Phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity of Valeriana jatamansi

Abstract

Valeriana jatamansi, formerly known as Valeriana wallichii, is a rhizome herb of the genus Valeriana and the family Valerianaceae also called Indian Valerian or Tagar-Ganthoda, The genus Valeriana, with about 200 species, belongs to the family Valerianaceae and has a distribution throughout the world. The Indian Valerian has long been used in Ayurveda (Charak, Samhita, and Susruta) and Unani systems of medicine, which describe its use in obesity, skin disease, insanity, epilepsy and snake poisoning. The crude drugs from roots/ rhizomes and Valerian-derived phytomedicines are used as mild sedatives in the pharmaceutical industry. The activity is largely attributed to the presence of valepotriates. Plant extracts from medicinal plants had been used for many centuries, to treat several health disorders. The active constituent present in the plant plays a remarkable role in curing diseases. In this aspect, Valeriana jatamansi is widely used in the indigenous system of medicine. Different parts of the plant root, rhizome, seed and flower have medicinal values. The root of the plant is specifically rich in aroma. The active constituents present in the plant are alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oil.