Nardostachys Jatamansi DC Research Articles

Review on Pharmacological Action and Therapeutic Uses of Balchar (Nardostachys jatamansi DC): Unani Perspective

Nardostachys jatamansi DC, commonly referred to as 'Balchar', is a perennial herb within the Valerianaceae family, locally known as "Jatamansi" or "Sumbul-ut-teeb". This species is indigenous to the Himalayan Mountain range, with its habitat extending across China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, thriving at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 meters. The roots of Nardostachys jatamansi are utilized in traditional Unani medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including hepatitis, inflammation, and obstructions. The genus Nardostachys, particularly Nardostachys jatamansi, is rich in phytoconstituents such as actinidine, angelicin, jatamansin, jatamansone, and jatamansinol. Extensive pharmacological research has demonstrated the plant's antilithiatic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cognitive-enhancing, cardioprotective, hypolipidemic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antiandrogenic, and antibacterial properties. This review aims to elucidate the therapeutic applications of Nardostachys jatamansi, drawing on traditional Unani medicine and contemporary scientific investigations.

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the MAPK gene family in Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the MAPK gene family in Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC

The effects of Nardosinone on levodopa intervention in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

BackgroundThe roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. are reported to be useful for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous research has also shown that Nardosinone, the main active component isolated from Nardostachys jatamansi DC., exhibits the potential to treat PD. Aim of the studyTo investigate how the effects of Nardosinone could assist levodopa in the treatment of PD, how this process changes the intestinal flora, and to explore the effective forms of Nardosinone in the intestinal flora. Material and methodsWe used behavioral experiments, and hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining, to investigate the effects of a combination of Nardosinone and levodopa on rotenone-induced PD rats. In addition, we used LC/MS-MS to determine the levels of levodopa, 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine and its metabolite 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and homovanillic acid, to investigate the effect of the intestinal flora on co-administration in the treatment of PD. LC/MS-MS was also used to detect the metabolites of Nardosinone on the gastrointestinal tract and intestinal flora. ResultsThe behavioral disorders and neuronal damage associated with PD were significantly improved following the co-administration. Analysis also revealed that the co-administration increased the levels of five neurotransmitters in the striatum, plasma and feces. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that the levels of dopamine and levodopa were increased in the intestinal flora. In total, five metabolites of Nardosinone were identified. ConclusionOur findings indicate that Nardosinone and its metabolites might act as a potential adjutant to enhance the efficacy of levodopa via the intestinal flora, thus expanding the therapeutic potential of the combination of Chinese and Western medicine as a treatment method for PD.

JATAMANSI (NARDOSTACHYS JATAMANSI DC. ): INSIGHT OF ITS MORPHOLOGY AND ITS MEDICINAL USE IN AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is a traditional system of natural health care that originated in India's ancient Vedic times. Its primary emphasis is on disease prevention and maintaining mankind's health. In Ayurveda, various medicinal plants have been mentioned to cure diseases. The precious medicinal plants are the backbone of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. One such medicinal plant, Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC.), has remained an all-time favourite of Vaidya's since ancient Vedic times to treat diseases. It is an endangered, primitive, and therapeutic herbal agent belonging to the family Valerianaceae and has been reported to have many therapeutic activities like Antioxidant, Antifungal, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective. It is a well-known drug in the list of Medhya drugs. This review article summarises the potential benefits of this medicinal plant as reported in offline and online literature. The review also highlights the need to use this plant in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and prospects for further research.

