Tagara

Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC. / Valeriana jatamansi Jones): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity, Botanical Classification, and Common Names

Valeriana jatamansi Jones, formerly known as Valeriana wallichii DC., is a rhizome herb of the genus Valeriana and the family Valerianaceae, also called Indian Valerian or Tagar-Ganthoda. The name Tagara is its primary Sanskrit and Ayurvedic designation; the two botanical names are synonymous in the scientific literature, with Valeriana jatamansi representing the currently accepted taxonomic name while Valeriana wallichii remains widely used in pharmacognostic and phytochemical literature. The genus Valeriana, with about 200 species, belongs to the family Valerianaceae and has a distribution throughout the world.

Valeriana wallichii, the major species of the genus Valeriana native to India, Nepal and China, is distinct from the European Valeriana officinalis, with which it shares close pharmacological and phytochemical kinship but maintains a distinct chemical profile.

1.1 Common and Regional Names

In Gujarati this is named tagarganthoda, in Kannada Mushkabala, in Marathi tagaramool, in Punjabi Sugandha Bala, and in Tamil tagarai; in Sanskrit it is named by various names including tagar, nat (meaning its bending nature), vakra (meaning curved), and nahush. The English designation is Indian Valerian. The Unani tradition also employs the herb under the name Mushkbala.

1.2 Botanical Description and Habitat

Tagara consists predominantly of dried rhizome, stolon and a small portion of the root of Valeriana wallichii DC. (Fam. Valerianaceae): a hairy perennial herb growing in temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan and Khasia hills up to an altitude of 3,000 m; rhizomes are dug in autumn, well washed with water, and dried.

The herb presents in two varieties: tagar and pindtagar. Pindtagar is somewhat circular in shape and is of less fragrance.

It is now established that Valeriana wallichii exists as three chemically distinct chemotypes characterized by patchouli alcohol, maaliol, and kanokonyl acetate respectively. This chemotype variation has direct implications for the consistency and comparability of research findings, as the phytochemical profile — and therefore the pharmacological properties — can differ meaningfully between populations of the plant growing in different Himalayan localities.

1.3 Plant Part Used and Common Preparations

The roots of Valeriana wallichii are used in Ayurveda for medicinal purposes. The common medicinal part of the Tagara herb is its roots. Its root powder is commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic practice. It is now also available in capsule and tablet form.

Traditional preparations include:

• Churna (powder): The ground roots (fine powder) of Valeriana wallichii are called Tagara Powder or Churna.
• Kwatha (decoction): The dried root is boiled in water to prepare a concentrated decoction for internal use.
• Taila (medicated oil): Tagara is incorporated into classical medicated oils such as Natadi Taila for topical applications.
• Compound formulations: Dhanvantara Taila, Mahanarayana Taila, Devadarvadyarista, and Jatiphaladi Curna are some of the classical Ayurvedic formulations that contain Tagara. Pippalyasava is an Ayurvedic medicine in liquid form with self-generated alcohol as base, used to treat cases of anemia, piles, digestive complaints, respiratory disorders, sprue, and liver complaints.

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2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Ayurvedic Tradition

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.

Acharya Charaka mentioned this herb in sheetprashaman mahakashaya and in tikta skandha. Acharya Sushruta mentioned this herb in Eladi gana. These classical groupings place Tagara among herbs indicated for fever management, conditions of cold and chills, and as a bitter-group remedy with broad systemic actions.

Tagara's mention goes back to the Bhavaprakasha and the works of Charaka and Sushruta, albeit under different regional names. Vital central nervous system (CNS) activity is mirrored in the genuine Ayurvedic text-based content, declaring it one of the most useful treatments for neurosis and as a powerful pacifier of body ache (Vedanasathpana), chills (Sheetprashmana), and headaches (Shirahshoolprashmana). Additionally, it has been addressed in the Charaka Samhita as a remedy for snake poisoning.

Tagar is celebrated in Ayurveda as Nidrajanaka (sleep-inducing), Manas-shamak (mind-calming), and Vedanasthapaka (pain-soothing) — one of Ayurveda's most notable herbs for calming the nervous system, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, relieving spasms, and balancing Vata-Pitta disorders.

