Synonym: Indian valerian, valerian jatamansi.

Biological source: It consist of dried rhizomes, stolons and root of Valeriana wallichii belonging to family Valerianaceae

Geographical source: It is found abundant in western Himalaya, and reported in Afganisthan and Pakistan. It is also collected in Kashmir, Garhwal

Macroscopic characters:

Rhizome

Colour: Dull yellowish to brown

Odour: Characteristics, penetrating and resembling isovaleric acid

Taste: Bitter and Camphoraceous

Size: 4 to 8 cm long and 4 to 20 mm in thickness

Shape: Subcyllindrical and flattened, dorsiventrally curved and unbranched

Stolon

Colour: Yellowish gray

Odour: Characteristics, penetrating and resembling isovaleric acid

Taste: Bitter and Camphoraceous

Size: 5mm in length and 2 to 4 mm in thickness

Root

Colour: Yellowish brown

Odour: Characteristics, penetrating and resembling isovaleric acid

Taste: Bitter and Camphoraceous

Size: 3 to 5 cm long and 1 mm diameter

References:

1. Trease D. & Evans W.C.: Text Book of Pharmacognosy: W.B. Saunders.

2. Tyler V. E. Brady L. R. & Robbers J. E.: Pharmacognosy; Lea Feibger, USA.

3. Wallis T. E.; Text Book of Pharmacognosy; CBS Publishers, Delhi.

4. Kokate C. K., Purohit A. P. & Gokhale S. B.: Pharmacognosy; Nirali Publications, Pune.

5. Harbone J. B.: Phytochemical Methods: A guide to modern techniques Analysis: Chapman & Hall, London.

6. Bruneton J.: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants: Intercept Limited.