VALERIAN OIL

It is used for various medicinal purposes in the Indian, British, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Valerenic acid and valepotriates isolated from the species are often used for drug preparation. The species has also been reported as a psychopharmacological agent and a natural source of valepotriates. The presence of valerenic acid and valerinone in V. jatamansi is a source of drug valerian. The naturally occurring valepotriates/iridoids are the most active ingredient of this species, which possesses various activities such as antibacterial, anticancer, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, antiprotozoal, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective. V. jatamansi has a long history of uses and is mentioned as a medicine in the Rigveda, Charka Samhita, and modern medicines. The species is used for its aromatic, stimulant, carminative, and antispasmodic activity. As an ingredient, the species is used in the preparation of 39 Ayurvedic formulations. This species is also used in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria, and urinary troubles. The dry roots of V. jatamansi are used to remove the foul odor of the mouth caused by tooth trouble. Crushed leaves of the plant are rubbed on the forehead in extreme headaches. Dry rhizomes are used in perfumes, the blackening of hair, and as incense. The roots are employed for the treatment of head and eye troubles, diseases related to blood, liver, and spleen, kidney ulcers, wounds, cardiac debility, dry cough, asthma, chronic fever, and intermittent fever. Furthermore, the species is known to cure obesity, skin diseases, anxiety, insanity, failing reflexes, hysteria, neurosis, sciatica, tranquilizer, emmenagogue, and snake poisoning.