B.A.M.S. from Kanpur University, C.C.Y.P. from B.H.U., M.D.(Ay) Scholar (Ras Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpna) at H.P. University, Shimla (H.P.)
Presented three national conference papers.
Recieved Best Paper Presentation Award. Tagara has an important place among medicinal herbs in Ayurveda. It is one of the herbs mentioned in all scriptures of Ayurveda. In Dhanvantri Nighantu and Bhavaprakasha its activity is cited on the central nervous system. Tagara is beneficial for the eyes, alleviates the diseases of the head, works as an anti- toxin, antiepileptic, useful in hysteria and also destroys the evil powers. This drug is very useful in the case of insomnia. Acharya Charaka has mentioned Tagara as ‘Shitaprashamana’ (relieves cold sensation on the skin) drug. Bhavaprakasha mentioned Tagar under ‘Karpooradi varga’.
Description
English Name - Indian Valerian
Latin Name - Valeriana wallichi
Family - Valerianaceae
Classical Names - Tagar
Kutila
Nata
Nahusha
Vakra
Morphological Type - This is a slightly hairy perennial herb.
Habitat - It is found abundant in Western Himalayas and is
reported in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Indian
Valerian is collected in Kashmir, Garhwal and other places of West Himalayas in India.
Parts Used : Roots
Properties : Rasa - Tikta, Katu, Kshaya
Guna - Laghu, Snigdha
Virya - Ushna
Vipaka - Katu
Chemical Constituents:
The
rhizomes contain 0.5-2% essential oils. The constituents identified are
arachidic acid, valerianic, behemic, caproic, isovaleric acetyl
valerianic acids, α and β- valenes, valerian phenol caffeinic and
chlorogenic acid, tannins and alkaloids and valerine and chetine.
Calcium and heavy metals like lead, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper
have been identified. Isoveleric and caproic acids obtained from alkaline hydrolysate of a compound, isolated from rhizomes and roots. An iridoid glucoside (I) isolated and characterised. It
showed CNS depressant activity at 316-100mg/kg doses in mice.
Valepotriates which are iridoid substances have been identified as the
sedative principles. Out of these alkaloids valerianic acid is the major alkaloid.
Ayurvedic Properties:
Tagara
is bitter, pungent, sweet and astringent in taste (rasa) pungent in the
post digestive effect (vipaka) and has hot potency (virya). It
alleviates all the three doshas. It possesses light (laghu) and oily
(snigdha) attributes. It is antieptleptic, analgesic and is beneficial
for eyes. Tagar is Mastishkashamaka, Hridya Utejka and reduces blood
pressure in larger doses. It is very useful in the patients of Insomnia.
Pharmacological Action:
=> Analgesic
=> Laxative
=> Anticonvulsant
=> Hepatostimulant
=> Antispasmodic
=> Cardiostimulant but in large doses cause hypotension
=> Appetizer
=> CNS depressant
=> Sedatives
Mode of Action :
The
Valerian extract diminishes the irritability of brain and spinal cord
and is the principal remedy of insomnia especially due to nervous
exhaustation and mental overwork.
The CNS depressant and sedative action of Valerian extract finds a use
in Ayurvedic therapy of delirium, insomnia, epilepsy and behavioral
disorders.
Dose :
=> 1-3gms
=> 2-8 Ratti (Bhavaprakasha)
Adverse Reaction – This herb is can be administered safely and continuously over a prolonged period. There is no tolerance to the drug with major side effects. But overdose can cause vomiting, giddiness, hiccup, cold limbs and bradycardia.