Rauvolfia Serpentina is a medicinal plant of exceptional medicinal properties. It is a major medicinal plant in Indian and Chinese traditional therapeutics. In India, the use of this herb is almost 3000 years old and was known as Sarpagandha. The root, stem, and leaf all contain the active ingredient which has got medicinal properties. It is a tropical shrub and the height ranges from 15 centimetres to 60 CMs. It is a flowering plant. The leaves are 7-10 cm long; the flower is white and violet in color. The medicinal properties are due to the various phytochemicals found in various parts of the plant. The root contains a maximum amount of these phytochemicals. They have been classified to six major categories based on their chemical structures and characteristics. These categories include carbohydrates, lipids, phenolics, terpenoids and alkaloids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds.
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What are the biochemical substances present in Rauwolfia?
The different biochemical substances present in rauwolfia are ajmaline, ajmalicine, ajmalinine, rescinamine, reserpine, reserpinine, serpentine, serpentinine, and yohimbine. According to Pharmacopoeia of India, the plant comes under the category of hypotensive drugs The root of the plant has great medicinal values.
What are the benefits of Rauwolfia serpentina roots?
Its roots contain the highest amount of active substances, which are beneficial as anti-anxiety, sedative, antihypertensive, and relaxing effects. The following phytochemicals are found in Rauwolfia Serpentina roots: ( 1)
What is Rauwolfia root used for?
English: Rauwolfia root, Serpentina, Serpentina root, Serpent wood. Snakebite: In earlier times, it was used for a variety of diseases, including snake-bite, hypertension, insomnia, and insanity. Epilepsy: It is used for epilepsy and dysentery.
What is the chemical composition of Rauwolfia serpentina?
Phytochemistry (Chemical Composition) The main active constituent in Rauwolfia Serpentina is RESERPINE, which is well-known for its antipsychotic and antihypertensive action. The good amount of RESERPINE is present in roots, then stem and leaves.
What is the important chemical constituent of Rauwolfia?
The chemical constituents of rauwolfia are alkaloids i.e. it consist of 40 types of alkaloids(about 0.7-2.4%). Also it contain phytosterol, fatty acids, unsaturated alcohols and sugars as chemical constituents. Reserpine and rescinnamine are alkaloids which have main therapeutical effect in rauwolfia.
What are the properties of Rauwolfia?
Medicinal Properties and Uses: According to Ayurveda root is bitter, acrid, heating, sharp, pungent and anthelminic. Drug Rauvolfia consists of air-dried roots. Rauvolfia preparations are used as antihypertensive and as sedative.
Which part of plant is used as Rauwolfia drug?
Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina), also spelled ravolphia, is a medicinal plant in the milkweed family. The root of the plant is ground into a powder or sold in tablets or capsules. It is a compound commonly used in Asian medicine, which includes traditional Ayurvedic medicine native to India.
Which chemical constituent is responsible for antihypertensive activity of Rauwolfia?
Reserpine. Reserpine is one of the major alkaloids of the plant. The reserpine content has been found to be highest in the root and lower in the stems and leaves.
What is the function of rauwolfia?
Rauwolfia alkaloids belong to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives. They are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
What is biological source of rauwolfia?
Biological Source Rauwolfia consists of dried roots of Rauwolfia serpentina Benth., belonging to family Apocynaceae.
What is Rauwolfia root Extract?
Rauwolfia vomitoria is a natural medicinal herb which has been used for over 2000 years for treatment of diseases such as hypertension and mental disorders. [14,15] Its adverse effects include: decreased heart rate and blood pressure, which is due to dilatation of blood vessels.
Which plant part of Rauwolfia is used to obtain reserpine?
Reserpine—It is an indole alkaloid obtained from Rauwolfia serpentina. It is used as antipsychotic and antihypertensive agent for the control of high blood pressure and for the relief of psychotic symptoms respectively.
Why is genetic variation important in the plant Rauwolfia?
Positive genetic variations may result in greater amount of the alkaloid and also the domestication of this plants in various environments other than its native. So, that the medicinal properties can be utilized with no risk of extinction.
What is the major alkaloid of Rauwolfia plant?
The Rauwolfia alkaloid ajmaline was first studied by Leete. In vivo feeding experiments with Rauwolfia plants revealed the incorporation of tryptophan into ajmaline, reserpine, and serpentine, and confirmed that tryptophan acts as a precursor amino acid for the indole portion of these alkaloids.
Which of the following chemical test is used to detection of alkaloids?
Mayer's reagent is an alkaloidal precipitating reagent used for the detection of alkaloids in natural products. Mayer's reagent is freshly prepared by dissolving a mixture of mercuric chloride (1.36 g) and of potassium iodide (5.00 g) in water (100.0 ml).
