Rauvolfia serpentina

…to an Indian shrub, called Rauwolfia serpentina for its snakelike appearance, which historically was used to treat snake bites, insomnia, high blood pressure, and mental illness. Reserpine, the principal alkaloid of the plant, was first isolated in the 1950s and was used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure…

…found in the Indian species R. serpentina and used in the treatment of high blood pressure and as a tranquilizer. Some are grown as ornamentals.

…root of the Indian shrub Rauwolfia serpentina historically had been used to treat snakebites, insomnia, hypertension (high blood pressure), and insanity. Reserpine, isolated in 1952, was the first of many Rauwolfia alkaloids found in the crude drug. Because the drug produces a profound and prolonged tranquilizing action, it was once…