Natural Compound

Jatamansi

Nardostachys Jatamansi

Evidence TierCWADA NOT PROHIBITED

tuneTypical Dose

250-500 mg root extract daily

watchEffect Window

Acute for sedation. 2-4 weeks for anxiety reduction.

check_circleCompliance

WADA NOT PROHIBITED

Overview

Clinical Summary

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) is a traditional root used for calming and sleep. It is used for anxiety-related symptoms and stress-associated insomnia, with limited modern clinical evidence.

Evidence is mostly preclinical, with limited human studies suggesting anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects through GABAergic and antioxidant mechanisms. Traditional use aligns with reduced stress-related symptoms and improved sleep continuity. Minority research explores neuroprotective and cognitive effects in animal models. Human clinical support remains sparse and products vary, so benefits are uncertain.

Jatamansi enhances GABAergic signaling in the brain, acting as a mild CNS depressant with additional antioxidant properties from jatamansone.

Outcomes

What This Is Expected To Influence

Primary Outcomes

  • Preclinical anxiolytic and sedative effects via GABAergic modulation.

Secondary Outcomes

  • Neuroprotective antioxidant activity (jatamansone).
  • Traditional Ayurvedic use for relaxation and sleep.

Safety

Contraindications and Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy/lactation (insufficient data)
  • Active sedative use without clinician awareness
  • Concurrent SSRI/SNRI/MAOI therapy without clinician review

Side effects

  • Mild GI upset
  • Drowsiness
  • Vivid dreams at higher doses

Interactions

  • CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol)
  • Sedative herbs (valerian, kava)
  • Serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, MAOIs), theoretical serotonin-syndrome risk

Avoid if

  • Operating heavy machinery after dosing
  • Multiple sedative medications without clinician oversight
  • Serotonergic medication use without clinician clearance

Evidence

Study-level References

jatamansi-SRC-001Preclinical (animal model)
Sourceopen_in_new

Lyle N, et al. *Stress modulating properties of Nardostachys jatamansi.* J Ethnopharmacol. 2009.

Population: Rodent stress/anxiety models

Dose protocol: Standardized extract, acute and repeated dosing paradigms

Key findings: Anxiolytic and sedative effects demonstrated via GABAergic system modulation. Reduced stress-induced behavioral and biochemical markers.

Notes: Animal model only. Human extrapolation uncertain.

Paper content

Anxiolytic and sedative effects demonstrated via GABAergic system modulation; reduced stress-induced behavioral and biochemical markers.

jatamansi-SRC-002Preclinical (animal model)

Purnima, Bhatt M. *Anticonvulsant activity of Nardostachys jatamansi.* Indian J Pharmacol. 2010.

Population: Rodent seizure models

Dose protocol: Extract administration in standard anticonvulsant paradigms

Key findings: CNS-depressant and anticonvulsant properties supporting GABAergic mechanism of action.

Notes: Indirectly supports anxiolytic/sedative claims. Anticonvulsant endpoint is secondary to primary user job.

Paper content

CNS-depressant and anticonvulsant properties supporting GABAergic mechanism of action.

jatamansi-SRC-003Traditional use documentation

Traditional Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia references for Jatamansi (Charaka Samhita).

Population: Ayurvedic practice populations (historical)

Dose protocol: Traditional preparations (powder, decoction), not standardized

Key findings: Long historical record of use for relaxation, anxiety, insomnia, and mental clarity in Ayurvedic medicine.

Notes: No controlled methodology. Serves as ethnopharmacological context rather than clinical evidence.

Paper content

Long historical record of use for relaxation, anxiety, insomnia, and mental clarity in Ayurvedic medicine.

jatamansi-SRC-004Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Sourceopen_in_new

Bhat MDA, Malik SA. Efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC in essential hypertension: A randomized controlled study. Complement Ther Med. 2020;54:102532. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102532. PMID:33066862.

Population: Adults aged 35 to 70 years with stage 1 essential hypertension on up to 2 antihypertensive medications.

Dose protocol: 3 g/day N. jatamansi root capsules (1 g three times daily) for 4 weeks

Key findings: Significant reductions in SBP (144.2 to 134.3 mmHg) and DBP (94.9 to 83.1 mmHg) versus placebo. Quality of life also improved.

Notes: Small single-blind RCT (n=40). First controlled human evidence for jatamansi in a clinical endpoint.

Paper content

This single-blind placebo-controlled RCT tested 3 g/day of Nardostachys jatamansi root capsules for 4 weeks in 40 adults with stage 1 essential hypertension. The treatment group showed statistically significant reductions in both systolic (144.2 to 134.3 mmHg) and diastolic (94.9 to 83.1 mmHg) blood pressure compared to placebo, which showed no meaningful change. Quality of life scores improved in the treatment group. The trial is small and single-blind, limiting generalizability, but it provides the first controlled human evidence for a blood pressure-lowering effect of jatamansi.

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