Tagara

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Tagara

Modern Research (Meta-Analysis)

Total PubMed publications found: 65

Key Research Papers

1. Genetic structure of Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi) populations in western Himalaya revealed by AFLP.

Authors: Rajkumar Subramani, Singh Sunil Kumar, Nag Akshay et al. Journal: Biochemical genetics (2011) PMID: 21681576

Valeriana jatamansi Jones is a natural tetraploid species indigenous to the Indian Himalaya. To assess its genetic diversity and population structure, we analyzed six natural populations from the western Himalayan region using amplified fragment length polymorphism. An analysis of molecular variance found that 93% of the genetic variation of V. jatamansi was within populations and 7% among populations. The correlation between genetic and geographic distances (r = 0.14) was not significant. Though the populations are well separated, the lack of distinct genetic variation between populations may be due to either recent rapid fragmentation from a wide and continuous area resulting in genetically similar populations or wide dispersal of seed by wind, since the follicles are feathery. Polyploid…

2. Fumigant toxicity of Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) and valerian (Valeriana wallichii) essential oils and their components, including their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, against Japanese termites (Reticulitermes speratus).

Authors: Park Il-Kwon Journal: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2014) PMID: 25153870

This study investigated the fumigant toxicity of oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) and valerian (Valeriana wallichii) essential oils and their components against the Japanese termite (Reticulitermes speratus). The fumigant toxicity of oriental sweetgum and valerian oil differed significantly according to exposure time. Oriental sweetgum showed toxicity at short exposure times (2 days), and the toxicity of valerian oil was high 7 days after treatment. The main constituents of oriental sweetgum and valerian oils were tested individually for their fumigant toxicity against Japanese termites. Among the test compounds, benzyl alcohol, acetophenone, 1-phenyl-1-ethanol, hydrocinnamyl alcohol, trans-cinnamyl aldehyde, trans-cinnamyl alcohol, cis-asarone, styrene, and cis-ocimene showed to…

3. Neuroprotective effect of Valeriana wallichii rhizome extract against the neurotoxin MPTP in C57BL/6 mice.

Authors: Sridharan Subhashree, Mohankumar Kumaravel, Jeepipalli Syam Praveen Kumar et al. Journal: Neurotoxicology (2015) PMID: 26522450

Oxidative stress and inflammation are some of the contributing factors for dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Though Valeriana wallichii D.C. is known for its nervine activities its effect against PD is yet to be studied. This is the first report on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of V. wallichii rhizome extract (VWE) in MPTP induced PD mice. GC-MS analysis of VWE indicated the presence of phytoconstituents like isovaleric acid and acacetin. PD induced mice were treated orally with three different doses (50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight (BW)) of VWE for 14 days and their behavioural changes were studied on days 0, 8, 13 and 21. The levels of striatal dopamine, mid brain tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH(+)) cell count, TH protein expression, reactive o…

Keywords: Antioxidants, Dopamine, MPTP, Parkinson’s disease, Tyrosine hydroxylase, Valeriana wallichii D.C.

4. Chemical diversity in the essential oil of Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi Jones).

Authors: Verma Ram S, Verma Rajesh K, Padalia Rajendra C et al. Journal: Chemistry & biodiversity (2011) PMID: 22006721

To explore the diversity in the essential oil yield and composition of Valeriana jatamansi Jones (syn. V. wallichii DC) growing wild in Uttarakhand (Western Himalaya), 17 populations were collected from different locations and grown under similar conditions. Comparative results showed considerable variations in the essential oil yield and composition. The essential oil yield varied from 0.21 to 0.46% in the fresh roots and rhizomes of different populations of V. jatamansi. Analysis of the essential oils by GC (RI) and GC/MS and the subsequent classification by principal component analysis (PCA) resulted in six clusters with significant variations in their terpenoid composition. Major components in the essential oils of the different populations were patchouli alcohol (1; 13.4-66.7%), α-bul…

5. Nematicidal activity of plant essential oils and components from coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis), and valerian (Valeriana wallichii) essential oils against pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus).

Authors: Kim Junheon, Seo Sun-Mi, Lee Sang-Gil et al. Journal: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry (2008) PMID: 18605734

Commercial essential oils from 28 plant species were tested for their nematicidal activities against the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Good nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus was achieved with essential oils of coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis), and valerian (Valeriana wallichii). Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry led to the identification of 26, 11, and 4 major compounds from coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis), and valerian (Valeriana wallichii) oils, respectively. Compounds from each plant essential oil were tested individually for their nematicidal activities against the pine wood nematode. Among the compounds, benzaldehyde, trans-cinnamyl alcohol, cis-asarone, octan…

6. Antimicrobial activity of AgNO3 nanoparticles synthesized using Valeriana wallichii against ESKAPE pathogens.

Authors: Shah Razaullah, Sarosh Ifrah, Shaukat Rabia et al. Journal: Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (2023) PMID: 37548211