2.2 Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties

Medicinal properties in Ayurvedic terms include: Rasa (taste) — Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent); Guna (qualities) — Laghu (light for digestion), Snigdha (slimy in nature); Vipaka — Katu (undergoes pungent taste after digestion); Veerya (potency) — Ushna (hot); Karma (actions) — Tridoshahara (balances all three Doshas), especially Kaphavata shamaka (reduces vitiated Kapha and Vata), and Vishagna (controls poison in the body).

2.3 Unani and Cross-Cultural Use

The roots of Valeriana wallichii, a counterpart of European Valeriana officinalis, are used as stimulant, diuretic, carminative, and antispasmodic. It is also used for the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria, chorea, shell shock, neurosis, ulcers, asthma, jaundice, and has traditionally been used as a constituent in hypnotic herbal drugs.

The actions and uses of Indian Valerian are comparable to those of Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian is a folk medicine used in Europe for nervous disorders and as a sleep aid, and also as a general tonic. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia describes it as sedative, hypnotic, carminative, and hypotensive, and indicated its use in sleeplessness, headaches, migraine, joint pain, and rheumatic pain.

2.4 Traditional Indications Summary

V. wallichii has been used as a sleep remedy since ancient times in the Indian traditional system of medicines. It is also used as a diuretic, spasmolytic, and pain-relieving agent, and for the treatment of epilepsy, dyspeptic symptoms, failing reflexes, habitual constipation, insanity, nervous debility, obesity, spastic disorders, and snake poisoning.

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3. Key Constituents and Phytochemistry

3.1 Major Secondary Metabolite Classes

The pharmacological activity of the plant is due to the presence of different types of secondary metabolites, including valerianic acid, valerosidatum glycoside, valepotriates, dihydrovaltrate, 6-methylapigenin, hesperidin, sesquiterpenoids, bornylisovalerianate, isovalerenic acid, 1-camphene, 1-pinene, terpineol, valerianine, and others.

The active constituents present in the plant include alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and essential oil. Notably, 130 iridoids have been identified, enhancing its potential as an antidepressant, anticancer, and sedative agent.

3.2 Valepotriates (Iridoid Esters)

Valepotriates are bicyclic monoterpene iridoid esters and are considered primary bioactive constituents of Valeriana wallichii. Four valepotriates — homosiovaltrate, 1α-acevaltrate, isovaleroxyhydroxy didrovaltrate, and didrovaltrate — were identified as major constituents of the dichloromethane extract of the patchouli alcohol chemotype, while patchouli alcohol was the single major terpenoid present. Additional valepotriates reported in the literature include valtrate, acevaltrate, and didrovaltratum.

Valepotriates are responsible for the chief sedative effect of Valerian because they inhibit enzyme-induced breakdown of GABA in the brain.

3.3 Essential Oil Constituents

The essential oil from the root contains calarene, beta-bergamotene, valeranone, ar-curcumene, maalioxide, and maalitol. The main acids present in the plant are isovaleric acid and beta-methyl valeric acid. Notably, valerenic acid and its derivatives — associated with neuropharmacological effects — were detected in both methanolic and hexane extracts. Additional volatile constituents identified by GC-MS analysis include veridiflorol, α-cadinol, and valerenic acid.

3.4 Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds

The therapeutic action of the plant is substantially due to the presence of the major chemical constituent class, flavonoids. The flavonoids 6-methylapigenin and hesperidin have been specifically identified and studied for their roles in anxiolysis and neuropharmacology. More recent research on Valeriana jatamansi Jones is facilitating exploration of the predominant functions of 6-methylapigenin, valeric acid, valepotriate, and different extracts, especially their roles in regulating GABAergic activity.

3.5 Chemotype Significance

It is now established that Valeriana wallichii exists as three chemically distinct chemotypes characterized by patchouli alcohol, maaliol, and kanokonyl acetate respectively. This structural diversity within the species means that the specific phytochemical — and therefore pharmacological — profile of any given preparation may vary depending on which chemotype the source material belongs to, a factor that complicates direct comparisons across studies.

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4. Mechanisms of Action

4.1 GABAergic Modulation

The predominant proposed mechanism of action for Tagara's sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties involves modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system. Several studies have shown that components of valerian inhibit the breakdown of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain and induce sedation and a decrease in central nervous system activity. Valerenic acid (VA) inhibits the enzyme system responsible for central catabolism of GABA, increasing GABA concentration and decreasing CNS activity; direct binding of this constituent to GABA-receptors has been demonstrated, and VA's interaction with the GABA_Aergic system is similar to that of benzodiazepines.

