Nardostachys jatamansi DC: Conservation, multiplication and policy issues

Nardostachys jatamansi has been emerged a major player in herbal supplements and medicines both in daily selfcare and in professionally managed health care system. The principal constituents of N. jatamansi are jatamansone, sesquiterpenoid, spirojatamol, patchouli alcohol, jatamol A and B, jatamansic acid, nardostachone, nardol and resin. All the parts of N. jatamansi are used as antiseptic, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antifungal, antidote, antiemetic, analgesic, anxiety and locally as “dhoop”. Despite the huge medicinal properties, religious importance and critically endangered status, N. jatamansi could not receive much attention regarding conservation and sustainable utilization, and limited studies have been done so far on development of propagation and regeneration protocols. As the survival of N. jatamansi species is in risk, the present article highlights the major causes of threats and conservation measures developed so far.