digestive and respiratory systems. In Pakistan it is included in several remedies for hemiplegia, Bell's palsy, and Parkinson's disease.


   History and Ancient China Classicals:
 

  Literature Origin and Character Note:

 This spice in China registered as early as in the book Ben Cao Shi Yi,later books such as Hai Nan Ben Cao and Kai Bao Ben Cao,Zheng Lei Ben Cao noted:"Tu Jing ever noted,this herb available from today's Shu Zhou Jun(refer to Gui Zhou and Si Chuan province of today's China) and Liao Zhou (Xi Yang town of Shan Xi Province today). widely spread on mountain hillside and fields, slim as grass.";Ben Cao Gang Mu noted:"this herb origins from Song Zhou of Chuan Xi(Today's Song Pan town of Si Chuan province),taste sweet(Gan),thus got its name Gan Song"..."Gan Song smells fragrant and release property to inhibit depression,add some in recipes for spleen cure,evoke up spleen activity obviously." Gan Song material available on market today majorly from Song Pan and Li Xian town of Si Chuan province.

 Taste sweet and warm,smooth Qi and stop pain,anti depression and evokespleen.Majorly applies to treatment of stomach pain,Vomiting, loss of appetite,Toothache,foot swelling.Dosage 2.5~4.5 grams for oral taken, peoper for external use,mouthwash or feetwash with decoction.

 Kai Bao Ben Cao noted:"Sweet,warm,no poison";Tang Ye Ben Cao noted:"Smooth Qi".;Ben Cao Cong Xin noted:"hot sweet,warm".;Zhong Cao Yao Xue(Jiang Xi) noted:"sweet,warm,small poison."

 Ben Cao Hui Yan noted:"enter into Tai Yin,warm Ming Jing(inner organs).";Ben Cao Cong Xin noted:"enter heart and spleen."

 Smooth Qi and stop pain,evoke spleen and benefit stomach.Treat stomach ache,headache,beriberi.As noted from classicals,Ben Cao Shi Yi noted,this herb "main for dark skin,mental problems and toothache,Pheasant Hemorrhoids,etc.";Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao noted,"treat heart and stomach bulging,smooth Qi.";Kai Bao Ben Cao noted,"main for evil Qi,good for heart and stomach pain and bulging.";Herbalist Wang HaoGu noted,"Adjust Yuan Qi,drive away Qi stagnation and depression.";Gang Mu noted,"treat beriberi and wash it cure.";Xian Dai Shi Yong Zhong Yao(Modern TCM of Pragmatism) noted,"fit for treatment of headache,stomach,and spirit depression and other illness,kill roundworm and effective for roundworm induced convulsions.";Ben Cao Shi Yi noted,"Good benefit once combined with Bai Zhi and Fu Zi";Ben Cao Cong Xin noted,"Aroma and fragrant smells,forbidden for weaks."
 

  Ancient Formulas:

  Treat various stomach pain: Combines Gan Song,Mu Xiang, Hou Pu.decoction and drink. (Si Chuan Zhong Yao Zhi)

  Treat gastralgia stomachache: Gan Song,Xiang Fu,Chen Xiang combines,decoction and drink.(Si Chuan Zhong Yao Zhi)

  Treat Sputum Vertigo: take Ban Xia Qu,Tian Nan Xing 100 grams each,Gan Song 50 grams,Chen Ju Pi 75 grams,powdered,hot water decocted into pills,size as Wu Zi,take 20 pills daily,with ginger soup,after meals.(Ji Feng Pu Ji Fang)

  Treat spirital problems,mental weakness,stomach convulsions: Gan Song 6 Qian(30 grams),Guang Pi 1 and half Qian(7.5 grams).Water 500 ml,boil in hot water 3 hours(make boiling every half hour),divide into 12 dose,take 6 times daily.(Zhong Cao Yao Xue Jiang Xi)

  Treat kidney weak and toothache: Gan Song,Liu Huang equal share.powdered,boiling long hours,mouth wash.(Pu Ji Fang)

  Treat beriberi,drive away poison: Gan Song,He Ye Xin,Gao Ben,decoction in hot water,wash feet.(Pu Ji FangGan Song Soup)


  Scientific References:

  1.Nardostachys jatamansi Information and applications....