Page 94 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203
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(See The Practical)
Powdered drug:
(See The Practical)
Constituents:
Rauwolfia contains at least 50 alkaloids (0.7- 2.4 %), belonging to Indole
class.
1- Reserpine & Rescinnamine.
2- Ajmaline & Ajmalinine.
3- Serpentine & Serpentinine.
Reserpine is the chief therapeutically important alkaloid.
Uses:
1- Rauwolfia preparations and reserpine are used in the treatment of
essential hypertension (dose, 0.25 mg.)
2- In the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders e.g. schizophrenia.
3- Sedative in insomnia.
4- Tranquilizer in insanity and mild anxiety.
5- Ajmaline has quinidine like action, so used for the treatment of cardiac
arrythmia.
Notes:
1- In the treatment of hypertension, reserpine is used in combination with
other drugs e.g. (diuretics).
2- Reserpine alkaloid has been described as phenotropic drug, because it
influences the function of the brain causing general sense of euphoria
following its administration.
3- In treatment of schizophrenia reserpine causes severe depression, Now
it is replaced by synthetic chemicals e.g. phenothiazines.
Evaluation of Rauwolfia preparations:
92
