A Clinical Evaluation of Nardostachys jatamansi in the Management of Essential Hypertension

The present study was carried out to investigate the efficacy and safety of rhizome of Nardostachys jatamansi in the treatment of essential hypertension. An observational prospective study was done at Government Siddha Medical College Hospital, Chennai. Fifty patients of either sex in age group of 30 years to 70 years with established primary systemic hypertension without any co morbid illness were given finely powdered dried rhizome of Nardostachys jatamansi (Choornam) in the dose of 1 gm thrice a daywith honey for 30 – 60 days. The clinical efficacy with respect to symptoms and changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were assessed using sphygmomanometer prior to and throughout the treatment. At the end of the study majority of the patients showed a highly significant response in ways of remarkable reduction in blood pressure and various symptoms. Treatment with drug for 3 weeks produced significant improvement of systolic BP and Diastolic BP. None of the patients showed any adverse effects with NJ. The results of the present study suggested that the usefulness of NJ rhizomes in patients with essential hypertension. Changes in systolic BP and diastolic BP were analyzed statistically by Student's paired t- test. On the first visit the mean SBP and DBP was 163.76±1.21and 100.84±0.80 mm Hg respectively. After 8 weeks of therapy there was a statistically extremely significant fall in SBP (Mean±SEM) 123.24 ± 0.35 and DBP (Mean±SEM) 80.16 ± 0.27 mm Hg. P value (< 0.05) considered as significant.