Jatamansi

BotanicalBest before bedBest taken with food

What is it

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi, Indian spikenard) is a perennial herb whose root is used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for sleep, anxiety, and cognitive complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Sleep / anxiety (traditional + preclinical)

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical and small human studies suggest sedative and anxiolytic effects. Robust modern RCTs are lacking.

How it works

Jatamansi root contains sesquiterpenes (jatamansone, nardosinone) and coumarins. Preclinical studies suggest anxiolytic, sedative, and neuroprotective activity via modulation of GABAergic and monoaminergic systems. Small human studies and traditional practice support uses in mild insomnia and anxiety; high-quality controlled trials are limited.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Traditional Ayurvedic doses are around 1-3 g of root powder daily, or equivalent in extract. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Often taken in the evening for sleep support. Take with food to improve tolerability.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Nardostachys jatamansi root extract / powder

Used as a single ingredient and in classical Ayurvedic formulas.

Sesquiterpene content varies by extraction.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Sedation can occur. Long-term safety data are limited. The plant is considered vulnerable in the wild and sustainable sourcing matters.

Who should be cautious

Avoid combining with sedatives or alcohol. Caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Discuss with a clinician if on sleep or mood medications.

Interactions

Possible additive effects with sedatives (benzodiazepines, alcohol) and CNS depressants. Theoretical interaction with antihypertensives.

Frequently asked questions

Is jatamansi the same as valerian?⌄

Both are sedative roots and related botanically, but they are different species with overlapping but distinct constituent profiles.

Will jatamansi help me sleep?⌄

Traditional and preclinical evidence supports a mild sedative effect; modern controlled evidence is limited.

References

Jatamansi on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Jatamansi on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Jatamansi (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.