Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Bth.

 

Family:                        Apocynaceae

Arabic Name(s):        Asrol,Jamul Maa, Shaqiq Maee

Urdu Name(s):           Asrol, Choti-Chandan

English Name(s):      Rauwolfia, Snake root


Parts Used

Root.

Quality/Temperament

 

Cold and dry in third order.


Functions and Properties (Pharmacological Actions):

 Antihypertensive, hypnotic, sedative, increase uterine contractions, central nervous system stimulator.

 

Specific Action

       Antihypertensive and sedative, psychotropic.

 

Medicinal Uses

 The root of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. being bitter tonic possesses well-marked sedative (and hypnotic).



     Properties. 

Also acts as febrifuge. The powdered root is administered for the relief of insanity, hysteria, high blood pressure, epilepsy and insomnia particularly effective when the individual is not temperamentally bilious. It is excessively bitter and if used in large doses may cause irritation of the alimentary canal and thus vomiting. Long-term use in small doses is a safe therapy for blood heat and high blood pressure. It is an established remedy for those maniacs who make noise and beat others, but is absolutely ineffective in hypochondriac patients who remain silent or are melancholic. Bruised root applied on the site of poisonous insect bite, instantly gives relief. With aqua rose, its single dose is enough to bring sleep in mentally retarded, it thus also helps patients suffering from other illnesses to function as an effective hypnotic. In insomnia and high blood pressure it is reputed the world over.

Decoction of the root has been employed to increase uterine contractions (and promote expulsion of the foetus). Root also serve as a remedy for the painful affections of the bowels, dysentery and above all in insomnia, hypochondria and irritative conditions of the central nervous system. With Andrographis paniculata Nees., ginger and black salt given in fevers, with Aristolochia bracteata Retz. in cholera and with Kurchi in colic.

 

Compound Preparations:

Hab Dawaul Shifa, Hab Fishar, and in different syrup preparations.

 

Dosage

250 mg. to 1 g.

Corrigent

Delphinum denudatum Wall. (Jadwar), Piper nigrum Linn.

(Filfil Siyah).

 

Tenedium

Balchar (Valeriana officinalis Linn.) in hypotensive action. As cardiac tonic: Valeriana officinalis Linn. and V. hardwickii Wall. (Asarun).

 

Comments

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.