Which plant drug is used as antihypertensive?
This review provides a bird's eye analysis primarily on the traditional utilization, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological values of medicinal herbs used to normalize hypertension i.e. Hibiscus sabdariffa, Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Apium graveolens, Bidenspilosa, Camellia sinensis, Coptis ...
Why is Serpentina genus Rauwolfiawas named after Dr Leonhard Rauwolf?
The genus Rauwolfiawas named in honor of the 16th-century German physician Dr Leonhard Rauwolf, who studied plants while travelling in India. Serpentina was selected for study due to its long, tapering, snake-like roots.6The Indian political leader Mahatma Gandhi was known to employ Rauwolfia, reportedly using the root to make a tea that he consumed in the evening to help relax after a busy, overstimulated day.7
What is a rauwolfia?
Rauwolfia(Rauwolfia serpentina) is an evergreen shrub that is a member of the dogbane or Apocynaceae family.1More than 100 species are included in the Rauwolfiagenus, and they are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Central and South Americas.2Rauwolfiaserpentina is native to the moist, deciduous forests of southeast Asia, including India, Burma, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.3The plant usually grows to a height between 60 and 90 cm and has pale green leaves that are 7 to 10 cm long and 3.5 to 5.0 cm wide. The leaves are elliptical or lanceolate shaped and occur in whorls of 3 to 5 leaves. The plant has many shiny, black or purple, round fruits that are approximately 0.5 cm in diameter. It also has small pink or white flowers. The plant has a prominent tuberous, soft taproot that reaches a length between 30 and 50 cm and a diameter between 1.2 and 2.5 cm.4
What is alseroxylon extract?
In 1952, a purified, standardized, isolated alkaloid extract called alser oxylon was introduced in the United States.24The active ingredients of the purified extract were a mixture of reserpine and rescinnamine. In this study, 346 patients with hypertension were treated on an outpatient basis in public and private hospitals. Participants’ original blood pressures were greater than 150/100 mm Hg on admission. During the control period, patients received a placebo. A consistent decrease in blood pressure readings of greater than 20 mm Hg was observed in patients treated with the alseroxylon extract.24
When was reserpine first used?
In 1952, CIBA Labs (now Novartis) in Switzerland published the first complete report on the chemistry and pharmacology of reserpine.7Also in 1952, isolated reserpine was introduced as the drug Serpasil for the treatment of hypertension, tachycardia, and thyrotoxicosis.7
Where are indole alkaloids found?
All parts of the plant, including the stem and leaves, contain indole alkaloids, but they are found in highest concentration in the bark of the root.11The identified indole and indole alkaloids include ajmalidine, ajmaline, ajmalinine, ajmalicine, aricine, canescine, coryanthine, deserpidine, isoajmaline, isoserine, isoserpiline, lankanescine, neoajmaline, papaverine, raubasine, raucaffricine, rauhimbine, rauwolfinine, recanescine, rescinnamine, reserpiline, reserpine, reserpinine, sarpagine, serpentine, serpentinine, thebaine, yohimbine, and yohimbinine.12,13
What is R serpentinawas used for?
R serpentinawas used in folk medicine in India for centuries to treat a wide variety of maladies, including snake and insect bites, febrile conditions, malaria, abdominal pain, and dysentery. It was also used as a uterine stimulant, febrifuge, and cure for insanity.
How much Rauwolfiato is prescribed?
Having prescribed more than 80 000 capsules of Rauwolfiato more than 300 patients with hypertension, the author does not currently prescribe more than 500 mg of Rauwolfiaper day and usually prescribes only the equivalent of 100 mg of Rauwolfiatwice per day. Some patients receive 300 to 400 mg per day if needed.
What are the alkaloids in Rauvolfia?
& Binn. (Apocynaceae) yielded alkaloids (E )-3- (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acrylic acid and ( E )-methyl 3- (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl) acrylate, which were reportedly more selective in inhibiting AChE and BChE, respectively, and their differential activity was attributed to the chemical substitution patterns ( Fadaeinasab et al., 2013, p. 3779 ). Bark of R. reflexa produced alkaloids rauvolfine C, 3-methyl-10,11-dimethoxy-6-methoxycarbonyl-β-carboline, macusine B, vinorine, undulifoline, isoresrpiline, and rescinnamine; these compounds showed good to moderate ChE inhibitory activity with rescinnamine being the most promising. Molecular docking study elucidated that the indole moiety and methoxy groups were reportedly responsible for their AChE and BChE inhibitory activities, respectively (Fadaeinasab et al., 2015, p. 1997 ).
