Skip to content
Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Review on Pharmacological Action and Therapeutic Uses of Balchar (Nardostachys jatamansi DC): Unani Perspective

Mehwish Ayoub Khan, Mohammed Sheeraz Mushtaque Ahmed, Sumeena, Syed Farhanda Farooq, Uzma Jan

Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research · pp. 47–56 · Published 12 Aug 2024

10.9734/jocamr/2024/v25i8559

Abstract

Nardostachys jatamansi DC, commonly referred to as 'Balchar', is a perennial herb within the Valerianaceae family, locally known as "Jatamansi" or "Sumbul-ut-teeb". This species is indigenous to the Himalayan Mountain range, with its habitat extending across China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, thriving at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 meters. The roots of Nardostachys jatamansi are utilized in traditional Unani medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including hepatitis, inflammation, and obstructions. The genus Nardostachys, particularly Nardostachys jatamansi, is rich in phytoconstituents such as actinidine, angelicin, jatamansin, jatamansone, and jatamansinol. Extensive pharmacological research has demonstrated the plant's antilithiatic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cognitive-enhancing, cardioprotective, hypolipidemic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antiandrogenic, and antibacterial properties. This review aims to elucidate the therapeutic applications of Nardostachys jatamansi, drawing on traditional Unani medicine and contemporary scientific investigations.

Nardostachys jatamansi DC Balchar hepatoprotective Sumbul-u-tteeb Unani medicine

References (7)

  1. 1 Anticonvulsant and neurotoxicity profile of Nardostachys jatamansi in rats [DOI]
  2. 2 A review article on phytochemistry and pharmacological profiles of Nardostachys jatamansi DC-medicinal herb
  3. 3 Antidiabetic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats [DOI]
  4. 4 Pharmacological profile and Uses of Sumbul-ut-teeb (Nardostachys jatamansi) in Unani System of medicine
  5. 5 Comparative study of antidepressant activity of methanolic extract of Nardostachys jatamansi DC rhizome on normal and sleep deprived mice.
  6. 6 Antimicrobial activities of Nardostachys jatamansi extract against multidrug resistant bacterial species [DOI]
  7. 7 Treatment of Patients with Refractory Functional Dyspepsia Using Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. Hydroalcoholic Extract: A Case Series [DOI]

Cited by 4

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity and its reversal using botanicals of traditional Indian medicine in different animal models: way forward

Abdur Rahman, Naveen Reddy Penumallu, Sageer Abass · Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences · 2025

Medicinal and Nutritional Importance of Nardostachys jatamansi in Human Health

Sharmistha Ganguly, Dwaipayan Sinha, Ratul Bhattacharya · Medicinal Plants and their Bioactive Compounds in Human Health: Volume 2 · 2026

Showing 2 of 4 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.

Related research

Article metrics

Real usage data collected on this platform.

32

Page views

0

PDF downloads

4

Outbound clicks

4

Citations

Views over time

Views by country

Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".

Traffic sources

Referring site, by host.

Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.