What is the recommended dose of Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) for its sedative and anxiolytic effects?

Jatamansi Dosing for Sedative and Anxiolytic Effects

Based on the available research evidence, Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) should be dosed at 250-500 mg/kg body weight orally for anxiolytic effects, with 7 days of treatment required for optimal therapeutic benefit.

Evidence-Based Dosing Recommendations

For Anxiolytic and Sedative Effects

• 250 mg/kg orally for 7 days produced significant anxiolytic effects in animal models, with results comparable to diazepam 1 mg/kg, including increased time in open arms of elevated plus maze and increased GABA neurotransmitter levels 1
• 200-500 mg/kg orally for 14 days significantly reversed stress-induced despair behavior, anxiety, and decreased locomotor activity in chronic fatigue syndrome models 2
• 500 mg/kg orally for 14 days provided potent anti-stress effects by mitigating cold restraint stress-induced oxidative stress and neurochemical alterations in brain regions 3

For Hypertension (Additional Indication)

• 3 grams total daily dose (1 gram three times daily) for 4 weeks in human subjects significantly reduced systolic blood pressure from 144.20 ± 11.35 mmHg to 134.30 ± 10.08 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 94.9 ± 3.4 mmHg to 83.10 ± 5.29 mmHg 4

For CNS Depression and Sleep

• The rhizome powder significantly reduced latency of onset of sleep (P < 0.01) and extended total duration of sleep (P < 0.05) in animal models, demonstrating CNS depressant activity without affecting gross behavior or muscle coordination 5

Mechanism of Action

• Jatamansi exerts anxiolytic effects primarily through GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex activation, as demonstrated by antagonism with flumazenil (0.5 mg/kg) and picrotoxin (1 mg/kg) blocking its anxiolytic actions 1
• The extract significantly increases brain monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) and GABA levels in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus 3, 1
• Antioxidant properties contribute to anti-stress effects by normalizing lipid peroxidation, nitrite levels, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity 2

Treatment Duration for Optimal Effect

• 7-day treatment appears to be the minimum effective duration for anxiolytic effects, with significant improvements in behavioral anxiety tests and neurotransmitter levels 1
• 14-day treatment provides more robust anti-stress effects and complete normalization of oxidative stress parameters 3, 2
• 4-week treatment was used successfully in human hypertension trials 4

Pharmacokinetic Considerations

• Biodistribution studies using technetium-99m radiolabeling showed rapid blood clearance within 24 hours, with major accumulation in kidneys (11.65 ± 1.33%), liver (6.07 ± 0.94%), and blood (4.03 ± 0.63%) after 1 hour 1
• Minimal brain penetration (0.1 ± 0.02%) was observed, likely due to limited blood-brain barrier crossing, suggesting peripheral mechanisms may contribute to CNS effects 1
• The compound demonstrated 96-93% in vitro stability and 96-92% in vivo stability 1

Safety Profile

• No significant adverse effects on gross behavior or muscle coordination were observed at therapeutic doses 5
• The extract was well-tolerated in human subjects receiving 3 grams daily for 4 weeks 4
• Treatment did not produce significant changes in rota-rod performance, indicating preserved motor function 5

Clinical Application Algorithm

1. For acute anxiety/sedation: Start with 250 mg/kg orally, continue for minimum 7 days 1
2. For chronic stress or more severe symptoms: Use 500 mg/kg orally for 14 days 3, 2
3. For human use (based on hypertension data): Consider 1 gram three times daily (3 grams total) for 4 weeks, though this requires extrapolation from limited human data 4
4. Monitor response: Assess anxiolytic effects after 7 days; if inadequate, continue to 14 days 1

Important Caveats

• All dosing recommendations are derived from animal studies except the hypertension trial, which used human subjects 4, 3, 2, 1, 5
• The mechanism involves GABAergic activation, similar to benzodiazepines, suggesting potential for sedation and respiratory depression when combined with other CNS depressants 1
• Limited blood-brain barrier penetration suggests that higher doses or prolonged treatment may be necessary for central effects 1
• No standardized human dosing guidelines exist in major medical guidelines; the 3-gram daily dose in humans is based on a single randomized controlled trial 4