Where is Rauvolfia found?
The Rauvolfia genus, several species of which have been studied from the Indomalesian region and from Africa, contains four species in New Caledonia (121). Some of them are subdivided into subspecies and varieties. Three of these species, closely related botanically ( R. schumanniana, R. spathulata, and R. sevenetii), contain ajmaline (189) Fig. 7 ).
What is reserpine used for?
Reserpine is an FDA-approved prescription medication for the treatment of hypertension. The prescribed, adult, label dosage for reserpine, for use as an antihypertensive agent, is 0.1–0.25 mg per individual per day. 5 According to a recent study, reserpine can be found in Rauwolfia serpentina at a concentration of 0.1442% ( Kumar et al., 2010 ). A dietary supplement product, labeled to contain 50 mg of R. serpentina in each serving (1 capsule) with directions to take two capsules per day, could potentially contain upward of 0.0721 mg reserpine (0.1442% of 50 mg) per capsule and lead to a total daily exposure level of 0.144 mg reserpine. This is in the range for an amount that would be indicated in a prescription medication for an individual with hypertension.
What is the alkaloids in a cell suspension?
Cell suspension cultures of the Indian medicinal plant Rauwolfia serpentina were known to produce not only a great variety 75 of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids of different classes, but also extremely high concentrations of particular alkaloids, which have not so far been observed in plant cell suspensions.102,103
What is the plant that produces indole alkaloids?
The plant Rauwolfia serpentina is a major source of biologically active indole alkaloids.227 About 50 alkaloids have been reported from this plant, of which ajmalicine, ajmaline, reserpine, rescinnamine, yohimbine, and serpentine are of pharmaceutical importance.227 The plant has been used for the treatment of snake bites and feverish illnesses. Organ and plant cell cultures of this plant have been studied in detail.228,229 In the normal plant of R. serpentina, the roots contain higher levels of indole alkaloids. Callus cultures of R. serpentina were able to biosynthesize some of the typical alkaloids, viz., ajmaline, ajmalicine, and serpentine, and their biosynthesis has been studied by tracer experiments.230
What is Rauwolfia serpentina?
Rauwolfia serpentina Bent, ex Kurz is an old medicinal plant from India applied for the treatment of various diseases in former times. In addition, the roots are the industrial source for the isolation of prominent alkaloids like reserpine, rescinnamine, yohimbine, ajmalicine or ajmaline which are of pharmacological-therapeutically interest. Therefore, the chemical analysis of the root material has been carried out many times [86]. Using a crude extraction of commercially available Rauwolfia roots, the developed CE-MS method ( section 3) was tested for its performance concerning resolution and required time of analysis [ 70 b].
What is the precursor of tryptamine?
The biogenetic precursors tryptamine and secologanin form (S)-3α-strictosidine, catalyzed by the enzyme strictosidine synthase (SS). The biosynthetic importance of strictosidine was confirmed, as it serves as the precursor for both the 3α- and 3β-configured alkaloids and also for the Rauwolfia alkaloids. 231–235.
What alkaloids are used to relax smooth muscle?
Corynanthe-type monoterpenoid alkaloids such as corynanthine ( CS 1.21) are interesting because they have the ability to bind and antagonize α-adrenergic receptors 104 and therefore to relax vascular smooth muscles. One such alkaloid is ajmalicine from Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz (family Apocynaceae Juss.), which abrogated phenylephrine-induced hypertension in rats. 105 Hirsutine from the genus Uncaria Schreb. (family Rubiaceae Juss.) at a dose of 3 × 10 –5 M relaxed isolated rat aorta that had been contracted by norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and K +. 88 Intravenous injections of 0.5 mg–5 mg/kg of dihydrocorynantheine from Uncaria calophylla Blume ex Korth. (family Rubiaceae Juss.) caused the mean arterial blood pressure of anesthetized normotensive rats to fall immediately by 34–49 mmHg. 106
What is the precursor of alkaloids in Skythantus?
Figure 10. L-phenylalanine is a precursor of alkaloids in Skythantus species belonging to the Dogbane plant family.
What are the alkaloids in Kopsia?
These alkaloids are as follows: ajmaline, 17- O -acetylajmaline, isoajmaline, isosandwichine, rauflorine, vincamajine and vincamedine. Eleven indole alkaloids were isolated from the stem bark of Kopsia hainanensis Tsiang, which is one of for species of Kopsia, endemic in China 69.
What are the best anticancer drugs?
The top anticancer drugs taxol, camptothecin (CPT), vincristine, vinblastin, podophyllotoxin, and etiposide are derived from plants and still they dominate the pharma world.
What is Table 10.1?
