Rauvolfia
Rauvolfia
Rauvolfia (pronounced: rau·vol·fia | \ rau̇ˈvȯlfēə \) is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs in the family Apocynaceae. The genus is named after Leonhard Rauwolf, a German physician and botanist.
Etymology
The genus name Rauvolfia is derived from the name of Leonhard Rauwolf, a 16th-century German physician and botanist who travelled extensively in the Middle East and North Africa. He was one of the first Europeans to describe the plant.
Description
Rauvolfia species are trees or shrubs that are evergreen. They are characterized by their glossy leaves and small, fragrant flowers. The fruit is a drupe, which is a type of fruit with a single stone or seed.
Species
There are about 60 species in the genus Rauvolfia, including Rauvolfia serpentina and Rauvolfia vomitoria. These species are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Medical Uses
Rauvolfia has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The roots of Rauvolfia serpentina, also known as Indian Snakeroot or Sarpagandha, have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat high blood pressure, insomnia, and mental disorders. The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including reserpine, which has been used in Western medicine as an antihypertensive drug.
Related Terms
- Apocynaceae: The plant family to which Rauvolfia belongs.
- Leonhard Rauwolf: The botanist after whom the genus Rauvolfia is named.
- Rauvolfia serpentina: A species of Rauvolfia used in traditional medicine.
- Rauvolfia vomitoria: Another species of Rauvolfia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rauvolfia
- Wikipedia's article - Rauvolfia
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