Sanskrit Name: जटामांसी (Jatamamsi)

Botanical name: Nardostachys jatamansi DC. 

Family: Carpifoliaceae

English name: Spikenard 

Malayalam name: ജടാമാംസി

Distribution: Small herb in Alpine Himalayas from 3,300 to 5000m

Part used: Root tubers

Properties: Digestive, carminative, brain tonic, immunomodulator, nootropic, sedative, anti-ageing, anti-stress, anti-convulsant and anti-depressant.

Useful in: Epilespy, Stress disorders, flatulence, mennorhea, insomnia, senile amnesia, sexual dysfunctions, memory loss, hyperactivity, neurological diseases.

Research Updates:

1. Ather S, Thakur K, Patil Y, Kirar A, Patil P, Singh S, Thakur M. In Vitroand In SilicoStudy of Nardostachys Jatamansi DC for Cognitive Impairment Related Conditions . Open Bioinform J, 2025; 18: e18750362371740. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0118750362371740250316120413
2. Panara, Kalpesh et al. “Central nervous system depressant activity of Jatamansi(Nardostachys jatamansiDC.) rhizome.” Ayu vol. 41,4 (2020): 250-254. doi:10.4103/ayu.AYU_251_20
3. Pandey, Madan Mohan et al. “An important Indian traditional drug of ayurveda jatamansi and its substitute bhootkeshi: chemical profiling and antioxidant activity.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 142517. doi:10.1155/2013/142517