it contain 1 to 2% of pale yellow volatile oil,resin,sugar,starch and bitter principle,an alcohol and its isovaleric ester.it also contain jatamansic acid and ketones jatamansone and nardostachone.

it is used as a sedative,anti-spasmodic,diuretic,emmengogue,and stomachic.it is stimulant in small doses and also useful in epilepsy,hysteria,and palpitation of heart.the oil is used as hair tonic.