Standarization & Identification of Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC.)

Abstract

Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC.) is medicinal plant widely used in Ayurvedic formulations, since antiquity, for a number of diseases such as Insomnia, Adnidra & Mental disorder etc. Ayurvedic classics explained various factors regarding Tagara (Valeriana wallichii DC.) such as synonyms of identification, Rasa panchaka, Karma, therapeutic uses, dose and contraindications. It Rasa- Tikta, Katu, Kashaya, Guna- Laghu, Snigdha,Karma- Kapha-vata hara, Vishaghna,Virya- Ushna,Vipaka- Katu & Indicated in Apasmara, Anidra, Siroroga, Netraroga. Presently there is renewed interest in Tagara aimed at identification and isolation of its chemical constituents, scientific validation of its pharmacological actions on various systems. This article aimed at exploring Tagara in Ayurvedic literature and validating through recent investigations. A current research on Tagara confirms its action in several diseases acting on Apasmara, Anidra, Siroroga, Netraroga. Researches provide an example to explain the action of ayurvedic medicine Tagara in terms of conventional biochemistry and pharmacology.