Spikenard

Spikenard (Jatamansi) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for calming, cognitive enhancement, and neuroprotection. Similar traditional uses to Bacopa but with less research. Contains sesquiterpenes and volatile oils. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - human research is very limited. Preclinical studies show neuroprotective potential. Traditionally used for epilepsy, anxiety, and memory. The plant is endangered due to overharvesting; sustainable sourcing is a concern.

Quick Answer

What it is

Spikenard (Jatamansi) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for calming, cognitive enhancement, and neuroprotection. Similar traditional uses to Bacopa but with less research.

Key findings

Grade C: Depression
Grade C: Anxiety
Grade C: Blood Pressure

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Spikenard

Quick Facts: Spikenard

Best Evidence:Grade C
Conditions Studied:4
Research Outcomes:8
Key Effect:Anxiety Disorders (Other)

Outcomes by grade:

4 conditions · 8 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Depression

A double-blind RCT (n=40) found 3g/day of N. jatamansi for 6 weeks significantly reduced Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores in post-stroke depression patients vs. placebo. Animal studies demonstrate antidepressant-like activity via MAO-A/B inhibition and serotonin transporter regulation. Human evidence is from a single small trial; preclinical support is stronger.

40 participants

moderate↓Improves

Insomnia

A comparative clinical trial (n=30) found Jatamansi churna 4g three times daily with milk for 1 month improved sleep initiation (61%), sleep duration (48%), and disturbed sleep (53%) in primary insomnia patients, though it was slightly less effective than Tagara (Valeriana wallichii).

30 participants

moderate↓Improves

Seizure Frequency

In rats, N. jatamansi extract showed anticonvulsant activity in maximal electroshock seizure models and dose-dependently decreased severity of spontaneous recurrent seizures in a lithium-pilocarpine epilepsy model. The extract synergistically enhanced phenytoin's protective index from 3.63 to 13.18. No human anticonvulsant trials exist.

moderate↓Improves

Stress Resilience

In rats, N. jatamansi extract (200-500mg/kg) significantly mitigated cold restraint stress-induced alterations in dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels across multiple brain regions and reduced oxidative stress markers. Subchronic administration increased GABA, serotonin, and monoamine levels in rat brain tissue.

small↑Worsens

Anxiety

A double-blind RCT (n=76) compared Jatamansi 1000mg twice daily to imipramine for generalized anxiety disorder. An animal study showed anxiolytic effects comparable to diazepam via GABA-benzodiazepine receptor activation at 250mg/kg for 7 days in mice. One small RCT and supportive preclinical data suggest anxiolytic potential, but human evidence remains limited.

106 participants

moderate↓Improves

Blood Pressure

A single-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial (n=40) found 3g/day of N. jatamansi for 4 weeks significantly reduced systolic BP from 144 to 134 mmHg and diastolic BP from 95 to 83 mmHg vs. placebo in stage 1 hypertension patients.

40 participants

moderate↓Improves

Neuroprotection

In Drosophila Alzheimer's disease models, jatamansinol extended lifespan, improved locomotor activity, enhanced learning and memory, and reduced both tau and amyloid-beta protein levels. In rat models, N. jatamansi extract reversed reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia and catalepsy, suggesting anti-parkinsonian potential. All evidence is preclinical.

moderate↑Improves

Cognitive Function

In mice, N. jatamansi extract (200mg/kg for 8 days) significantly improved learning and memory in elevated plus maze and passive avoidance tasks, reversing diazepam- and scopolamine-induced amnesia. In rats, 200mg/kg for 21 days prevented chronic restraint stress-induced learning and memory deficits in a radial arm maze. No human cognitive trials exist.

moderate↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

CAnxiety Disorders (Other)

1 outcome · 3 studies

↓AnxietyImproves

CCardiovascular Health

1 outcome · 1 study

↓Blood PressureImproves

DAge-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)

1 outcome · 3 studies

↑Cognitive FunctionImproves

DAlzheimer’s Disease

1 outcome · 4 studies

↑NeuroprotectionImproves

Research Citations (13)

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

J Ethnopharmacol (2023)

PMID: 36813245

Jatamansinol from Nardostachys jatamansi Ameliorates Tau-Induced Neurotoxicity in Drosophila Alzheimer's Disease Model

Mol Neurobiol (2022)

PMID: 35864434

Antidepressant activities and regulative effects on serotonin transporter of Nardostachys jatamansi DC

J Ethnopharmacol (2021)

PMID: 33220358

Efficacy of Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC in essential hypertension: A randomized controlled study

Complement Ther Med (2020)

PMID: 33066862

Anxiolytic actions of Nardostachys jatamansi via GABA benzodiazepine channel complex mechanism and its biodistribution studies

Metab Brain Dis (2018)

PMID: 29934858

A comparative clinical study on the effect of Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC.) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi DC.) in the management of Anidra (primary insomnia)

Ayu (2015)

PMID: 26730138

Reversal of reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia and catalepsy by Nardostachys jatamansi

Indian J Pharmacol (2012)

PMID: 22701243

Nardostachys jatamansi protects against cold restraint stress induced central monoaminergic and oxidative changes in rats

Neurochem Res (2012)

PMID: 22903470

Nardostachys jatamansi extract prevents chronic restraint stress-induced learning and memory deficits in a radial arm maze task

J Nat Sci Biol Med (2012)

PMID: 23225973

Inhibition of MAO and GABA: probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. in mice

Indian J Exp Biol (2008)

PMID: 18512329

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