Valeriana jatamansi
What's the taxonomical classification of Valeriana jatamansi?
Valeriana jatamansi belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Its taxonomic progression continues through the order Dipsacales and the family Caprifoliaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its specific genus, Valeriana, and its unique species designation, jatamansi.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Genus | Valeriana |
| Species | jatamansi |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Valeriana jatamansi has a perennial herbaceous rootstock that produces upright, branched stems reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters with oppositely arranged, pinnate leaves. The foliage consists of several pairs of leaflets that are lanceolate in shape and possess serrated margins. Small, tubular, five-lobed flowers emerge in dense, terminal clusters known as cymes, typically displaying a pale pink or white coloration. The plant's structure is characterized by its spreading habit and a robust root system that serves as the primary medicinal component. These morphological features distinguish it from other species within the Valerianaceae family.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the Indian subcontinent, specifically occurring across various regions of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and parts of China. It is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical climates where it thrives in specific ecological niches. The species typically inhabits moist, shady areas such as forest edges or along riverbanks. Local populations often grow in well-drained soils that provide the necessary moisture levels for its development. Its range is largely defined by these specific environmental requirements within its broad Asian distribution.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Valeriana jatamansi, requires well-drained, loamy soil and a cool, moist climate typically found at high altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 meters.
It thrives best in partially shaded areas where the moisture levels remain consistent but the roots do not sit in stagnant water. Cultivators often propagate this species through seeds or rhizome division during the early spring season. Proper management involves regular weeding and protecting the delicate root systems from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Once established, the plant is harvested for its medicinal rhizomes after several years of growth.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Valeriaana jatamansi is utilized medicinally through its radix, rhizoma, aerial part, leaf, and root. The underground components, specifically the radix and rhizoma, are highly valued for their concentrated chemical properties. Additionally, the root is frequently harvested for therapeutic applications in traditional medicine. Practitioners may also utilize the aerial part of the plant for various treatments. The leaf serves as another functional element in the medicinal preparation of this species.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", the Rhizome et Radix from Valerianae Jatamansi Jones is used medicinally. Fourteen batches of Valerianae Jatamansi Rhizoma et Radix were extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The GC-MS fingerprints of the essential oil obtained from these parts yielded 20 common peaks. Specific components such as P12 (vetivenol), P1 (bornyl acetate), P5 (seychellene), and P3 (β-elemene) indicated inhibition on microglial activation. These findings help establish a model for identifying bioactive ingredients in the plant.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix
- Rhizoma
- aerial part
- leaf
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Valeriana jatamansi, has been utilized for centuries in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat neurological disorders and calm the nervous system. In the Ayurvedic tradition, it is known as Jatamansi and is frequently prescribed to balance the doshas and alleviate mental stress. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine employ the root to sedate the spirit and clear heat from the heart. Historical applications often focus on its ability to manage insomnia, epilepsy, and emotional instability. These ancient systems rely on its potent sedative properties to restore psychological equilibrium in patients.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Valeriana jatamansi Jones is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. This traditional herb has been officially listed in the pharmacopoeia of sixteen countries. Its usage was first described in Diannan Bencao and it was used to treat indigestion, flu, and mental disorders in the Han, Achang, Bai, Blang, Dai, Jingpo, Naxi, and Wa ethnic groups. Historically, the plant has been utilized to treat various diseases, including infectious, inflammatory, neurological, and gastrointestinal disorders. More than 400 compounds have been identified in Valeriana jatamansi.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Valeriana jatamansi?
This plant has potent pharmacological activities including anxiolytic, sedative, antidepressant, and tranquilizer effects that primarily target the central nervous system. These properties make it a valuable natural resource for managing various psychological and neurological conditions. It is frequently utilized in therapeutic settings to alleviate symptoms of insomnia by promoting deeper and more restful sleep cycles. Furthermore, its ability to reduce mental tension allows it to function as a mild tranquilizer for patients experiencing high stress. The plant also demonstrates antidepressant qualities that can help stabilize mood fluctuations.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", the rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi Jones have been widely employed in southwestern China to treat diarrhoea, infections, and anxiety. Phytochemical investigations of the plant resulted in the identification of a novel olivetolic acid analog, jatamanine (1), alongside sixteen previously reported compounds (2-17). Specifically, compounds 1, 3, 12, 15, and 17 were identified as unreported constituents of this plant. Antimicrobial screening of compound 1 showed substantial inhibitory activity. This compound exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration values of 4 mg/L against both Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Furthermore, it showed 8 mg/L toward Bacillus subtilis and 16 mg/L against Staphylococcus aureus.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anxiolytic
- insomnia
- sedative
- tranquilizer