Efficacy of Herbal Medicines in Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is most frequently stated gynaecological and metabolic disorder. Many pharmacological drugs have been used to treat PCOS with numerous side effects, which have resulted in the selection of alternative treatments from natural sources. Hence, this review aims to investigate the efficacy of medicinal herbs in regularising ovulation, hyperandrogenism, and other metabolic condition in PCOS. To conduct this review, extensive literature was searched between 2010 to 2021, from PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, and ProQuest. Based on the keywords “polycystic ovarian syndrome” or “medicinal herbs” or “ovarian cysts” or “hyperandrogenism” or “insulin resistance”. Irrelevant studies were excluded from the database. Twelve clinical studies and nine animal studies were included in the review paper. Treatment included herbs such as “Cinnamomum zeylanicum Meism, 1864”,“Curcuma longa L. 1753”, “Tribulus terrestris L. (1753)”,“Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt., 1818” and “Vitex agnus-castus (1753)”. These bioactive compounds have shown to reduce luteinising hormone, progesterone, oestradiol and fasting insulin levels. The evidence supports Vitex agnus-castus and Cimicifuga racemosa have a synergistic impact in management of amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, infertility, and ovulation. cinnamon spp. and Curcuma longa improve insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tribulus terresitris alone and in combination with “Withania somnifera Dunal, 1852” & “Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC, 1830” has shown promising effects but in the latent stage. Based on the evidence, it may be suggested herbal medicines are effective, alone or in alternative form, in amelioration of the symptoms of PCOS.

Role of Evidence based Management of Ayurveda Medicines in Insomnia: A Critical Review

Abstract A person with insomnia has trouble falling asleep or gets insufficient, poor-quality sleep. They might experience frequent nighttime awakenings with difficulty going back asleep and early morning wakefulness. It is common in older adults, females, students, and people with medical illness. The aim is to analyze and review the published clinical studies conducted on insomnia to assess the effectiveness of Ayurvedic remedies for the management of insomnia. For this review, the literature has been searched using databases such as Medline, PubMed, NLM, Ayush Research Portal, and many others. All randomized controlled trials involving individuals with insomnia, utilizing Ayurvedic herbs either alone or in combination and Panchakarma procedures (processes of detoxifying and purifying the body) with an exposure period of ≥7 days, and with the primary outcome being the improvement in sleep quality, were included. This review includes 16 clinical trials, among them Mansyadi Kwath (decoction made up of Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Linn.) and Parsik Yvani (Hyoscyamus niger Linn.), Aswagandha (W. somnifera Linn.), Jatamansi (N. jatamansi DC), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii DC.), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.), Gud Pippali Churna (powder of jaggery and root of Piper longum Linn.), Jatipatri Ksheerpaka (milk decoction of Myristica fragrans Houtt.), Insomrid tablet (tablet made up of 5 drugs named Jatamamsi, Ashwagandha, Parsik Yvani (H. niger Linn.), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii DC.), and Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina Benth.) and Shirodhara (~slowly and steadily dripping medicated liquids on the forehead) are found effective in the treatments of insomnia according to these studies. This research serves as secondary data for further studies and the medication are described here have the ability to manage insomnia with very minimal or no side effects. These drugs are also cost-effective and nonaddictive.

Volatile constituents of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. rhizomes: from Uttarakhand Himalaya (India)

The rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. were collected from two alpine Himalayan locations of Uttarakhand (India). The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to determine the variation of concentration in their constituents. A total of 22 compounds were identified in both the oils, accounting 96.4198.22%. The major constituents of N. jatamansi oils were characterised as patchoulol (46.054.11%) and calarene (9.1015.6%). Due to the higher relative area quantum of patchoulol in N. jatamansi populations growing in Uttarakhand, there is need to develop propagation protocol for mass multiplication and in-situ and ex-situ conservation.

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AYURVEDIC FORMULATION [NIA/DG/2015/01

Introduction: Hypertension is a complex clinical illness with a frequency of 40.8 percent in the urban Indian population and 17.9 percent in the rural population. Multiple antihypertensives are used to treat hypertension. However, many have adverse effects and are hazardous. NIA/DG/2015/01 is a polyherbal antihypertensive ayurvedic ghan formulation, containing Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna Roxb.), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Linn.), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC.), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy.), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa Linn.). Aim and objective: To evaluate a polyherbal antihypertensive Ayurvedic formulation [NIA/DG/2015/01] in terms of pharmacognosy, physiochemistry, phytochemistry and chromatography. Materials and methods: A polyherbal antihypertensive ayurvedic formulation [NIA/DG/2015/01] was evaluated for purity, safety, and quality using pharmaco-gnostical, physiochemical, phytochemical, and chromatographic methods. Observations and Results: The pharmaco-gnostical, physiochemical, phytochemical, and chromatographic results were within normal limits per API. Conclusion: The present sample of a polyherbal antihypertensive ayurvedic formulation [NIA/DG/2015/01] met quality standards for purity, safety and authenticity.

