Indian snakeroot
Rauvolfia serpentina
Other names: sarpagandha, serpentine wood, सर्पगन्धा (Skt.)
Photo credit: Forestowlet / Wikimedia Commons
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
Safety information
Toxicity: serious - reserpine causes severe depression and suicidality, sedation, nasal congestion, bradycardia, hypotension, Parkinsonism/extrapyramidal effects, weight gain, GI ulceration; overdose dangerous. Narrow benefit/risk.
Contraindications: depression or history of depression (absolute), peptic ulcer, pheochromocytoma, electroconvulsive therapy, Parkinsonism, pregnancy/breastfeeding, bradycardia.
Interactions: potentiates CNS depressants/alcohol; dangerous with MAO inhibitors; additive hypotension with other antihypertensives; interacts with digitalis/antiarrhythmics (bradycardia/arrhythmia); catecholamine and sympathomimetic interactions.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: contraindicated in pregnancy/breastfeeding
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
standardized pharmaceutical extract · root
Part used: root
Traditional use: hypertension
Proposed mechanism: reserpine depletes catecholamines/serotonin via VMAT inhibition
traditional preparation · root
Part used: root
Traditional use: agitation, insomnia, snakebite (Ayurveda)
Proposed mechanism: indole alkaloids
Associated conditions
Healing traditions
Sources (3)
- Effect of Rauwolfia serpentina and Reserpine on BP (AHA Circulation)
- Rauvolfia serpentina overview (ScienceDirect)
- Rauvolfia serpentina phytochemical/pharmacological review