- antidepressant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse profile of bioactive medicinal compounds including valepotriates, valerenic acid, jatamaniins A-M, jatamansides A, and valtratrate. The presence of valepotriates and valerenic acid is particularly significant for the plant's sedative and anxiolytic properties. Additionally, the specific group of jatamaniins A-M contributes to its unique chemical signature. Jatamansides A further enhances the complex pharmacological profile of the species. These combined constituents work together to provide the therapeutic effects associated with the plant.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Valeeriana jatamansi Jones of the Family: Caprifoliaceae is a high value medicinal plant distributed in many countries of Asia. The species possesses important valepotriates and serves as a good source of flavones or flavone glycosides, lignans, sesquiterpenoids or sesquitepnenoid glycoside, bakkenolide type sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and terpinoids. This multipurpose herbaceous species is used for its insect repelling and antihelmethic properties. Additionally, the plant is reported to have sedative, neurotoxic, cytotoxic, antidepressant, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- valepotriates
- valerenic acid
- valtrate
- acevaltrate
- jatamaniins A-M
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating anxiety, insomnia, and various sleep disorders through its natural sedative properties. It acts on the central nervous system to promote a sense of calm and relaxation in the body. Many individuals rely on its ability to induce mild sedation to help them fall asleep more easily. By addressing the underlying tension associated with restlessness, it serves as a traditional remedy for managing daily stress. This botanical extract is widely recognized for its effectiveness in improving overall sleep quality.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", the rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi Jones have been widely employed in southwestern China to treat diarrhoea, infections, and anxiety. Phytochemical investigations of the plant resulted in the identification of a novel olivetolic acid analog, jatamanine (1), alongside 16 previously reported compounds (2-17). These identified compounds include beta-sitosterol (2), beta-sitostenone (3), deacylbaldrinal (4), 11-ethoxyviburtinal (5), baldrinal (6), jatamaniin A (7), 1,5-dihydroxy-3,8-epoxyvalechlorine A (8), chlorovaltrate A (9), desoxidodidrovaltrate (10), valeriananoid C (11), vanillin (12), vanillic acid (13), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (14), coniferaldehyde (15), scopoletin (16), and 3-methyl-2-(3-methyl-1-oxobutoxy)butanoic acid (17). Specifically, compound 1 exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration values of 4 mg/L against both Eschericnia coli and Candida albicans. Furthermore, the compound showed 8 mg/L toward Bacillus subtilis and 16 mg/L against Staphylococcus aureus.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- anxiety
- insomnia
- sedation
- sedative
- sleep disorders
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create various medicinal preparations including EtOH extract, Qiuxieling mixture, essential oil, and ethanolic extracts. The Qiuxieling mixture is a specific traditional formulation often utilized in clinical settings to address neurological symptoms. Researchers frequently utilize ethanolic extracts to isolate active compounds for pharmacological studies. The essential oil provides a concentrated source of volatile constituents that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties. These diverse forms of preparation allow for different methods of administration and varying levels of potency.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in pharmacology", the roots and rhizomes of Valeriaana jatamansi, known as Zhizhuxiang in Chinese, are used to treat abdominal distention and pain. Testing was performed on an EtOH extract at 0.01 mg/ml along with its EtOAc, n-BuOH, and H2O soluble parts at 0.01 mg/ml to evaluate inhibition of the Ca v2.2 peak current of 20 mv. The EtOAc-soluble part yielded 17 compounds, which were subjected to bioactive verification with compounds 1 and 3 at 10 μM and others at 30 μM. Compound 1 and the abundant compound 3 inhibited Ca v2.2 with an EC50 of 3.3 and 4.8 μM, respectively. These findings suggest that the ethnopharmacological use of Valeriaana jatamansi for abdominal pain may be mediated through the Ca v2.2 channel.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- EtOH extract
- Qiuxieling mixture
- essential oil
- ethanolic extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause neurotoxic reactions and significant neuronal problems in individuals who consume it. These adverse effects often manifest as psychological instability or neurosis. Users may also experience severe insomnia instead of the intended sedative benefits. Furthermore, the plant poses a risk of triggering epilepsy in susceptible people. These various neurological complications highlight the potential dangers of its chemical composition.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Valeriana jatamansi possesses several medicinal activities including sedative, neurotoxic, and cytotoxic properties. The species is also noted for its antidepressant, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities used in various ailments. These pharmacological properties are linked to its phytochemical composition, which includes valepotriates, flavones or flavone glycosides, lignans, and sesquiterpenoids or sesquitepeneoid glycosides. Additionally, the plant contains bakkenolid type sesquitepenoids, phenolic compounds, and terpinoids. This multipurpose herbaceous species is distributed in many countries of Asia.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- neurotoxic
- neuronal problems
- neurosis
- insomnia
- epilepsy
What herbs are paired with Valeriana jatamansi?
This plant is most commonly paired with valerian root, lavender, passionflower, and lemon balm to enhance its sedative and anxiolytic properties.
Combining valeriana jatamansi with these specific herbs creates a synergistic effect that targets the central nervous system more effectively than using the plant alone. Practitioners often blend it with calming botanicals like chamomile to mitigate potential side effects or to smooth out its physiological impact. These herbal combinations are frequently formulated into tinctures or tea blends designed to promote deep sleep and reduce acute stress.
The specific ratios used in these pairings often depend on whether the goal is mild relaxation or intense sedation.