Mass Production of Nardostachys jatamansi – a Critically Endangered High Value Medicinal Plant of Himalaya

Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC., belonging to family, Caprifoliaceae is a critically endangered high value medicinal plant having restricted distribution in alpine and sub-alpine Himalayan regions (2200 to 4800 m amsl) of Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Tibet. The roots and rhizomes are rich in secondary metabolites. 

The plant is amongst the top 10 highly traded plants having an annual trade of about 1000 metric tons and the ‘Spikenard essential oils’ has high market value.

The plant is extensively used in alternative systems of medicine and herbal industry for the treatment of various ailments related to nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. Specifically, the plant is acclaimed for its nootropic and hair growth promoting properties.

1. An efficient cost and time effective protocol for large scale production of the critically endangered plant.
2. Tissue culture raised plants can be used by pharmaceutical, perfumery and cosmetics industry.
3. The protocol is up-scalable.