Rauwolfia (Reserpine) As a Potential Antihypertensive Agent: A Review

The root of Rauwolfia serpentina Benth has been used in India from century. The genus name was selected in honor of Dr. Leonhard Rauwolf, a 16thcentury German botanist, Physician & explorer. Rauwolfia serpentina is a large climbing/twining herb or shrub, belonging to family Apocynaceae and found in the Assam, Pegu, Himalayas, Java, Tennasserim, Deccan, Peninsula, Bihar and the Malay Peninsula. Reserpine is the principle alkaloid of Rauwolfia serpentina and has its clinical application with success to the treatment of high blood pressure. Much smaller dose of Reserpine is required to obtain the antihypertensive action. The root was believed to stimulate uterine contraction and recommended for use in child-birth in difficult cases. The juice of the leaves has been used as a remedy for opacity of the cornea.The present review focuses mainly on chemistry and antihypertensive effect of Rauwolfia alkaloids.