Rauvolfia serpentina
Rauvolfia serpentina
Rauvolfia serpentina (pronounced: rau·vol·fia ser·pen·tina), also known as Indian Snakeroot or Sarpagandha, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to South and East Asia, and is particularly prevalent in India.
Etymology
The genus name Rauvolfia (pronounced: rau·vol·fia) is named in honor of Leonhard Rauwolf, a 16th-century German physician and botanist. The species name serpentina is derived from the Latin word 'serpentinus', meaning 'serpent-like', which refers to the plant's root system that resembles a coiled snake.
Description
Rauvolfia serpentina is a perennial, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 60 cm in height. It has simple, shiny, dark green leaves and small, tubular, white or pink flowers. The plant's roots are highly valued for their medicinal properties.
Medicinal Uses
Rauvolfia serpentina has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known for its sedative and antihypertensive properties. The plant's roots contain several bioactive compounds, including reserpine, which is used in the treatment of hypertension and mental disorders.
Related Terms
- Apocynaceae: The plant family to which Rauvolfia serpentina belongs.
- Reserpine: A bioactive compound found in the roots of Rauvolfia serpentina.
- Hypertension: A medical condition that Rauvolfia serpentina is used to treat.
- Sarpagandha: Another name for Rauvolfia serpentina, commonly used in India.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rauvolfia serpentina
- Wikipedia's article - Rauvolfia serpentina
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