Rauvolfia serpentina

Rauvolfia serpentina, also known as Indian Snakeroot or Sarpagandha, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to the Indian Subcontinent and East Asia (from India to Indonesia).

Description

The plant is a perennial, evergreen shrub that grows to about 1 meter in height. The leaves are arranged in whorls of three, each leaf being up to 7 cm long. The flowers are small, usually white in color, and are followed by small, red fruit.

Uses

Rauvolfia serpentina is used in traditional medicine in India, particularly in Ayurveda, where it is used to treat high blood pressure and mental disorders. It is also used in homeopathy.

Active Compounds

The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including reserpine, ajmaline, deserpidine, rescinnamine, serpentinine and yohimbine. Reserpine is used as an antihypertensive drug in allopathic medicine.

Cultivation

Rauvolfia serpentina prefers a tropical climate and is usually grown in well-drained soil in a sunny position. It is propagated by seeds or by root cuttings.

Conservation Status

The plant is listed as endangered by the IUCN due to overharvesting for its medicinal uses.

See Also

• Apocynaceae
• Ayurveda
• Homeopathy
• Reserpine

References

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Rauvolfia serpentina

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