Valepotriate isolated from the medicinal herb increased the expression of GABA_A, while exerting negligible activity on the expression of GABA_B in seizure and epileptic rats, illustrating that the positive effect of valepotriate on epilepsy may be related to the regulation of GABA.

4.2 Monoaminergic Effects

Sesquiterpenes and valepotriates were identified as having varying levels of antidepressant activity. In animal studies, single administration of dichloromethane extract (40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the immobility period in mice, while chronic administration (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility period and significantly increased levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in mouse forebrain. A separate study on the essential oil of the patchouli alcohol chemotype demonstrated involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) signalling pathway in the antidepressant-like effect.

4.3 Multi-Target Neurochemical Profile

Mechanistic data indicate involvement of GABAergic modulation, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition, ion-channel effects (calcium voltage-gated channels), oxidative-stress defense (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), neurotrophic factor up-regulation (e.g., BDNF, NGF), and PI3K/Akt signaling especially in neurodegeneration contexts.

4.4 Antispasmodic and Antihypertensive Mechanisms

The antispasmodic and blood pressure-lowering effects of Valeriana wallichii are mediated through K⁺ channel activation, as published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2005).

4.5 Anti-Epileptic Mechanisms

Valepotriate showed significant anti-epileptic activity against maximal electroshock (MES)- and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy and can significantly increase the expression of GABA_A, glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, and Bcl-2, and reduce the expression of caspase-3. This dual mechanism — enhancing inhibitory GABAergic tone while suppressing apoptotic cascades — provides a putative neurological basis for the plant's traditional use in seizure conditions.

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5. Scientific Evidence by Health Area

5.1 Sleep and Insomnia

Animal studies: A study investigated the effects of Valeriana wallichii (VW) aqueous root extract on sleep-wake profile and levels of brain monoamines in Sprague-Dawley rats, with electrodes and transmitters implanted to record EEG and EMG in freely moving conditions. Sleep latency was decreased and duration of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep was increased in a dose-dependent manner; a significant decrease of sleep latency and duration of wakefulness were observed with VW at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg.

Clinical evidence (human RCT): A concoction of valepotriates from V. wallichii at 300 mg per day for 15 days reduced Wake Time After Sleep Onset (WASO) and improved sleep quality in insomnia patients (RCT, Jadad scale 3). This constitutes the single published RCT specifically on V. wallichii for sleep; the Jadad scale score of 3 indicates moderate methodological quality. No large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist for V. jatamansi in insomnia, anxiety, or neurodegeneration; this is a major translational gap.

Evidence strength: Preliminary. One human RCT of moderate quality supports the traditional sleep indication. The broader body of evidence for sleep efficacy in the Valeriana genus (primarily from studies on V. officinalis) provides supporting context, but species-specific human trial data for V. wallichii remain sparse.

5.2 Anxiety

The botanical is known for its ethnobotanical uses ranging from sedative and anxiolytic effects to treating insomnia, epilepsy, and gastrointestinal disorders. Preclinical work has examined the anxiolytic activity of compound preparations of V. jatamansi in mice. Both 35% and 95% ethanol extracts of V. jatamansi-based preparations had significant anxiolytic effects; the main anxiolytic components are iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, with valtrate — unique to valerian plants — proving to have significant anti-anxiety effects.

Experimental studies proved the plant's activity on anxiety, stress, sleep, depression, performance, alertness, and GABA receptor. Biomarker-based demonstration in humans (e.g., GABA/BDNF changes) is lacking.

Evidence strength: Preclinical evidence is robust; specific human clinical trial data for V. wallichii in anxiety are absent.

5.3 Epilepsy and Anticonvulsant Activity

The anti-epileptic effects of valepotriate isolated from Valeriana jatamansi were studied using maximal electroshock-induced seizure (MES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy, and pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping models in mice; possible mechanisms were investigated by analyzing the expressions of GABA_A, GABA_B, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in the brain using Western blot assay. Results indicated that valepotriate showed significant anti-epileptic activity against MES- and PTZ-induced epilepsy at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, with ED₅₀ values for MES- and PTZ-induced epilepsy of 7.84 and 7.19 mg/kg respectively.