Nardostachys jatamansi and levodopa combination alleviates Parkinson’s disease symptoms in rats through activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NLRP3 signaling pathways

Context Levodopa combined with traditional Chinese medicine has a synergistic effect on Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, we demonstrated that Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC. [syn. Patrinia jatamansi D.Don, N. grandiflora DC.] (Valerianaceae) (NJ) can alleviate PD. Objective To explore the synergistic effect of NJ combined with levodopa against PD. Materials and methods The PD model was established by injecting rotenone. Eighty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups: sham, model, different doses of NJ (0.31, 0.62, or 1.24 g/kg) combined with levodopa (25 mg/kg), and levodopa alone (25 and 50 mg/kg) groups. The synergistic effect of the combination was investigated by pharmacodynamic investigation and detection of expression of nuclear factor erythro2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NLR family proteins containing Pyrin-related domain 3 (NLRP3) pathways. Results Compared with the model group, NJ + levodopa (1.24 g/kg + 25 mg/kg) increased the moving distance of PD rats in the open field (2395.34 ± 668.73 vs. 1501.41 ± 870.23, p < 0.01), enhanced the stay time on the rotating rod (84.86 ± 18.15 vs. 71.36 ± 17.53, p < 0.01) and the combination was superior to other treatments. The synergistic effects were related to NJ + levodopa (1.24 g/kg + 25 mg/kg) increasing the neurotransmitter levels by 38.80%-88.67% in PD rats, and inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 pathway by activating Nrf2 pathway. Discussion and conclusions NJ combined with levodopa is a promising therapeutic candidate for PD, which provides a scientific basis for the subsequent clinical combination therapy of levodopa to enhance the anti-PD effect.

Degradation Profiling of Nardosinone at High Temperature and in Simulated Gastric and Intestinal Fluids.

Nardosinone, a predominant bioactive product from Nardostachys jatamansi DC, is well-known for its promising therapeutic applications, such as being used as a drug on anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, cardioprotective, anti-neuroinflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, anti-periodontitis, etc. However, its stability under varying environmental conditions and its degradation products remain unclear. In this study, four main degradation products, including two previously undescribed compounds [2-deoxokanshone M (64.23%) and 2-deoxokanshone L (1.10%)] and two known compounds [desoxo-narchinol A (2.17%) and isonardosinone (3.44%)], were firstly afforded from the refluxed products of nardosinone in boiling water; their structures were identified using an analysis of the extensive NMR and X-ray diffraction data and the simulation and comparison of electronic circular dichroism spectra. Compared with nardosinone, 2-deoxokanshone M exhibited potent vasodilatory activity without any of the significant anti-neuroinflammatory activity that nardosinone contains. Secondly, UPLC-PDA and UHPLC-DAD/Q-TOF MS analyses on the degradation patterns of nardosinone revealed that nardosinone degraded more easily under high temperatures and in simulated gastric fluid compared with the simulated intestinal fluid. A plausible degradation pathway of nardosinone was finally proposed using nardosinonediol as the initial intermediate and involved multiple chemical reactions, including peroxy ring-opening, keto-enol tautomerization, oxidation, isopropyl cleavage, and pinacol rearrangement. Our findings may supply certain guidance and scientific evidence for the quality control and reasonable application of nardosinone-related products.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) assisted extraction of essential oil from Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC with insecticidal activities