The emergence of multidrug-resistant ESKAPE infections has emerged as a serious public health threat. Nosocomial infections are most often caused by ESKAPE bacteria. To combat multidrug-resistant ESKAPE, the research team used Valeriana Wallichii extracts and nanoparticles. The well diffusion technique was used to test antimicrobial activity on Muller Hinton agar medium. The FTIR, SEM and XRD techniques were used to characterize the nanoparticles synthesized in an environmentally benign manner. Both NPs performed better than extracts made with methanol and water in this investigation. The smallest zones of inhibition were shown against A. baumannii and Enterobacter cloacae, whereas the largest zones of inhibition were seen against E. faecium. However, NPs synthesized from shoot extracts ex…

7. Nephrotoxic effects of Valeriana wallichii.

Authors: Ullah Naveed, Khan Mir Azam, Rauf Abdur et al. Journal: Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences (2018) PMID: 29348082

Aminoglycosides are the commonly used antibiotics against Gram negative bacteria. Their clinical applications are limited due to nephrotoxic side effects. Therefore, the current study was undertaken in an attempt to increase the use of these drugs without causing nephrotoxicity by exploring the nephroprotective effects of a medicinal plant with high flavonoid contents and strong antioxidant properties, namely Valeriana wallichii. A daily dose of 200mg/kg of the extract derived from V. wallichii was employed for a period of three weeks. The results obtained revealed that co-therapy of extract with gentamicin protected some changes in renal functions; however, failed to provide a complete protection as assessed by biochemical, physiological and histological parameters. It can be concluded fr…

8. Initial exploratory observational pharmacology of Valeriana wallichii on stress management: a clinical report.

Authors: Bhattacharyya Dipankar, Jana Utpalendu, Debnath Pratip Kumar et al. Journal: Nepal Medical College journal : NMCJ (2007) PMID: 17593676

Valeriana wallichii, an Indian medicinal plant, has been on trial for its role in stress disorders in hospital based clinical set-up. Hamilton’s Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used and thorough clinical investigations were carried out to screen the subjects. Thirty-three subjects (20 male and 13 female; average age 34.2 years) were medicated with the plant extract in a fixed dose regime (500 mg/capsule, twice daily, p.o. after meal). They were thoroughly investigated clinically and using standard questionnaires based on different psychological rating scale at baseline (day 0), mid-term (day 30) and final (day 60). The observations exhibited that, V wallichii not only significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated stress and anxiety, but also significantly (p < 0.001) improved depression a…

What is it made of?

Key Active Markers

• Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
• Standardized on primary bioactive markers

Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Tincture, Kwatha (decoction), Taila (medicated oil for external use), Essential oil (aromatherapy)

Standard Dosage: 1-3 g root powder per day; 300-600 mg standardized extract at bedtime; 2-5 mL tincture (1:5 in 60% ethanol); 50-100 mL kwatha at bedtime

Bioavailability: Valerenic acid and valtrate (iridoid) compounds show moderate oral bioavailability (30-45%). GABA content in Valeriana extracts is directly absorbed. Isovaleric acid (responsible for characteristic odor) is volatile and rapidly absorbed. Sesquiterpene acids (valerenic acid, acetoxyvalerenic acid) undergo moderate first-pass metabolism. Bioavailability is not significantly affected by food but delayed gastric emptying may slow onset.

Optimal Timing: 30-60 minutes before bedtime for sleep promotion; divided doses during the day for anxiety management (lower doses)

Standardized Extract: Root extract (4-6:1 in 70% ethanol), standardized to NLT 0.8% valerenic acid + acetoxyvalerenic acid by HPLC (per USP/PhEur monograph for Valerian); essential oil NLT 0.5% in dried root; valtrate content NLT 1% (if fresh root extract)

Shelf Life: 24 months for standardized extract capsules; 18 months for churna (valtrate degradation); 36 months for tincture; 12 months for essential oil

Storage: Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers (odor containment is critical). Double-sealed packaging recommended. Capsules in HDPE bottles with child-resistant closure. Essential oil in amber glass, refrigerate for extended storage. Tincture at room temperature in amber glass.

Marker Compounds: Valerenic acid, Acetoxyvalerenic acid, Hydroxyvalerenic acid, Valtrate, Isovaltrate, Didrovaltrate, Isovaleric acid, GABA

Extraction Methods

• Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol — standard for valerenic acid enrichment)
• Aqueous extraction (lower valerenic acid but higher GABA content)
• Steam distillation for essential oil (yield 0.5-2%)
• Supercritical CO2 for iridoid-enriched fraction
• Percolation with 70% ethanol

Synergistic Combinations

• Jatamansi (premier anxiolytic-sedative combination in Ayurveda)
• Ashwagandha (adaptogenic and sleep-promoting synergy)
• Brahmi (calming cognitive support)
• Shankhpushpi (anxiolytic and Medhya combination)
• Passionflower (Western herb synergy for sleep formulations)
• Hops + Lemon balm (evidence-based sleep combination)