Pharmacognosy - 5.6 Anti-hypertensive
Anti-hypertensives
By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj
How to Access the Quiz for This Chapter
Click on Quiz on the right → enter your Details → select D. Pharmacy → choose Pharmacognosy → then select 5.6 Anti-hypertensives.
Anti-hypertensive refers to substances or drugs that are used to lower high blood pressure.
Rauwolfia
Synonyms
Rauwolfia root, Serpentine, Serpentine root, Serpent wood, Indian snake root, Sarpagandha, Chhotachand, Chandrika.
Regional Names
Hindi & Marathi: Sarpagandha (सर्पगंधा)
Biological Source
Derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of Rauwolfia serpentina (रॉवोल्फिया सर्पेटिना).
Native Region
Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and East Asia.
Family
Apocynaceae (ऍपोसायनेसी).
Major Chemical Constituents
Indole Alkaloids (इंडोल अल्कलॉईड्स): Reserpine (रिसरपिन), Deserpidine (डेसरपिडीन), Rescinnamine (रेसिनॅमिन)
Minor Chemical Constituents
Other Alkaloids: Ajmaline (अजमॅलिन), Ajmalicine (अजमॅलिसिन), Raubescine (रॉबेसिन), Serpentine (सर्पेटीन), Yohimbine (योहिंबिन)
Uses
- Cardiovascular Health: Used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Helps manage schizophrenia, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
- Sedative Effects: Used as a tranquilizer in traditional medicine.
- Other Uses: Occasionally used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for snake bites and fever.