Different Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) combinations were employed as a cosolvent in the conventional hydro-distillation method for extracting essential oil (EO) from the roots of Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. Subsequent enhancement in EO yield along with phytochemical variation was observed on implementing NADESs as an extraction media compared to conventional hydro-distillation method using water. Among different combinations, the highest yield (1.7% v/w) of EO was observed with NADES-5 (choline chloride: maleic acid; 2:1) as compared to the conventional method (0.9% v/w, lowest yield among all combinations). Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of all extracted EOs led to the identification of 34 compounds accounting for 76.13–87.87% of the total area percentage. Principal component analysis (PCA) and clustered heatmaps were used for multivariate analysis showing discrimination of the constituents in different EOs. Valeranone (31.22–12.60%) and nerolidol (21.39–1.82%) were observed in all samples, whereas some molecules like bisabolol, α-cadinol, and nootkatone were specific to certain samples, showing variability in chemical composition. EOs were further examined for their insecticidal and enzyme inhibitory activity against Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Planococcus lilacinus Cockerell (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), which are major sucking pests of legumes, vegetables, fruit and plantation crops. Results showed that the EOs obtained with water, NADES-4 (choline chloride: lactic acid; 1:2), 1 (choline chloride: oxalic acid; 1:1), 3 (choline chloride: lactic acid; 1:1), and 6 (glycerol: lactic acid; 1:1) showed promising toxicity (LD50 =0.80–0.98 µL/insect) against A. craccivora. Similarly, EOs obtained with water, NADES-3 (choline chloride: lactic acid; 1:1), and 4 (choline chloride: lactic acid; 1:2) also showed toxicity (LD50 =0.90–1.19 µL/insect) against P. lilacinus, which may be attributed to the presence of high concentration of metabolites such as valeranone, β-patchoulene, nerolidol, α-cadinol and viridiflorol. Further, LD50 concentrations of EO from water showed significant inhibition of glutathione S-transferase (8.52 ± 3.91 and 11.83 ± 5.68 nmol/min/mL) and acetylcholinesterase (0.67 ± 0.04 and 0.75 ± 0.09 mU/mg) after 24 h in A. craccivora and P. lilacinus, respectively.

Protective effect of Nardostachys jatamansi extract against lithium-pilocarpine-induced spontaneous recurrent seizures and associated cardiac irregularities in a rat model.

Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant widely used for the ethnomedical treatment of various ailments. The underground parts of the plants are used in traditional medicine to manage epilepsy and other cardiovascular conditions. The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of a characterized hydroalcoholic extract (NJET) of Nardostachys jatamansi in the lithium-pilocarpine rat model of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and associated cardiac irregularities. NJET was prepared by percolation using 80% ethanol. The dried NEJT was subjected to UHPLC-qTOF-MS/MS for chemical characterization. Molecular docking studies were performed using the characterized compounds to understand mTOR interactions. The animals showing SRS following lithium-pilocarpine administration were treated with NJET for 6 weeks. Afterward, seizure severity, cardiac parameters, serum biochemistry, and histopathological parameters were studied. The cardiac tissue was processed for specific protein and gene expression studies. The UHPLC-qTOF-MS/MS characterized 13 compounds in NJET. The identified compounds subjected to molecular docking showed promising binding affinities toward mTOR. There was a dose-dependent decrease in the severity of SRS following the extract administration. A reduction in mean arterial pressure and serum biochemical markers (lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase) was also observed following NJET treatment in epileptic animals. Histopathological investigations revealed reduced degenerative changes and decreased fibrosis following the extract treatment. The cardiac mRNA level of Mtor, Rps6, Hif1a, and Tgfb3 was reduced in the extract-treated groups. Further, a similar reduction in the protein expression of p-mTOR and HIF-1α was also observed following NJET treatment in the cardiac tissue. The results concluded that NJET treatment reduces lithium-pilocarpine-induced recurrent seizures and associated cardiac irregularities via downregulation of the mTOR signalling pathway.

Efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC in post stroke depression: A randomized, double blind, controlled trial

BackgroundPost-stroke Depression (PSD) is a frequent neuropsychiatric manifestation of high clinical importance as it adversely affects recovery and quality of life, interferes with rehabilitation, and is a significant source of burden to caregivers. Prevalence rates of PSD range from 25% to 79%. The reason for treatment failure in patients of PSD includes the timing of intervention or the side effects of medications. Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC is commonly used in traditional medicine systems for neuropsychiatric and psychosomatic disorders with the least or no side effects. However, its clinical efficacy in PSD remains unraveled. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi in PSD. MethodsPresent study was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with 20 patients in each test and control group. Participants were randomly allocated to receive Nardostachys jatamansi 3gms (powder) in the test group or placebo in the control group for six weeks. Participants were asked to follow up fortnightly for the assessment of subjective parameters. Objective parameters (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) score and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were assessed at baseline and end of the trial. ResultsAfter 6 weeks of treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in HDRS17 score and SF-36 (p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the control group (P = 0.108, and 0.29 respectively). Comparison between baseline and post-treatment scores in the test group showed a positive reduction in all subjective parameters however, in the control group there was no statistically significant change. The intergroup analysis revealed that the reduction in HDRS17 score and improvement in SF-36 score was statistically significant in the test group than the control group (P < 0.001). ConclusionThe study revealed that the test drug is effective in the management of PSD. There was no adverse effect observed during the trial.

Ethno-medicinal plants of indigenous people: A case study in Khatling valley of Western Himalaya, India

Background: Khatling valley is an unexplored and remote region located in the Uttarakhand state of Indian Himalaya, the area possesses rich medicinal flora, and local inhabitants using these plants since generations. The majority of primary health care depends upon traditional medicine due to the unavailability of a modern medicinal facility, however, the identity of medicinal plants is limited to traditional healers or elder people in the region thus the documentation of such important medicinal knowledge is a dire need for sustainable use. Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in this region from 2018 to 2020. Ethnomedicinal data were collected from 82 informants through semi-structured questionnaires and group conversations. To check the popular and frequently used species URs and Informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated for the collected data. Results: The present study recorded 68 plants from 63 genera and 35 families utilized for treating various disorders. The dominant families were Asteraceae (7) and Rosaceae (6) followed by Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae, Polygonaceae, Zingiberiaceae (4 species each). The majority of the useful plants were herbaceous (78%) followed by trees (12%), shrubs (9%), and climbers were the least in number (1%). Most of the plant parts used were leaves and roots 25% each, followed by rhizome, aerial part and tuber (9% each), seeds, fruits, and whole plant (5% each), bark (4%) while, stem, flower, resin, and the bulb has less proportion (1% each). Five drug formulations were used by the local inhabitants of which paste was the most common (32%) followed by powder (31%), decoction (19%), raw (12%), and juice (6%). Some important medicinal plants based on use reports (URs) were Valeriana jatamansi Jones (300 URs and 5 uses), Aconitum lethale Griff. (275 URs and 5 uses), Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC (250 URs and 4 uses), Solanum nigrum (L.) (234 URs and 5 uses), Paeonia emodi Royle (230 URs and 4 uses). ICF values ranged between 0.96 and 1. The highest ICF value (1) was recorded for mental disorders (ICD code F) and epilepsy (ICD code G) while a minimum of 0.96 was recorded for blood problems (ICD code I). Conclusion: Ethnomedicinal plants having high URs and ICF can be a good source for novel phytoconstituents and novel drug discoveries, apart from this documentation of traditional knowledge will be helpful for the new generation, researchers, and policymakers for sustainable use of the species. Keywords: Ethnomedicine; Indigenous knowledge; Medicinal plants; Remote region

Medicinal Properties of Sarpagandha Ghan Vati – A Review

Introduction: One of the most well-liked Vedic medicines, sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), has been utilized since 1000 BC to treat conditions related to high blood pressure. Sarpagandha travels a great distance from British India to Western communities. The majority of the indole alkaloid reserpine, which has been extensively studied over the past 75 years, is responsible for the bioactivities of sarpagandha.Materials and Methods: Material related to Sarpgandha Vati is collected from Ayurvedic text and textbook of modern medicine, respectively.Results: Atraditional Ayurvedic remedy known as sarpagandha ghanvati is frequently recommended for insomnia and anxiety. It contains Cannabis sativum, Jatamansi(Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Family: Valerianaceae) roots, Khurasaniajowan (Hyocyamus niger L.; Family: Solanaceae) seeds, and Sarpagandha (roots of R. serpentina L. (Benth.) Ex Kurz; Family: Apocyanaceae).Discussion: The paper aims to review the therapeutic benefits of “Sarpagandha ghan vati” as found in various Ayurvedic texts.Conclusion: In order to get to a potentially helpful conclusion on the safe and efficient usage of sarpagandha in place of reserpine, the article will examine the ideas of the whole herb and its extracts as well as available information in this respect.

