The present study was undertaken to evaluate Tagara and Jatamansi for certain CNS activities to ascertain the basis for their use as a sedative and hypnotics. The drugs were evaluated for hypnotic and sedative, anti anxiety, anti depressant and anti psychotic activities using standard experimental protocol. The data generated suggests that the test drugs Tagara and Jatamansi have complex CNS activity profile which is not easy to categorize under general CNS activity profile. Both possess significant anti-anxiety activity without significant sedative-hypnotic activity. This increases their utility for the patients suffering from anxiety due to sleep disturbances.

Vardhakya (old age) is characterized by deterioration in the levels of vital capacity, energy, sexual potency, speech, perception, absorption, retention, memory and intellectual abilities along with predominance of Vata (Basic body humour). Vata is the main controller of functions of mind. Due to this shared association of Manas (Mind), old age and Vata, impairment of mental functions are commonly observed in geriatric age group. In the present criterion, care towards psychological wellbeing in the geriatric age group is of utmost importance due to the increasing senile population and altered social situations. Ayurveda confers the knowledge of Rasayana, where various pharmacological and non-pharmacological modes (Achara Rasayana) of therapies are used for prevention, promotion and management of diseases. Medhya Rasayana (nootropic), a group of Rasayana medicines are known for their action on psychological and intellectual functioning. Rasayana can heighten mental health in old age by its unique effects on Vata