Jatamansi Extract
Also known as: Jatamansi, Spikenard, Valeriana jatamansi, Nardostachys jatamansi
Overview
Jatamansi extract is derived from the rhizomes and roots of *Nardostachys jatamansi*, a perennial herb native to the Himalayas. Traditionally, it has been a staple in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, primarily valued for its neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. It is also used for cognitive enhancement and to address digestive disorders. The herb contains various bioactive compounds, including iridoids (e.g., valtrate, jatamanin C) and volatile oils (e.g., patchouli alcohol), which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While traditional use is extensive, the scientific research on Jatamansi is still in its moderate stages, with a prevalence of preclinical studies, animal models, and in vitro research. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans are limited, meaning much of the evidence for its benefits comes from smaller-scale studies. Despite this, initial findings suggest promising applications in neurological health and gastrointestinal support.
Benefits
Jatamansi extract shows promising effects across several areas, though the strength of evidence varies. Preclinical studies, including in vitro and in silico research, suggest potential cognitive benefits and neuroprotection, likely through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. Animal studies have demonstrated antidepressant-like effects, possibly by modulating the blood-brain barrier and intestinal flora, and have also shown dose-dependent improvements in sleep, including decreased sleep latency and increased sleep duration. While these findings are encouraging, they are primarily from animal models and require confirmation in human trials. A small human case series (n=16) reported significant improvement in symptoms of refractory functional dyspepsia, such as reduced gastrointestinal symptom scores, early satiety, and postprandial fullness, after 30 days of 1500 mg/day Jatamansi extract. However, this study lacked a control group and randomization, limiting the generalizability of its findings. Overall, while Jatamansi appears to offer neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and gastrointestinal benefits, large-scale, high-quality human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and establish clinical significance.
How it works
Jatamansi's therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in mood and cognition within the central nervous system (CNS). Its active compounds, particularly iridoids and volatile oils, are believed to interact with CNS receptors and signaling pathways. A key mechanism involves the protection of blood-brain barrier integrity through the upregulation of tight junction proteins like ZO-1 and occludin, which can influence brain function and reduce neuroinflammation. Additionally, Jatamansi exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, further contributing to its neuroprotective effects. Beyond the CNS, it also appears to interact with the gastrointestinal system, as evidenced by its reported benefits in dyspepsia. The exact absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds are not yet well characterized, but iridoids generally have moderate bioavailability.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Jatamansi extract is not extensively documented in human clinical trials, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive list of common, uncommon, or rare side effects. In traditional use, it is generally considered safe. Animal toxicity studies, even at high doses (up to 2000 mg/kg), have shown no acute toxicity. However, due to the limited human data, there are no well-documented common side effects (>5%) or uncommon side effects (1-5%). Rare side effects (<1%) are also unknown. Drug interactions are not well studied, but caution is advised when Jatamansi is combined with CNS depressants or antidepressants due to its potential effects on the nervous system. Contraindications are not formally established, but due to insufficient data, caution is recommended for pregnant and lactating individuals. There is also no specific data on its safety profile in children or the elderly, meaning its use in these special populations is currently unknown.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Jatamansi extract is not yet firmly established due to limited human clinical trials. One small human study on refractory functional dyspepsia utilized a dose of 1500 mg/day, administered as 500 mg thrice daily, typically before meals. This study used a hydroalcoholic extract in capsule form. Animal studies have explored various doses, with some showing no acute toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg, but these findings do not directly translate to human maximum safe doses. There are no specific recommendations regarding absorption factors or required cofactors, and co-administration with food may potentially influence absorption. Given the scarcity of human data, it is crucial to approach Jatamansi supplementation with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially when considering its use for specific conditions or in vulnerable populations.
FAQs
Is Jatamansi extract effective for depression?
Animal studies suggest potential antidepressant effects, possibly by modulating the blood-brain barrier and intestinal flora. However, high-quality human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm this benefit.
Can Jatamansi improve sleep?
Animal studies indicate that Jatamansi can improve sleep latency and duration in a dose-dependent manner. However, human evidence supporting these sleep benefits is currently insufficient and requires further research.
Is Jatamansi extract safe to use?
In animal studies, Jatamansi has been generally safe, with no acute toxicity observed at high doses. Human safety data is limited, but small trials have not reported serious adverse events. More extensive human research is needed to fully assess its safety profile.
How long does it take for Jatamansi effects to appear?
In animal studies, effects have been observed after 14 days of treatment. A human study on dyspepsia showed benefits after 30 days of consistent use. Individual response times may vary.
Does Jatamansi interact with other medications?
Drug interactions are not well studied. Due to its potential effects on the central nervous system, caution is advised when combining Jatamansi with CNS depressants or antidepressant medications.
Research Sources
- https://jtim.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jtim/article/view/201 – This case series investigated the effect of Nardostachys jatamansi extract (1500 mg/day) on 16 patients with refractory functional dyspepsia. Results showed significant reduction in gastrointestinal symptom scores and improvement in early satiety and postprandial fullness after 30 days. The study was limited by its small sample size, lack of a control group, and non-randomized design.
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3239/541b2f4da26d81f6690ae340c63d38a57b53.pdf – This animal study explored the effects of Nardostachys jatamansi extracts in mice, demonstrating dose-dependent improvements in sleep, including reduced sleep latency. The research also indicated no acute toxicity at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. A key limitation is that these findings are from an animal model and may not directly translate to human efficacy or safety.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8274535/ – This preclinical animal study investigated the antidepressant-like effects of total iridoids from Valeriana jatamansi extract in mice. The findings suggest that the extract improved depressive behaviors, possibly by modulating blood-brain barrier proteins and intestinal flora after 14 days of treatment. The study highlights a potential mechanism but is limited by its animal model and lack of human trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10727557/ – This mechanistic animal study identified key active iridoids and volatile oils within Valeriana jatamansi that exhibit potential neuroprotective effects relevant to motor function recovery in rats. The research provides insights into the molecular targets and pathways involved. However, it is an animal model focused on mechanisms, and its findings require clinical validation in humans.
- https://openbioinformaticsjournal.com/VOLUME/18/ELOCATOR/e18750362371740/FULLTEXT/ – This in vitro and in silico study explored the cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective properties of Nardostachys jatamansi. The research suggests that these effects may be mediated through antioxidant pathways. A significant limitation is that this study did not involve clinical data, meaning its findings are theoretical and require further validation in human trials.
