Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.

Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. is also known as Ophioxylon serpentinum Linn. belongs to Apocynaceae family.

The Arabic names for this herb are Jamul Maa , Shaqiq Maee.

The English names for this herb are Rauwolfia Root, Serpentine Root, Snake Root.

The Urdu names for this herb are Asrol, Chhota Chand, Choti-Chandan, Sarpagandha.

Warning: In large doses it may produce deep sleep where the reflexes and sensation of pain are (totally) diminished and death may result from asphyxia due to paralysis of respiratory centres. Excessive use may cause irritation in alimentary canal and vomiting.

Description

Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.. A small shrub 50-60 cm high, branches simple and glabrous. Leaves whorled, usually three, ovate-lanceolate, elliptic-lanceolate, entire, dark green above and pale green beneath. Inflorescence terminal or axillary, flowers pink or reddish-pink. Fruit red, ovoid, pointed, turning to shining black when fully mature. The roots and rhizomes are almost identical in external features. The drug occurs in cylindrical or slightly tapering, tortuous pieces 2-10 cm long, 5-22 mm in diameter. Outer surface is greyish-yellow, light brown or brown.

Pharmacological Actions

The pharmacological actions of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.'s Root are Anthelmintic, Anti-hypertensive, CNS Depressant, Hypnotic, Increases Uterine Contractions, Psychotropic, Sedative.

Indications

The indication of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.'s Leaves is Corneal Opacity.

The indications of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.'s Root are CNS Irritation, Fever, Insanity, Bowel Complaints, Cholera, Dysentery, High BP, Epilepsy, Hysteria, Insomnia, Mania, Hypertension, Hypochondria.

Contraindications

None recorded.

Temperament

The temperament of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.'s Root is 3rd order, cold and dry.

Occurrence, Taste & Odor

Odor: The odor of Root of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. is Odourless.

Taste: Root: Sharp Bitter.

Dosage

Part	Dose	Instructions
Root	0.250 – 1.000 g	N/A

Available Brands

MASTURINHamdard laboratories Waqf Pakistan
SHAFAIQARSHI INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD

Compound Preparations

Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. is used in the preparation of Hab Dawaul Shifa, Hab Fishar.

Substitutes

The substitutes of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. are Valeriana hardwickii Wall., Valeriana officinalis Linn. [Used in hypotensive action and as cardiotonic.].

Active Constituents

The active constituents of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.'s Root are Ajmalicine, Ajmaline, Ajmalinine, Isoajmaline, Neo-Ajmaline, Oleoresin, Ophioxylin, Reserpine, Resin Fraction, Serpentine, Serpentinine, Sterol.

Antidotes

The antidotes of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. are Delphinium denudatum Wall. ex H. & T., Piper nigrum Linn..

Toxicity

Currently no Toxicity information is available for Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.. (work in progress)