Introduction of an Exotic Strain of <I>Valeriana officinalis</I> Linn. (from U.S.S.R.) for its Cultivation and Exploitation in Chakrata Hills, Distt. Dehra Dun, India

Abstract

Valeriana officinalis Linn, is the source of true valerian and an essential oil, well known in drug trade for use in medicine and an a perfume. It is in fairly good demand in India but does not appear to be cultivated anywhere in the country on commercial scale. The requirement is, therefore, met through imports for which no figures are avai1able. True valerian oil is one of the very costly essential oils; priced Rs 2000/per kg approximately, which is prohibitive and restricts its free use. Instead, the Inferior Indian valerian from Valeriana jatamansi Jones. syn. V. wallichii DC is used as a substitute. In order, therefore, to meet the country's requirement and to save the foreign exchange, the necessity of cultivating a suitable strain of Valeriana officinalis, was felt. Accordingly, seeds of an exotic strain of V. officinalis (from U.S.S.R.) were procured and trials were undertaken in Chakrata Hills (alt. 2150 m), District Dehra Dun, India. The results of cultivation and exploitation are mentioned. Also, the yields of rhizomes/roots ,(valerian) and their oil content alongwith its physico-chemical constants, are given.