Scientific Name Valeriana jatamansi Jones syn. V. wallichii DC.
Family Valerianaceae
Used Part Rhizome, roots.
Distribution Area A sligtly hairy, tufted herb, found in the
temperate Himalayas at an altitude of c. 3,000 m., and in the Khasi and Jaintia hills between 1,500 and 1,800 m.
Common Uses . Indian valerian dull yellowish brown pieces of rhizomes, 4-8 cm. long x 5-12 mm. thick, sub-cylindrical, somewhat flattened, taste bitter. The dried rhizomes are used in perfumes and hair preparations, and as incense, and to a lesser extent in medicine. Indian valerian is prescribed as a remedy for hysteria, hypochondriasis, nervous unrest and emotional troubles. It is also used as a carminative and forms an ingredient of a number of ayurvedic recipes. Powdered drug, mixed with sugar, is used in urinary troubles. A decoction of the drug is reported to be given in Nepal to mothers after parturition, probably as a sedative. In Garhwal, the leafy shoots are also medicinally used.
Similar crude drugs V. jatamansi is abundant in the western Himalayas, whereas V. hardwickii and V. officinalis are rather scarce. A survey in Pakistan showed that the drug is sometimes adulterated with other miscellaneous rhizomes up to the extent of 27 per cent. The rhizomes and roots of other Valeriana spp. and Veratrum spp. are employed as adulterants.
Pharmacological Effect The extract showed antibiotic activity against Micrococcus pyogenesvar. aureus and Entamoeba histolytica.Indian valerian is also used as an incense, in perfumery, and as an insect-repellent. An extract of the leaves was tested on rats and found to have analgesic action.