Potential Anti-Tumor Activity of Nardoguaianone L Isolated from Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in SW1990 Cells.

Natural products (NPs) were a rich source of diverse bioactive molecules. Most anti-tumor agents were built on natural scaffolds. Nardostachys jatamansi DC. was an important plant used to process the traditional Chinese herbal medicines "gansong". Pancreatic cancer was the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. Hence, there was an urgent need to develop novel agents for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In this paper, nardoguaianone L (G-6) is isolated from N. jatamansi, which inhibited SW1990 cells colony formation and cell migration, and induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we analyzed the differential expression proteins after treatment with G-6 in SW1990 cells by using iTRAQ/TMT-based quantitative proteomics technology, and the results showed that G-6 regulated 143 proteins' differential expression by GO annotation, including biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. Meanwhile, KEGG enrichment found that with Human T-cell leukemia virus, one infection was the most highly enhanced pathway. Furthermore, the MET/PTEN/TGF-β pathway was identified as a significant pathway that had important biological functions, including cell migration and motility by PPI network analysis in SW1990 cells. Taken together, our study found that G-6 is a potential anti-pancreatic cancer agent with regulation of MET/PTEN/TGF-β pathway.

Green approach for the recovery of secondary metabolites from the roots of Nardostachys Jatamansi (D. Don) DC using microwave radiations: Process optimization and anti-alzheimer evaluation

Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC is a highly valued medicinal herb that has been used in traditional medicinal systems for its remedial effects. Owing to the over-exploitation and unethical trade of N. jatamansi, the accelerating global demand of herbal products from this plant cannot be satisfied by the conventional extraction approach. In view of the progressive demand and incredible biological potential of herb, the present research was designed to optimize various extraction parameters for microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The extracts obtained from the traditional and green approach were also assessed for the recovery of secondary metabolites and anti-Alzheimer's potential. Various parameters like microwave power, temperature, and time of irradiation were optimized for MAE using Box Behkhen Design (BBD) The scanning electron microscopy of different plant samples was also done to observe the effect of microwave radiations. Further, the metabolite profiling of different extracts was also done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Also the different behavioral and biochemical parameters along with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential were assessed to evaluate the anti-Alzheimer's potential. Optimized parameters for MAE were found to be as microwave power 187.04 W, temperature 90°C, and irradiation time 20 min. The extract yield in MAE was significantly enhanced as compared to the conventional method. Also, the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content (TFC) were improved pointedly from 32.13 ± 0.55 to 72.83 ± 1.1 mg of GAE/g of extract and 21.7 ± 0.85 to 39.21 ± 0.7 mg of RUE/g of extract respectively. Later, the GC-MS analysis of various extracts confirmed the enhancement in the concentration of various sesquiterpenes like jatamansone, spirojatamol, valerenal, valeric acid, globulol, nootkatone and steroidal compounds such as sitosterol, ergosterol, stigmastanone, etc. in the optimized extract. A significant improvement in anti-Alzheimer's potential was also observed owing to the better concentration of secondary metabolites in the optimized microwave extract. From the current findings, it could be concluded that the MAE could be a successful and green alternative for the extraction and recovery of secondary metabolites from the selected medicinal herb.

