Central nervous system depressant activity of Jatamansi ( Nardostachys jatamansi DC.) rhizome.

Background: Sleep disorders have a comparatively high prevalence worldwide and create a burden on the health system. Pharmacological agents used for insomnia are associated with considerable side effects. Therefore, searching for safe and effective agents from plant-based natural sources is a worthy effort. Jatamansi ( Nardostachys jatamansi DC.) rhizome has been recommended for insomnia and mental conditions in the Indian system of medicine.
Aim: This study aimed to determine central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of Jatamansi ( N . jatamansi) rhizome on experimental animals.
Materials and Methods: Gross behavior study and open field test (locomotor activity) were performed by using Charle's foster albino rats whereas rota-rod test and pentobarbital-induced sleep test in Swiss albino mice. Animals were divided into 3 groups (per model) having six animals in each group. The control group was treated with water, the standard group with diazepam and the test drug with powder of N . Jatamansi rhizome. Results were calculated by one-way ANOVA and post hoc test with P < 0.05 as significant.
Results: Data suggested that Jatamansi did not produce a significant effect on the behavior of animals. It reduced the horizontal activity significantly ( P < 0.001) in the open field apparatus. The test drug did not show a significant decrease in latency of fall-off time in rota-rod performance in mice. Still, it exerted a significant effect by a reduction in latency of onset of sleep ( P < 0.01) and also extended the total duration of sleep ( P < 0.05) in albino mice in comparison to the control group.
Conclusion: This study shows that Jatamansi rhizome powder possesses CNS depressant activity without affecting gross behavior and muscle coordination in rats.
Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.
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