Cultivation and Utilization of Valeriana jatamansi Jones for Conservation Planning and Management

Valeriana jatamansi is a medicinal herb generally known as Indian Valerian belongs to family Caprifoliaceae. This is an herbal plant blended with many medicinal properties such as stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, cytotoxic and aromatic property. The herb is used in custom and advanced medicine system for curing various ailments and in flavor and perfume industries. In this study, brief phytochemical, traditional and pharmacological studies of species and prospects of the species in future are envisaged. This study also evaluated domestication and cultivation practices available on V. jatamansi. Six major groups of active constituents, namely valepotriates (145), lignans compound (18), flavones or its glycosides (18), sesquiterpenoids or its glycoside (12), bakkenolide-type sesquiterpenoids (6), phenolic constituents (6), miscellaneous compounds (12) and major oil constituents (294) have been listed from V. jatamansi. Several therapeutic properties, e.g., neurotoxic, cytotoxic, sedative, anti-inflammation, antidepressant, antidiarrheal, anti-HCV, adaptogenic, analgesic, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects and key compounds responsible for these properties have been described. The present study clearly indicated that this plant comprises huge potential for future research and drug development. Numerous active constituents discussed in the present study can be vital for further in vivo and in vitro experimentation. The study suggested the need to promote research on identification of active component from the species and their mechanism of action. Methods available for cultivation and domestication of V. jatamansi will be applicable for multiplication of this valuable species to meet out domestic and industrial demand. Findings from the study will be useful for conservation planning and sustainable uses of this valuable species.