Evidence strength: Animal/in vitro only. These findings align with the traditional Ayurvedic and Unani use of Tagara for epilepsy, but no controlled human trials have been published.

5.4 Depression and Mood

A study investigated the antidepressant effect of dichloromethane extract of Valeriana wallichii patchouli alcohol chemotype; the plant has now been shown to exist chemically as three distinct chemotypes. Single administration of extract (40 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the immobility period in mice (p < 0.05); similarly, chronic administration (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility period and significantly increased the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in mouse forebrain (p < 0.05).

A significant increase in the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin was found at 20 mg/kg doses, and the extract confirmed the antidepressant effect. The study established that the nitric oxide pathway was involved in the antidepressant-like effect.

Evidence strength: Preclinical animal data only. No human studies specifically on V. wallichii for depression have been identified.

5.5 Antispasmodic and Cardiovascular Effects

Valeriana wallichii is used as stimulant, diuretic, and antispasmodic. The antispasmodic and antihypertensive activities have been mechanistically linked to potassium channel activation. V. wallichii is used as a diuretic, spasmolytic, and pain-relieving agent.

Evidence strength: In vitro and animal evidence for the mechanism; clinical human data are not available specific to this species.

5.6 Antimicrobial Activity

Both chloroform and n-hexane extracts of V. wallichii leaves showed noticeable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis; chloroform and aqueous extracts from V. wallichii leaves were efficient inhibitors of Microsporum canis and Aspergillus flavus. The methanol extract of V. wallichii rhizomes inhibited HCV (hepatitis C virus) in laboratory conditions.

Ethanol and methanol solvent extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity, ranging from 13–18 mm diameter of zone of inhibition, especially against fungal pathogens as compared to bacterial pathogens.

Evidence strength: In vitro only. No clinical trial data.

5.7 Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Valeriana wallichii exists as three chemotypes; a study aimed to evaluate the effect of the patchouli alcohol chemotype extract (DCME) and essential oil (VPAEO) on experimental models of nociception. The analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and tail flick models; DCME and VPAEO (40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the number of writhings compared to the vehicle-treated group. None of the doses exhibited any effect in the tail flick model, suggesting only peripheral analgesic activity.

Evidence strength: Preclinical animal data only.

5.8 Neuroprotection

Valeriana wallichii has been claimed to possess sedative, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and antistress activities in various preclinical studies. A new secoiridoid glycoside and a new sesquiterpenoid glycoside from Valeriana jatamansi with neuroprotective activity have been characterized.

Evidence strength: In vitro and animal studies. No human data.

5.9 Anticancer and Cytotoxic Activity

Studies on the cytotoxic or antitumor activities of Valeriana have focused on their iridoid constituents. The main emphasis in published reviews is on the anticancer potential of V. wallichii, with in vitro cytotoxic as well as in vivo antitumor descriptions reported. Reviews conclude that further research, as well as clinical trials, are needed to establish this plant as an effective drug for the treatment of cancer with exact molecular mechanisms.

Evidence strength: In vitro and animal studies only. No human clinical evidence.

5.10 Ayurvedic Systematic Reviews Including Tagara

A systematic review searched databases including Medline, PubMed, NLM, and the AYUSH Research Portal, including all randomized controlled trials involving individuals with insomnia utilizing Ayurvedic herbs either alone or in combination, with an exposure period of ≥7 days, and with the primary outcome being improvement in sleep quality. This review included 16 clinical trials, among them preparations containing Tagar (Valeriana wallichii DC.). Based on the evidence supporting ethnomedicinal uses of V. jatamansi, its immense biopotential, and multiple pharmacological roles, standard clinical trials are required to evaluate its therapeutic potential.