Analysis of the impact of climate change on the distribution and active compound content of the plateau medicinal plant Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC

The production and accumulation of secondary metabolites of medicinal plants are regulated by environmental factors. Analyzing the effects of climate change on the suitable habitats and active compound of Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC. is essential for their future conservation and cultivation. This study predicted changes in the scale of distribution of N. jatamansi under different Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP) scenario models over time. In addition, this study analyzed differences in active compound content by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods and changes in gene expression by transcriptome sequencing across different habitats. The results reveal that elevation, mean temperature of coldest quarter, and precipitation of warmest quarter cumulatively contributed 90.1% to the species distribution models (SDMs), and were the critical environmental variables affecting the distribution of N. jatamansi. The SDMs predicted that N. jatamansi habitats will decrease in the future. Under the SSP5–8.5 scenario, highly suitable areas in China for N. jatamansi growth will decrease to 7.734375 × 104 km2 by the 2061–2080 s period. This study also observed that the contents of active compounds increased with ecological suitability, with the nardosinone content in N. jatamansi reaching 0.67% in highly suitable areas. Analysis of differential gene expression in N. jatamansi indicated that the expression levels of genes in the terpene synthesis pathway genes were significantly different across grades of suitable areas. Together, the combined results of SDMs analysis, chemical analysis, and transcriptome analysis in N. jatamansi reveal that environmental changes affect the expression levels of genes related to terpene gene synthesis pathways, thereby changing the contents of active compounds. Overall, these findings provide a reference for the conservation of wild resources of N. jatamansi and the improvement of the quality of cultivated N. jatamansi.

A Review on Endangered Medicinal Plant Nardostachys jatamansi: An Important Himalayan Herb

Nardostachys jatamansi DC is a well-known medicinal and fragrant plant. It is used as anAyurvedic medicine that can be found in a wide range of formulations. Details about medicinalplants can also be found in the Quran, the Bible, and other texts. Mental weakness, skin disorders,digestive problems, epilepsy, hysteria, and syncope have all been treated with this plant. TheN. jatamansi root and rhizome extracts are used to treat a variety of neurological problems,including anxiety. Jatamansone, Sesquiterpenoid, Spirojatamol, patchouli alcohol, Jatamol-Aand nardostachone are some of the most prominent phytochemicals found in N. jatamansi.Anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antifungal, antidote, antiemetic, andanalgesic are only a few of the therapeutic properties found in N. jatamansi components andphytochemicals. N. Jatamansi is expected to play a significant role in the rapidly growing fieldof herbal products and the management of potential health issues. This article discusses someof the plant’s main ingredients, biological activities, and medicinal properties that can be usedto treat a variety of diseases

(-)-Naringenin 4',7-dimethyl Ether Isolated from Nardostachys jatamansi Relieves Pain through Inhibition of Multiple Channels.

(−)-Naringenin 4′,7-dimethyl ether ((−)-NRG-DM) was isolated for the first time by our lab from Nardostachys jatamansi DC, a traditional medicinal plant frequently used to attenuate pain in Asia. As a natural derivative of analgesic, the current study was designed to test the potential analgesic activity of (−)-NRG-DM and its implicated mechanism. The analgesic activity of (−)-NRG-DM was assessed in a formalin-induced mouse inflammatory pain model and mustard oil-induced mouse colorectal pain model, in which the mice were intraperitoneally administrated with vehicle or (−)-NRG-DM (30 or 50 mg/kg) (n = 10 for each group). Our data showed that (−)-NRG-DM can dose dependently (30~50 mg/kg) relieve the pain behaviors. Notably, (−)-NRG-DM did not affect motor coordination in mice evaluated by the rotarod test, in which the animals were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or (−)-NRG-DM (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) (n = 10 for each group). In acutely isolated mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, (−)-NRG-DM (1~30 μM) potently dampened the stimulated firing, reduced the action potential threshold and amplitude. In addition, the neuronal delayed rectifier potassium currents (IK) and voltage-gated sodium currents (INa) were significantly suppressed. Consistently, (−)-NRG-DM dramatically inhibited heterologously expressed Kv2.1 and Nav1.8 channels which represent the major components of the endogenous IK and INa. A pharmacokinetic study revealed the plasma concentration of (−)-NRG-DM is around 7 µM, which was higher than the effective concentrations for the IK and INa. Taken together, our study showed that (−)-NRG-DM is a potential analgesic candidate with inhibition of multiple neuronal channels (mediating IK and INa).