A review on biological activities and conservation of endangered medicinal herb Nardostachys jatamansi

Nardostachys jatamanasi DC also known as Indian Spikenard or Indian Valerian, is a valued medicinal plant of family Valerianaceae. This rhizome bearing plant is native of the Himalayas of India and Nepal and preferably found from 2200 m to 5000 m asl in random forms. The extract of rhizome is widely used in the formulation of traditional Ayurvedic medicines as well as modern herbal preparations for curing several ailments. In some parts of their range owing to overharvest for medicinal use and trade, habitat degradation and other biotic interferences leads plant into threat category. In India the observed population of jatamansi declines of 75-80% and classified as Endangered in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh and Critically Endangered in Uttarakhand. Realizing the high level of threat CITES has notified N. jatamansi for its schedule care to ensure the conservation. Hence, emphasis should be given on proper conservation and apply biotechnological tools for sustainable use which in turn help to save it from extinction. In view of immense importance in the present review an attempt has been made to focus on the distribution, medicinal value and conservation aspects of this valuable plant.