Rauwolfia serpentina
(Chandra)
Botanical name: Rauwolfia serpentina Benth ex Durza
Family: Apocynaceae
Synonym: Opnioxylon serpentinasm Linn.
Known: Hindi: Sarpgandha.
Description: A small erect glabrous shrub upto 1 m in height with pale coloured bark.
Distribution: Found in sub-Himalayan ranges and Western Ghats of India.
History and authority: Proved by Templeton, Brit. Hom. Journal 45, 155. 1955, “Drugs of Hindoostan” by Ghose, 9th ed., 329
Part used: Root
Potencies: 2x and higher with Dispensing Alcohol.
Prescribed dose: Tincture and sixth.
Side effects:-
- Tranquilizer
- Side effects of Rauwolfia preparations include drowsiness, bradycardia, salivation, nausea, hypergastric secretions, nasal congestion and diarrhoea and certain endocrine disorders (fertility depression), inhibition of mestruation, feminization and impairment of sexual function in males.
Clinical Use:
Hypertension, sexual weakness and related symptoms
