Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), also known as Indian Valerian, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine primarily for its calming and sedative effects. Traditionally, it has been employed to manage anxiety, insomnia, and stress-related disturbances. The roots of Tagara contain a range of volatile oils and valepotriates, believed to possess tranquilizing and anxiolytic properties. Historical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita mention Tagara as a remedy for nervous system imbalances, which would now be categorized under anxiety and sleep disorders.

From a scientific perspective, direct clinical studies on Tagara (Valeriana wallichii) for anxiety in humans are limited. However, its close relative, Valeriana officinalis (European Valerian), has been studied more extensively and demonstrates mild-to-moderate anxiolytic effects. Some animal studies and in vitro experiments suggest that Tagara may have similar neuropharmacological actions, such as modulation of GABAergic activity, which could underlie its calming effects. Nevertheless, clinical trials specifically assessing Tagara's efficacy in anxiety management are sparse, and most contemporary use is still rooted in tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

In summary, the use of Tagara for anxiety is primarily justified by traditional Ayurvedic practice, with a moderate level of indirect scientific support, mostly extrapolated from related species and preclinical studies.