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6. Body Systems and Health Areas of Association

• Central Nervous System: Sedation, sleep induction, anxiolysis, anticonvulsant action, neuroprotection, antidepressant effects — the primary domain of pharmacological research and traditional use.
• Cardiovascular System: Antispasmodic and antihypertensive effects mediated via K⁺ channel activation.
• Gastrointestinal System: It is used for the treatment of dyspeptic symptoms and habitual constipation. Traditional use also includes antidiarrhoeal and carminative applications.
• Musculoskeletal System: Analgesic activity against peripheral pain, traditionally used in arthritis and joint disease.
• Respiratory System: Traditional use in asthma and cough; also used for asthma treatment historically.
• Immune and Antimicrobial: Demonstrated in vitro activity against bacteria and fungi, and antiviral activity against HCV.
• Oncological (preclinical only): In vitro cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines attributed to iridoid constituents.

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7. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

The common medicinal part is the root; its root powder is used in traditional Ayurvedic practice and it is now also available in capsule and tablet form.

Dosages reported in the literature:

• Valepotriate concoction from V. wallichii (human RCT): 300 mg per day for 15 days, administered in the published RCT that reduced WASO and improved sleep quality.
• Root powder (Churna) — Ayurvedic traditional dosing: If the herb has good quality and retains maximum volatile oil, then 500 mg twice daily is sufficient in most cases. If the powder has an excellent aromatic fragrance (i.e., contains maximum volatile oil), then its dosage should not exceed 1000 mg, otherwise severe adverse effects may result. If the powder has lost its aroma or contains less volatile oil, then 1875 mg may be required for results.
• Animal studies — sleep (rats): Sleep latency was decreased and NREM sleep increased in a dose-dependent manner; significant effects were observed at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight.
• Animal studies — antidepressant (mice): Dichloromethane extract at 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg p.o. was used in the antidepressant study.
• Animal studies — anti-epileptic (valepotriate, mice): Valepotriate showed significant anti-epileptic activity at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg.
• Animal studies — analgesic (mice): DCME and VPAEO at 40 and 80 mg/kg p.o. significantly inhibited the number of writhings in the acetic acid-induced writhing model.

Note: Animal dosages are not directly translatable to human dosages and are reported here solely to characterize the published experimental literature.

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8. Safety Considerations and Known Interactions

8.1 Toxicological Data

Toxicity and standardization issues — including unstable valepotriates and essential-oil variability — remain a challenge; acute and sub-chronic animal studies indicate favorable safety margins, though human clinical data are scant.

Toxicological studies revealed that doses exceeding 100 mg/kg body weight caused toxicity in mice, emphasizing the need for controlled administration.

8.2 Hepatotoxicity

A case of valerian-associated hepatotoxicity has been reported and published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (2008). While these case reports involve Valeriana officinalis, true valerian is reported to interact with anesthetic drugs, and Indian valerian may also interact because both have similar active compounds.

8.3 CNS Depression and Drug Interactions

Tagara has a sedative effect which may increase the sedative action of drugs such as benzodiazepines (diazepam), anxiolytics, or medications for sleep disorders; the combination may result in excessive sedation and drowsiness.

The combination of Tagar with antidepressants, especially SSRIs or TCAs, may enhance sedation or drowsiness, increasing the risk of side effects related to CNS depressants.

Tagar may intensify the effect of antihypertensive drugs, increasing the risk of hypotension or low blood pressure.

8.4 Perioperative Considerations

True valerian is reported to interact with anesthetic drugs; Indian valerian may also interact because both have similar active compounds, and it should not be taken before and after surgery.

8.5 Standardization Challenges

Few studies detail absorption, tissue distribution, metabolism, and elimination of key constituents (valepotriates, sesquiterpenes) in humans. The existence of three chemically distinct chemotypes means that the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activity of commercial preparations may vary substantially depending on the botanical source material, harvest conditions, and processing method. The chemical profile confirmed by GC-MS analysis shows the therapeutic potential of Valeriana wallichii DC., and the variation in chemical composition between methanolic and hexane extracts demonstrates the influence of solvent polarity on extraction efficiency.

8.6 Evidence Gaps and Research Status

Pharmacological studies on different extracts have revealed anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, neuroprotective, antiviral, and antileishmanial activities; however, the compounds responsible for the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antiepileptic activities of these species remain incompletely characterized.

Recent advances (2020–2025) include nanocarrier formulations, network-pharmacology/omics approaches, and improved cultivation and conservation strategies. For translation into neurotherapeutic herbal products, future research must emphasize rigorous clinical trials, pharmacokinetics, biomarker-driven mechanism studies, and standardized extract development.

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References

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