Page 105 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Roots containing indole alkaloids
Rauwolfia root (Indian Snake root)

Botanical origin: th dried roots and rhizomes of Rauwolfia serpentina family
Apocynaceae
Constituents:

Rauwolfia contains at least 50 alkaloids ( 0.7- 2.4 % ) ,belonging to Indole
class:
• Reserpine& Rescinnamine .
• Ajmaline & Ajmalicine.
• Serpentine &serpentinine
Uses:
• Rauwolfia preparations and reserpine are used in the treatment of essential

hypertension usually in combination with other drugs e.g. (diuretics ).
• Ajmaline has antiarrythmic action,so used for diagnosis of some cardiac

diseases.
• Reserpine is used in relief of symptoms in some psychotic states but Now

it is replaced by synthetic chemicals.
Precautions:

• Reserpine may cause mental depression.
• Reserpine, has been shown to be teratogenic in rats at There are no adequate

and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, the use of
Radix Rauwolfia is not recommended during pregnancy.

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