Nardostachys jatamansi (D.don) DC: A wonder herb of alpine region of Himalayas

Nardostachys jatamansi is a small, herbaceous, perennial, rhizomatous plant of family Valerianacae. Jatamansi is an endangered and most primitive alpine species having high medicinal value and high demand in Indian herbal market. The rhizomes and the root fibres contain several sesquiterpenes and coumarins including recently identified (-)-naringenin 4’, 7-dimethyl ether and rupesin-F, having great potential as cardio-protective and neuro-protective, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anticancer, pain-relieving, anti-Parkinson’s, anti-depressant, nootropic, anti-cataleptic and anti-microbial values. A few simple micropropagation protocols have been developed for vegetative multiplication of N. jatamansi using petiole, rhizome shoot-buds and nodal explants with high viability success. The commercial cultivation techniques have shown a restricted success because of the fact that N. jatamansi is an herb endemic to the alpine region and its cultivation at 1800 m asl has shown complete mortality. Therefore, the natural habitats of N. jatamansi are required to be protected so that they may flourish luxuriantly in the region. Besides being the main ingredient of several ayurvedic formulations, several commercial products of N. jatamansi are also available in the market with high demand for using in different health related problems.