Rauwolfia serpentina, commonly known as Chandra, Sarpagandha, or Indian Snakeroot, is a medicinal plant well-known for its potent antihypertensive and sedative properties.
It belongs to the family Apocynaceae and has been used traditionally to treat various conditions related to high blood pressure and nervous system disorders.

Table of Contents
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Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Order: Gentianales
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Genus: Rauvolfia
- Species: R. serpentina
Origin and Historical Facts
- Rauwolfia serpentina is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
- It has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat ailments such as hypertension, mental disorders, and insomnia.
- The plant was named after the German botanist Leonhard Rauwolf.
- It became globally recognized for its antihypertensive properties in the mid-20th century.
DRUG PATHOGENESIS
- Rauwolfia serpentina exerts its effects primarily through its alkaloid content, particularly reserpine.
- Reserpine depletes catecholamines and serotonin from peripheral sympathetic nerve endings and the central nervous system, leading to reduced blood pressure and sedative effects.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- Antihypertensive: Lowers high blood pressure.
- Sedative: Calms the central nervous system.
- Antipsychotic: Helps in the management of certain mental disorders.
- Antipyretic: Reduces fever.
DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Irritative Condition: Conditions characterized by excessive stimulation or irritability of the central nervous system.
- Insanity: Symptoms of severe mental illness, including violent maniacal behavior.
FEVER
- Puerperium Fever: Fever occurring during the postpartum period.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
- High Blood Pressure: Effective in managing hypertension, especially in cases without significant atheromatous changes in the blood vessels.
MODALITIES
- Aggravation: Symptoms may worsen with stress and high blood pressure.
- Amelioration: Improvement with rest, sedation, and antihypertensive measures.
WHAT ARE MODALITIES IN HOMOEOPATHY?
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS
- Complementary: Can be used alongside other antihypertensive and sedative medications.
- Incompatible: Caution is required when used with other CNS depressants to avoid excessive sedation.
DOSE
- Mother Tincture: The primary potency used for most clinical applications, including high blood pressure and nervous system conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rauwolfia serpentina used for?
- Rauwolfia serpentina is primarily used for treating high blood pressure, irritative conditions of the central nervous system, insanity, and fever during the puerperium.
How does Rauwolfia serpentina lower blood pressure?
- It lowers blood pressure by depleting catecholamines and serotonin from peripheral sympathetic nerve endings and the central nervous system, leading to reduced sympathetic tone.
Can Rauwolfia serpentina be used for mental disorders?
- Yes, it has antipsychotic properties and can help manage certain mental disorders characterized by violent maniacal symptoms.
What is the recommended dosage for high blood pressure?
- The mother tincture is typically recommended, with the specific dosage tailored to the individual’s condition and response to the treatment.
Glossary of Difficult Words
- Antihypertensive: A substance that lowers high blood pressure.
- Sedative: A substance that induces calmness or reduces excitement.
- Antipsychotic: A medication used to treat psychotic disorders.
- Antipyretic: A substance that reduces fever.
- Puerperium: The period immediately following childbirth.
- Catecholamines: Hormones produced by the adrenal glands, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, that are part of the body’s stress response.
- Sympathetic Nerve Endings: Nerve endings that release neurotransmitters to regulate bodily functions like heart rate and blood pressure.
This detailed drug picture provides a comprehensive overview of Rauwolfia serpentina, its medicinal properties, and therapeutic applications.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!