Nardostachys jatamansi

This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antimicrobial potential of extracts derived from Curcuma caesia rhizomes and Nardostachys jatamansi roots. A total of 250 g of Curcuma caesia and 80 g of Nardostachys jatamansi were subjected to solvent extraction. The yields of Curcuma caesia extracts were 2.22% in petroleum ether and 7.15% in ethanol. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extracts confirmed the presence of several bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, glycosides, and proteins. The total phenolic content was measured at 171 mg/g for Curcuma caesia and 393 mg/g for Nardostachys jatamansi, expressed in gallic acid equivalents. Similarly, the total flavonoid content was 175 mg/g and 410 mg/g, respectively, in terms of rutin equivalents. A polyherbal gel was formulated using these extracts, with the G3 combination formulation showing superior performance in antimicrobial activity tests, as evidenced by a larger zone of inhibition. Furthermore, dermal safety assessment revealed no skin irritation, indicating its suitability for topical application. Overall, the findings support the potential of this herbal gel as a safe and effective natural antimicrobial agent.

In the present study, various extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi roots were tested against the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis. Chloroform, petroleum ether, methanol, and water extracts of N. jatamansi roots were used for determining Potential pediculocidal and ovicidal activity using filter paper diffusion method. It was observed that methanol extracts exhibited excellent anti-lice activity with values ranging between 50.3% and 100% where as peteroleum ether, chloroform and water extracts showed moderate pediculocidal effects. All the results were well comparable with benzoyl benzoate (25% w/v) was used as positive control to compare the activity. Anti-lice activity of N. jatamansi extracts proved a potential prospect of introducing it in anti-lice formulations.