rauwolfia

Rauwolfia refers to medicinal preparations derived from the dried rhizome and roots of *Rauwolfia serpentina*, a plant in the Apocynaceae family commonly known as Indian snakeroot. The therapeutic activity of the drug is attributed to its complex mixture of indole alkaloids, most notably reserpine, ajmaline, ajmalicine, deserpidine, and rescinnamine. Its primary mechanism of action involves the irreversible inhibition of the vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT1 and VMAT2), which prevents the storage of monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in synaptic vesicles. This leads to the depletion of these neurotransmitters from both peripheral and central axon terminals, resulting in a reduction in sympathetic tone and peripheral vascular resistance. Historically, rauwolfia was a staple in the treatment of hypertension and was one of the first effective antipsychotics used for mental disorders like schizophrenia. However, its clinical use has significantly declined in modern medicine due to a high incidence of side effects, including severe depression, sedation, and bradycardia. It remains recognized by the German Commission E for the treatment of hypertension and insomnia.

Brand names

SerpinaRaudixinRauvalWolfina

Other names

Rauwolfia serpentinaIndian snakerootSarpagandha