Table 10.1. Historical perspective on the approaches used to identify MIA pathway genes
Where are indole alkaloids found?
Moreover, Heijden et al. 63 have described the isolation of indole alkaloids from Tabernaemontana elegans, a species which occurs in southern part of Africa and is used in traditional medicine in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Southern Africa.
Where is Yohimbine found?
Yohimbine ( 186 ), by contrast, is found in the bark of Pausinystalia johimbe (synonymous with Coryanthe johimbe ). It has been used in traditional medicines in the treatment of angina and hypertension, but is more commonly employed in organic/psychogenic impotence, and used as an aphrodisiac.
Rauwolfia Serpentina Plant In Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, Indian snakeroot plant helps balance both the Vata and the Kapha doshas. The chemical constituents in the plant are reserpine, ajmaline, ajmalicine, indobine, serpentine, yohimbine, yohimbine, and rescinnamine. The plant is known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-hypertensive properties.
Dosage And Uses Of Rauvolfia Serpentina
A aforementioned, one must consult a doctor before making using the herb for treating any of their issues to prevent any health problems. Especially if you are under medication, it is advised you consult a doctor or it can interfere with some of your medicines and lead to health issues.
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What is Rauwolfia Serpentina root powder?
Rauwolfia Serpentina root powder is useful for lowering and managing the blood pressure. RESERPINE presents in the roots binds the VESICULAR MONAMINE TRANSPORTERS (VMATs) and inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine into secretory vesicles and depletes serotonin and catecholamines from the from central and peripheral axon terminals. It results in depletion of neurotransmitters and reduces promulgation of the nerve impulses occurring in the postsynaptic nerve cells. This depletion results in suppression of sympathetic nerve function, which decreases arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Through this action, it reduces the blood pressure. The depletion caused by Serpentina can last for days to weeks, so it exerts long-lasting effects. This action may also cause many side effects for which RESERPINE alkaloid is now rarely used in modern medicine.
What is the active ingredient in Rauwolfia Serpentina?
YOHIMBINE. The main active constituent in Rauwolfia Serpentina is RESERPINE, which is well-known for its antipsychotic and antihypertensive action. The good amount of RESERPINE is present in roots, then stem and leaves. In dry root powder, RESERPINE can be present from 0.03% to 0.14%.
What is the name of the herb that is used to treat hypertension?
Sarpagandha is botanically Rauwolfia Serpentina and also called Indian snakeroot in English. It is a famous ayurvedic herb used for hypertension (high blood pressure) management. Its root powder (called Sarpagandha Churna) is usually best for using in hypertension than its extract or derivatives to minimize its side effects ...
How long does serpentina depletion last?
Through this action, it reduces the blood pressure. The depletion caused by Serpentina can last for days to weeks, so it exerts long-lasting effects.
What is ayurvedic medicine used for?
In Ayurveda, it is also used for the treatment of high blood pressure, diarrhea, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, snakebite, insomnia, mental disorders, headache, epilepsy, whooping cough, hiccup and breathing troubles.
Can Rauwolfia Serpentina cause unwanted effects?
The overdose of Rauwolfia Serpentina can cause following unwanted effects.
Does Rauwolfia Serpentina lower blood pressure?
In this dosage, the presence of RESERPINE is insignificant to cause any severe side effects, but the whole herb acts wonderfully for the management of hypertension, so we can conclude that Rauwolfia Serpentina also has other active constituents in addition to RESERPINE, which also lowers the blood pressure and reduces the ill effects of each other. ...
What is Rauwolfia Serpentina?
Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha) is one of the important ayurvedic medicinal herbs. The root of this herb has been used since ancient times. The importance of the root and the alkaloids obtained from it has been recognized in the modern system of medicine in the treatment of hypertension and Neuro-psychiatric disorders.
How many ounces of rauwolfia is in 1:10?
Decoction of Rauwolfia (1:10): 1 to 2 oz.
What are the different substances in Sarpagandha?
The different biochemical substances present in rauwolfia are ajmaline, ajmalicine, ajmalinine, rescinamine, reserpine, reserpinine, serpentine, serpentinine, and yohimbine. According to Pharmacopoeia of India, the plant comes under the category of hypotensive drugs
What is the root of reserpine used for?
Clinically, the root is used for the treatment of psychoses and hypertension.
What are the uses of extracts of roots?
Intestinal disorders: Extracts of the roots are valued for the treatment of intestinal disorders, particularly diarrhea, dysentery, and also as an anthelmintic.
Why is root used in childbirth?
Childbirth: It is believed that the root helps to stimulate uterine contractions and recommended for use in childbirth to promote expulsion of the fetus in difficult cases.