Rauwolfia serpentina
Biological Source: Rauwolfia consists of dried root and rhizomatous stalk of Rauwolfia serpentina (Apocynaceae) usually collected in the autumn from the plants that are for 3-4 years old.
Diagnostic feature: Usually cylindrical or slightly tapering tortous pieces about 8-10 cm long and 5-22 mm in dio diamater, the roots are rarely branched and rootless (0.5-1 mm in diameter) are rare. The rhizome closely resembles the root but may be identified by small central pith (1-2 mm in diameter).
They occasionally have attached them small piece of aerial stem. The outer surface is greyish green, light brown or brown with slight wrinkles (young pieces) and occasional circular scar of rootlets.
Organoleptic characters:
Colour: Root bark greyish yellow to brown, wood pale yellow.
Odour: Odourless.
Size: 10-15 cm long, 1-3 cm diameter.
Taste: Bitter.
Shape: Cylindrical with slightly tapering.
Constituents: It contain resinous matter with 1.2-1.7% alkaloids. 50 different types of alkaloids have been reported from 25 different species of Rauwolfia. The principal alkaloids are reserpine, deserpine, ranfocine, reserpimine, ajamine, isoajomatine, rauwolfinine, serpentine, alstonine, rescinnate.
Uses: The extract of R. serpentina (Mainly Reserpine) used in the treatment of hypertension and is certain neuro-psychiatric disorders. It is also used for insomnia and insanity. Root decoction is also employed in labours to increase uterine contraction.
The leaf juice is used for removal of opacities of the cornea of the eye. Ajmaline is used for the treatment of cardiac arrythmias.
Some important preparations:
Rauwolfia serpentina (tablets) Gluconate limited
Raften (calcholic prep) \rightarrow Bengal chemical and pharmaceutical Ltd.
Sarpina & 117 — Himalayan drug co. Delhi
Adelpine — CIBA India Ltd Bombay
Serpasil — Cibaplasma Ltd BasleyAdulterant:R. densiflora
