Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Bent

Primary Characteristics

Primary Characteristics

Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. is aslo known as Ophioxylon serpentinum Linn., belongs to Apocynaceae, family.
The Arabic Names for this herb are Jamul Maa, Shaqiq Maee.
The English Names for this herb are Rauwolfia Root, Serpentine Root, Snake Root.
The Urdu Names for this herb are Asrol, Chhota Chand, Choti-Chandan, Sarpagandha.

Pharmacological Actions

Root:

  • Anthelmintic
  • Anti-hypertensive
  • CNS Depressant
  • Hypnotic
  • Increases Uterine Contractions
  • Psychotropic
  • Sedative


    • Indications

    The Indication of Leaves of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. is Corneal Opacity.

    The Indications of Root of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. are CNS Irritation, Fever, Insanity, Bowel Complaints, Cholera, Dysentery, High BP, Epilepsy, Hysteria, Insomnia, Mania, Hypertension, Hypochondria.

    No Contra Indication information is available for Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth..

    Temperaments

    The Temperament of Root of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. is 3rd order, cold and dry.

    Available Brands

    BrandManufacturer/Mnf. Representative
    MASTURINHamdard laboratories Waqf Pakistan
    SHAFAIQARSHI INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD

    Compound Preparations

    Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. is used in the preparation of Hab Dawaul Shifa, Hab Fishar compounds.

    Dosage

    PartDoseInstruction
    Root0.250g - 1.000gN/A

    Herb's Description

    Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.. A small shrub 50-60 cm high, branches simple and glabrous. Leaves whorled, usually three, ovate-lanceolate, elliptic-lanceolate, entire, dark green above and pale green beneath. Inflorescence terminal or axillary, flowers pink or reddish-pink. Fruit red, ovoid, pointed, turning to shining black when fully mature. The roots and rhizomes are almost identical in external features. The drug occurs in cylindrical or slightly tapering, tortuous pieces 2-10 cm long, 5-22 mm in diameter. Outer surface is greyish-yellow, light brown or brown.

    Taste Odor & Occurrence

    Occurence: It occurs in Brazil, China, England, France, Germany, India, indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United States Of America.
    Odor: The odor of Root of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. is Odourless
    Taste:
    Root: Sharp Bitter

    Substitutes

    No information regarding Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.'s substitute is currently available.

    Active Constituents

    Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.'s Active constituents:

    Antidotes

    No information regarding Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.'s antidot is currently available.

    Warning & Precautions

    In large doses it may produce deep sleep where the reflexes and sensation of pain are (totally) diminished and death may result from asphyxia due to paralysis of respiratory centres. Excessive use may cause irritation in alimentary canal and vomiting.

    Toxicity

    Currently no Toxicity information is available for Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth.. (work in progress)